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James and the Giant Peach: The Cast & Designers

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Tamara McCarthy

Director

Select directing: Tough! (Twenty Something); Whistler Chairlift Revue (2010 Paralympics); Munsch Alley (Carousel -Outstanding Direction nomination). A 5-time Jessie Award nominee -favourite acting nomination for Gollum in The Hobbit. Next up: directing A Doll’s House, & The Double Axe Murders (Presentation House/ Vertigo). For Lucas, Tamara’s almost 5-year old -an everyday inspiration why Theatre for Young Audiences is necessary theatre!
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Maggie Winston

Puppet Creator/Builder & Ensemble

Maggie Winston is a puppeteer/ community engaged artist, director of Lost & Found Puppet co. She studied puppetry at Sarah Lawrence College, (NY) and trained as an actor at British American Drama Academy (UK). Recipient of Vancouver Mayor’s Arts Award- Emerging Artist in Community Arts. Maggie has collaborated with Vancouver Moving Theatre, Runaway Moon Theatre (Enderby, BC), Sogo Visual Theatre (South Africa), and Katkatha Puppet Theatre (India)
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Matthew MacDonald-Bain

Sound Designer & Ensemble

Matthew, a Vancouver resident, is very excited to be at Chemainus for the first time! A graduate of the Studio 58 Acting Program, he has been Sound Designing recently, with past productions including the Jessie nominated The Competition Is Fierce (Itsazoo), In a Forest Dark And Deep (Naked Goddess) and the Jessie Award winning Of Mice and Men (Hardline) which won Best Sound Design. He will be seen on stage this Spring in The Out Vigil in Vancity!

Breanne Jackson

Stage Manager

Breanne is thrilled to be back in Chemainus after working on Countryside Christmas. Breanne has worked for theatres across Canada, including: Arts Club, Shaw Festival, Chemainus Theatre, Axis Theatre, shameless hussy productions, NAC, Presentation House Theatre, Patrick Street Productions, Blackbird Theatre; Neworld Theatre. Next, she will be touring across Canada with Axis Theatre’s Hamelin: A New Fable. So much love to her husband-to-be, Ian.
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Georgia Bennett

Crew

Born and raised in Chemainus, Georgia is excited to finally be working on a production in her hometown! She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Musical Theatre Performance at Sheridan College. Some of her favourite past roles include Fantine in Les Miserables (CYMC), Ado Annie in Oklahoma (South Island Musical Theatre Society), and Gigi in Miss Saigon (Victoria Operatic Society). This is her first time behind the scenes, and she is loving every minute of it!
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Randi Edmundson

Ensemble

Randi is an actor and puppeteer from Vancouver. She has a BFA from UVic and is thrilled to be back on the island working on this delightful show. Favourite theatre for young people experiences include playing a dog named Monk in I Have Seen Beautiful Jim Key (Intrepid Theatre), Annie in Runaway (Theatre SKAM), the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland and a nine foot tall dragon puppet in The Last of the Dragons (Project X Theatre). Enjoy the show!
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Laura Jaye

Ensemble

Laura is pleased to be returning to Chemainus and the world of puppets, after making her debut at the Festival, as Toto in The Wizard of Oz many years ago. Recent theatre credits for young audiences include Munscha Mia, Robin Hood and Munsch Alley, all with Carousel Theatre in Vancouver. Also busy with film and television. Credits: Ties That Bind, The Haunting Hour, Flowers in the Attic, & Supernatural. Thanks to Tamara for letting her come and play!
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Curtis Tweedie

James

As a graduate of CCPA in Victoria, and alumni of Company C, Curtis is grateful to be back on the island for his first contract in Chemainus. Curtis has twice been nominated for Jessie Awards for his work with Green Thumb Theatre. Select credits include: Wired & Night Light (Green Thumb), Spelling Bee (STC, Magnus), James; the Giant Peach, Romeo & Juliet (Project X), Blood Brothers, Lord of the Flies (Company C), and Sleeping Beauty (STC).
By |July 31st, 2015|Categories: 2015 Season|0 Comments
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SHOUT it out! Best time EVER in Chemainus this summer!

