The multi-talented Andrea House is a singer-songwriter who thrives on taking creative risks by experimenting with several genres. And it’s paid off handsomely.
The Arden Theatre has invited House to perform two very different shows on Tuesday, Oct. 4.
In the morning, the Edmonton-based artist presents Hugo, The Scaredy-Cat Caterpillar at the Arden as Noisy Theatre’s season opener. In the afternoon, she sings 60 minutes of great songs from the ’40s and ’50s at St. Albert Community Hall.
More than a decade ago, House spent a summer teaching acting to St. Albert Children’s Theatre young actors and she’s looking forward to returning to her old stomping grounds.
“I loved every minute. It was fantastic. Coming back is going to be a great day,” said House.
Hugo, the Scaredy-Cat Caterpillar is targeted to little munchkins – babies, toddlers and preschoolers. In this interactive theatrical production, House combines old-fashioned storytelling, music and animal puppetry.
The little caterpillar lives in a lush forest and hangs out with Mother Nature. His best friend is an owl who slowly changes colours from brown to white.
“Hugo doesn’t like that. He wants his friend to stay the same.”
Furthermore, Hugo is uncomfortable when Mother Nature puts leaves in different places and the seasons change.
“He learns that change is good and it’s OK to grow old. Mother Nature is always there to guide him to have a good time.”
“It’s a predictable story, but the music is beautiful and I love to do it.”
House wrote the lyrics, and recorded song tracks in a studio setting. Recording the songs in a studio and playing them over the stage action allows actors more performance flexibility noted House.
Watching Hugo, the puppet caterpillar morph into a beautiful butterfly with a three-foot wingspan, promises to be the theatrical highlight.
“The story is simple. The message is clear and the way we do it is smooth and fluid. There’s nothing jarring. The sonic landscape is created for babies with lots of tinkling gentle sounds. It’s very easy for kids to move through.”
Accompanying House as Mother Nature is the dynamic Davina Stewart, one of Edmonton’s top tier actresses. A major force in Hey Ladies!, the award-winning actress is also part of the Teatro La Quindicina menagerie and Capitol Theatre’s annual panto.
In the afternoon, House launches the Arden Theatre’s matinee series with a combination of her originals and golden classics from the ’40s and ’50s – sparkling gems such as Ray Charles’ Georgia on My Mind, Elvis’ Hound Dog and the Everly Brothers All I Have To Do Is Dream.
As a vocalist, House racked up an enviable resume with crowning moments opening for the Blind Boys of Alabama at the Winspear, performing in Hadestown: A Folk Opera, and singing with Steven Page from the Barenaked Ladies.
Just this past July, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra commissioned the versatile artist to compose In Between for C’mon Chamber Music Festival held in July.
“It was super-cool to play with a nine-piece chamber group,” House said.
The songstress is recording her third full-length album and whether it’s studio work or a live performance, her charm, compelling voice and deeply layered songs continue to leave audiences in awe.
Preview
Andrea House presents Hugo, the Scaredy-Cat Caterpillar<br />Noisy Theatre <br />Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 10:30 a.m.<br />Arden Theatre<br />5 St. Anne Street<br />Tickets: $10/adult, $5/child, under two years free<br />Call 780-459-1542 or at ticketmaster.ca<br /><br />Andrea House in Concert<br />Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m.<br />St. Albert Community Hall<br />17 Perron St.<br />Tickets: $15 <br />Call 780-459-1542 or at ticketmaster.ca
