Calvin Berger reminds us it's not all about looks

It’s tough to produce a show when you’re halfway around the world in Thailand.

But somehow in between diving through encrusted shipwrecks, sampling savoury delights and checking out bidets, Steven Angove managed to get the Canadian premiere of Calvin Berger up and running.

You just need patience.

“With a 13-hour time change everyone would be sleeping when I sent my emails and by the time they replied I’d be sleeping,” laughs Angove at the memory.

But since the St. Albert actor-executive producer was one of the founders of the collective Three Form Theatre along with musical director Mackenzie Reurink, staying connected was vital.

“We selected Calvin Berger because the music is so great and we were surprised no one had picked it up. When Mackenzie read the script, she said the characters were so charming.”

As a result Calvin Berger, the modern day high school musical ripped from the classic play Cyrano de Bergerac, opened yesterday and runs straight through until Saturday at the PCL Studio Theatre in the ATB Financial Arts Barns.

In this upbeat, heartfelt musical, composer-lyricist Barry Wyner sets up an awkward high school romance of unrequited feelings, physical insecurity and personal angst that runs amok in high schools.

Calvin meets Rosanna and is instantly infatuated. But Calvin feels self-conscious about the size of his nose. Rosanna, instead, develops a crush on Matt, the new boy at school.

Matt is cuter, but awkward with words. Calvin helps Matt woo Rosanna and subsequently tries to sabotage the romance. Throughout the escapades, Calvin is blind to Bret, a long-time girl friend who is always there for him.

“It’s full of fun and relatable characters. It’s all the issues we have – finding romance and having a lack of confidence – things we all experience.”

Linette Smith directs Calvin Berger featuring a robust quartet that includes Matt Graham, Mackenzie Reurink, Sydney Williams and Kirkland Dorian. Music director Daniel Belland leads a five-piece that also highlights Isis Tse, Daniel Unsworth, Emily McCourt and Nick Eaton.

“This is a charming story and a really good showcase for up and coming local actors.”