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Cast of Twist and Shout

Popular music was never the same after the “British Invasion” of the 1960s. Many new artists with groovy new sounds – including four mop-top singers called The Beatles – arrived in North America, where an adoring public rocketed their music to the top of the charts. It’s been 50 years since the true “British Invasion” started in North America, but the radical fun remains in Twist & Shout: The British Invasion at the Chemainus Theatre Festival.

“Wonderful theater in a quaint little town.”
Reviewed 3 July 2015
Such a surprise to find such a large theater in such a small town. The shows are of a much higher quality than one might expect so far from major centers. When I came here from a large city I was a little apprehensive about the standard of the shows but they are all good and some would rival any production anywhere.

Twist & Shout is playing to the delight of many, from nostalgic baby boomers to younger generations who dig its “retro”-cool music, dance, trivia and vibe of the era. The top notch talented ensemble performs 64 all-time hits in this high energy, record breaking summer hit. This well-loved show is selling out to enthusiastic audiences in record numbers, with more than 80% of the performances sold out!

“Fantastic show Twist and Shout”
Reviewed 17 July 2015
The entire cast is to be complemented on this awesome production. The singing, dancing, band, interaction with the audience were superb. This production could easily go to Las Vegas and be a HIT!!! You found yourself singing with every number. Loved it! Loved it!

Do you have something to say about this show? SHOUT it out on our Trip Advisor page!

By |July 22nd, 2015|Categories: 2015 Season|0 Comments
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Review: Traveling Islanders

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Cast of Twist and Shout

Written By Gretta Kennedy, Traveling Islanders

Last night I went to the theatre…or at least that’s what I was planning on doing. As it turns out, I actually went to a televised talk show and watched the amazing performances of British bands of the 60’s.

I was born in the 1970’s and the music played in my home growing up was of the classical variety, so I pretty much completely missed the music of the 60’s.

When I heard Chemainus Theatre was doing Twist and Shout: The British Invasion for the summer, I thought it was going to be a concert by the Beatles. Boy was I wrong.
It was so much more and so much much better than I ever imagined.

After a delicious dinner at the Playbill Dining Room, Jay and I headed into the theatre to await the show. I sat in my seat and was immediately transported back in time to the 1960’s. We watched real commercials in black and white for products like razors, cereal, pickles and the like.

We were greeted by Roy Solomon, our hilarious and energetic host for the evening, and when the silver curtain parted and the show began, we saw none other than the Beatles, right on stage! We all started singing and clapping along with John, Paul, George and Ringo. I thought maybe it was just me, but as I looked around at the other audience members, I know I wasn’t alone. The energy in the “studio” was electric and it didn’t let up.

Roy Solomon took us on an educational journey starting in 1964 with the Beatles’ arrival to the United States.

By |July 15th, 2015|Categories: 2015 Season, Reviews|0 Comments
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Twist and Shout: Current Gallery Exhibition

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Judy Hilgemann

June 11 to July 19, 2015

About Judy

Northwestern B.C. has always been my home. My formative years were spent in Port Alice, and I recently returned to live on Vancouver Island after many years on Haida Gwaii. Wild and remote landscapes are my favourite places to be. I have been drawing and painting since childhood. I paint in watercolour, acrylic, and encaustic. I enjoy loose “plein-air” landscape painting, and highly detailed studio work. My subject matter is diverse but centers around drawing and seeing. Landscape and birds are a constant in my work. Lately I have also been exploring abstraction within natural realism, such as patterns within rock formations, and reflections in moving water.

More Info

For Judy Hilgemann’s website Click Here

By |July 10th, 2015|Categories: 2015 Season|0 Comments
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Opening August 19: Confessions of a Paperboy

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At the Studio Stage
A Canadian Original

During the early morning hours delivering newspapers, ten-year-old Christopher Columbus starts to hear God speaking to him. What’s a boy to do?

Young Christopher’s bittersweet tale recalls the confusion of adolescence, the blush of first love and the power of faith. Whimsical, hilarious, and poignant, Confessions of a Paperboy is a compelling reminder that though chaos may follow us wherever we go, we all get to choose our own route through this life.

A Canadian original, this play was written by Calgary playwright Doug Curtis.

Click Here to Buy Tickets

By |July 8th, 2015|Categories: 2015 Season|0 Comments
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Twist and Shout: Theatre hosts new British invasion

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Tory Doctor / Jessica Keeling

by Robert Barron, Nanaimo Daily News

The music of the “British invasion” in the 1960s will be celebrated in an acclaimed Canadian tribute presented by the Chemainus Theatre Festival this summer.

