Presenting, live on stage, three original Canadian one-act plays which take a comedic look at relevant issues (such as food, aging, encroachment, consumerism and the environment) in a light-hearted and absurdly funny way that’s good for the whole family.
ACROSS FOUR PROVINCES AND THROUGH SIX CITIES: Vancouver, Regina, Winnepeg, Saskatoon, Calgary & Edmonton (See the full Schedule here>>)
STARRING Roger Howie, Maria Lakes, zi paris, and Serge Saika in various roles, as well as vocalist and composer Michelle A. Richard, who will be presenting Blues Dans La Nuit – a beautiful selection of traditional French-Canadian, jazz, and original songs, in both French and English.
Tickets $17 or $14 Student/Senior (Except May 21, which will be admission by donation) AT THE DOOR All shows at 8PM (Except Sunday June 8, which will be a 2PM Matinee)
“Theatre In the Raw’s timing couldn’t be better...relevant...got people thinking...” Globe and Mail “Performances so genuine that there is a real sense of sadness mixed with the laughs.” The Vancouver Sun “Theatre In the Raw...rises to the occasion...has notable successes…” The Georgia Straight “An award-winning production...understanding of issues...emotionally charged...” Kamloops Daily News
For further inquiry, please write to sergesavoy@gmail.com or phone (604) 708-5448
Calgary was probably one of the more memorable stops on the journey. It was fraught with challenges. First off, when we got to Epcor Centre and the Motel, a performance space at the notorious One Yellow Rabbit theatre Company to discover that a heavy metal band had booked the big theatre across the hall for a concert on the same night! We were quite worried that we'd be drowned out, but all told, it wasn't a big problem. As a matter of fact, one of the patrons actually said that they were too engrossed in the plays to notice the noise! The venue manager felt bad about the mix up and did his best to smooth things out. He gave us the night for free and let us add a second performance on Sunday without charging us extra.
Had a great last show at the Northern Light Theatre in Edmonton then decided to go out on the town to celebrate. Roger had already scoped out a blues bar on Whyte Avenue, "Blues on Whyte". As it happened, another Vancouverite, Russell Jackson and his band (which included the legendary Selwyn Cooper - former player for BB King) were playing. Roger introduced Russell to Michelle and she had a chance to get on stage for a couple of numbers! A great time was had by all! Watch the video below:
Despite getting back to the university close to 3am we managed to be on the road to Calgary at a respectable hour.
Internet connections have been somewhat spotty along the road, which accounts for the lack of entries here. That and a hectic schedule which has taken us from Winnipeg to Saskatoon in short time. Our favorite venue in the "Peg" had to be the Ragppicker's Art Emporium, which is a second-hand clothing store/book store/costume rental store/performance space. The cast sets up at the the Ragpickers.
Despite the somewhat primitave technical facilities, the cast (and Jay especially) were drooling over the place. The space had a real "speakeasy" feel to it, and Kirsten, the owner made us feel completely at home.
On the way to Saskatchewan, we stopped off at Margaret Lawrence's childhood home in Neepawa, Manitoba, which has been lovingly restored. By the way none of the new movie was filmed in the town, and the angel they use is nothing like the real one.
Our next stop, Saskatoon, and the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company, was equally welcoming. In fact, the show at the Bannock Bistro there was our best attended yet. Jay and I were looking for the Saskatoon Fringe office and stumbled across the studios of CJCR, Saskatoon's community radio station. More great people! The programming director Brian Cochrane, was nice enough to make room for us on his afternoon program, "Swing Shift". We had to rush back up to the University to grab Michelle and whip back down to the station before heading over to the theatre, which is in the city's West Side.
A one hundred year old moose head watched over us in the common area of the University of Saskatchewan. The campus was gorgeous!!
We left our digs at the University surprisingly early yesterday and spent the day on the road again headed for Edmonton.
Vancouver's notorious Theatre In The Rawgoes on the road with three one-acts and singer/songwriter Michelle A. Richard for performances in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. May 21 - June 9, 2008
