Now in its 23rd season, the legendary Die-Nasty is on an incredible journey, and this coming Monday, the live improvised soap opera celebrates its 700th episode.
“A lot of us didn’t realize it was coming up so fast,” says Matt Alden, part of the company’s stable of actors for a decade.
But it’s definitely a landmark that makes the actors proud.
The St. Albert actor compares its longevity to that of The Second City, a sketch comedy and improv show that has delighted a loyal following for 50 years.
There are no specific bombshells planned for episode 700, with the exception of spur-of-the-moment, spontaneous twists and turns.
“But we are going to be having a bit of a party afterwards with catered snacks. It’ll be a bit more special than usual. And we encourage people to dress up,” Alden notes.
In previous seasons, Die-Nasty has borrowed themes from the cutthroat fashion industry, NHL hockey, medieval principalities, ancient Rome, cruise lines and modern day newsrooms.
This year’s theme ventures across the pond shortly after Queen Victoria has died. It is Edwardian England, a mish-mash of Downton Abbey and Upstairs, Downstairs where stringent rules of etiquette and repressed passions rule the hour.
As both the class-conscious aristocracy and the servants motor through a mix of love, betrayal and intrigue, outside the 1901 estate it’s a new age of science and thought. It was an era of inventions – airplanes, automobiles, vacuum cleaners, crayons and instant coffee.
Residing at this country estate, the Earl of Clopshire struggles to preserve his ancestral home and defend the comfortable old values during shifting times.
“The heir has died and the big question is who will take over. The young ladies want to get married. The romance is hilarious it’s so subdued. And the servants just want get ahead,” says Alden, who is tackling the role of Nigel Cockfoster, the stable boy.
“He’s the lowest of the low on the hierarchy. He’s a very simple guy, but he has a heart of gold and he’s really good at surgery,” he says.
Directed by Cathleen Rootsaert, Die-Nasty stars Dana Anderson, Shannon Blanchet, Leona Brausen, Peter Brown, Belinda Cornish, Tom Edwards, Jason Hardwick, Jeff Haslam, Kory Mathewson, Mark Meer, Sherri Sommerville, Davina Stewart, Stephanie Wolfe and Donovan Workun.
Over the years Die-Nasty has welcomed special guests and helped hone the skills of international comedians, including Edmonton-born Nathan Fillion (Castle), Joe Flaherty (SCTV), Robin Duke (SCTV), Mark McKinney (Kids in the Hall), and Mike Myers (Austin Powers).
Before every performance, the improvisers prepare by going over what has occurred in previous episodes to keep the storyline on track. There is no script.
“We don’t plan anything,” Alden says. “There’s an old saying: ‘The minute you plan, everything goes out the window.’ Anything can happen.”
And it usually does.
Die-Nasty, the Legendary Live Improvised Soap Opera is on every Monday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Varscona Theatre at 10329 – 83 Ave. Tickets are $13 or $9 with a $30 membership. For tickets call 780-420-1757 or online at www.tixonthesquare.ca or at the door.