The Twist Shout: The British Invasion song and dance revue that includes 64 all-time hits and anecdotes about the music revolution will be playing from June 12 to Aug. 29. This chronicle of mid-sixties pop-culture, and the revolution it started, is a passion project of Canadian writer and director, Alex Mustakas. He draws upon his memories and love for the iconic music, trivia, dance, personalities, language, and vibe of the era, as well as the help of historical consultant Michael Bignell, to re-create the significant moments in meticulous form.

By |July 7th, 2015|Categories: 2015 Season|0 Comments
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Twist and Shout: Buffet Menus

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Twist and Shout: The British Invasion

June 12 to August 29

Every buffet is a new experience! The Playbill prepares an original menu for every show – as creative as our productions. The dining room is open before every Main Stage Production.

Prime Buffet Menu

Friday and Saturday

Appetizer Cart
Changes Every Week (Chef Assisted)

Salads
Tomato, Cucumber and Mozzarella
Dolmades
Nicoise (choose your ingredients)
Mandarin
Greek Salad
Macaroni & Cheese w/Crab,
Dressings; Green Goddess, Caribbean/Mango, Low Fat Dill, Herb Dijon & Vodka Vinaigrette

Carve
The “Kinks” Carve (Prime Beef & Lamb)

Entrées
Dave Clark Five Fish Platter(Cod, Salmon, Breaded Oysters, Prawns and Calamari)
Fig & Lemon Chicken
Rolling Stones Pork Medallions
Orzo w/ Wild Mushrooms
Potato Pancakes
Sweet Potato Wedges
Red Chard Balsamic
Fennel and Braised Oranges

Featured Desserts
Chocolate Fountain
Banana Nut Pudding w/ Fresh Cowichan Berries
Sticky Pudding

Classic Buffet Menu

Matinees and Thursday

Salads
Tomato, Cucumber and Mozzarella
Dolmades
Nicoise (choose your ingredients)
Mandarin
Greek Salad
Macaroni & Cheese w/Crab
Dressings; Green Goddess, Caribbean/Mango, Low Fat Dill, Herb Dijon & Vodka Vinaigrette

Carve
Roast Lamb

Entrées
Salmon w/ Mango Salsa
Fig & Lemon Chicken
Yam Fries
Medley of Seasonal Vegetables
Spinach Stuffed Manicotti w/Tomato Sauce
Rice Pilaf
Black Beans, Corn and Red Peppers
Cabbage Rolls

Featured Desserts
Sticky Pudding and Fresh Cowichan Berries w/ Fresh Cream

Old English Buffet Menu

Wednesday Evenings

Starters
Homemade Soup du Jour & Fresh Baked Buns

Salads
Variety of Fresh Salads

Carve
Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding

Entrées
Fish & Chips
Bangers & Mash
Chicken Curry,
Vegetarian Vindaloo

Sides
English Garden Vegetables
Steamed Rice

Desserts
Decadent Cakes
Trifle
Sticky Pudding
Cream Puffs
Lemon Meringue Pie
Pecan Pie
Fresh Fruit
Assorted Squares

Brunch Buffet Menu

Sunday Matinée

Salads
Tomato, Cucumber and Mozzarella
Dolmades
Nicoise (choose your ingredients)
Mandarin
Greek Salad
Macaroni & Cheese w/Crab
Dressings; Green Goddess, Caribbean/Mango, Low Fat Dill, Herb Dijon & Vodka Vinaigrette

Entrées
Eggs Benedict
Bacon and Sausage
Mixed Vegetables
Hashbrowns
Waffles

French Toast
Steamed Rice
Lemon & Fig Chicken
White Fish with Mango Pineapple Salsa

Feature Desserts
Decadent Cakes and Pies
Assorted squares
and more….

Special Diets

If you have special dietary needs or concerns, please contact the kitchen 24 hours in advance and we will accommodate you anyway we can. We also offer a prepared list of ingredients that could be of concerns on our menu for each particular show. Just ask your server. Thank you for your patronage. Call us at: 250-246-9806.

Notes

Menu subject to change. Substitutions may be made with similar selections that better suit the time of the year and/or main stage production

By |July 5th, 2015|Categories: 2015 Season|0 Comments
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