The Strumbellas, Seven Music Fest's headline act, just added another statuette to their expanding collection.
In among a star-studded array of recording artists, the indie-rock alt-country band won Single of the Year for their chart-topping anthem Spirits.
"We're very happy for The Strumbellas. They're clearly very deserving of the award," said Barry Bailey, Seven Music Fest producer.
Seven Music Fest runs Saturday, July 8. For a complete lineup visit sevenmusicfest.com.
One of the most relevant plays to be performed in Edmonton this season, 9 Parts of Desire details the lives of nine Iraqi women during the period between the first and second Gulf Wars and Iraq's occupation.
Directed by Vanessa Sabourin, a St. Albert Children's Theatre alumna and co-founder of Maggie Tree theatre collective, it explores what it means to be a woman surrounded by war.
They are a cross-section – a sexy painter, a radical Communist, doctors, exiles, wives and lovers.
Performers include Amena Shehab, Nicole St. Martin, Nadien Chu, Rebecca John, Alison Wells, Christine Frederick, Nimet Kanji, Patricia Darbasie and Natasha Prasad.
9 Parts of Desire runs at the Varscona Theatre April 6 to 15. Tickets are $25 to $30. Cash at the door or advance tickets at 780-420-1757 or at tixonthesquare.ca.
This is a story that came to light after the Duke of Windsor passed away in 1972. A woman named Millicent Milroy erected a tombstone with an inscription stating the duke was her husband.
Was British royalty actually married to a Canadian commoner? In the end it didn't really matter because the story sparked quite a bit of gossip.
Playwright Gary Kirkham ran with the idea and created Queen Millie of Galt.
"The prince was actually in that area and did spend time in Galt. And Millie had letters she had received from Buckingham Palace," says St. Albert set designer Jim Herchak.
"Did they have a chance encounter that led to a romance? No one really knows."
However, Herchak notes that the Duke felt imprisoned by his royal duties and if he met Millie, it was akin to seeing a side of life he never knew.
The play is set in 1919 when the Duke was touring Canada.
"Millie was a teacher and was grieving the death of someone special who died in the war. The prince skips a dinner and walks past her house where they start a conversation. She doesn't have a high opinion of royalty and makes her opinions known. They enjoy a battle of wits that starts right at the beginning."
Herchak has designed a multi-purpose set that works as a train carriage, a romantic garden, a ballroom and a dressing room.
"It's a witty romance with bittersweet moments. It's entertaining but has depth at the same time."
Queen Millie of Galt takes place at Walterdale Theatre from April 5 to 15.
