A drum-roll if you please.
The 2011/12 Arden Theatre season was just announced and more than any other year, regular theatregoers have waited with bated breath to indulge in professional programming presenter Casey Prescott’s vision.
Although Prescott arrived in August 2010 from the Banff Centre to take over the theatre’s managing duties from former programming presenter Brenda Heatherington, the 2010/11 season was already set.
Prescott’s optics were unknown and a bit of a mystery to audiences. But he spent the season mingling with crowds in the lobby, getting to know their tastes and checking out new talent.
With the upcoming season, Arden audiences are about to journey down a completely new road with fresh vistas. While Heatherington scheduled a strong roots/jazz/blues component with a 50/50 split of new and returning performers, Prescott has largely swept that mandate aside. About 90 per cent of this year’s acts have never been booked in St. Albert.
“I’m interested in almost anything. I want everyone to pick up one of our brochures and find something appealing. I’d like to open doors and offer an eclectic array of artists,” Prescott explains.
While retaining a pillar of the roots core, Prescott has upped the fine arts ante to include more theatrical shows, a modern day opera and a symphony.
But it’s not just the hoity-toity shows that have received a boost. In a bid to attract young audiences, he’s also scheduled Colleen Brown, one of Canada’s rising pop sensations. “She’s on the cusp of a national if not international career. We’re proud to offer her the opportunity to launch a new album. There’s a great deal of anticipation for it and it would give her a step up.”
In addition, slam poet Shane Koyczan is on tap for young audiences. First spotted at the Winnipeg Folk Festival doing a tribute to Ron Sexsmith, “I’ve had more phone calls about him than anyone else.”
“People are really excited to see him. He’s been performing non-stop and he continues to inspire people. Poetry is not for everyone, but I’ll take anyone to a Shane show and I guarantee they’ll leave changed.”
Possibly the biggest change has been the inclusion of The Banff Mountain Film Festival’s Radical Reels, a cinematic showcase of high-octane outdoor sports films. “The addition of film will be an annual event. We want to build an audience around it, and a sports film is one of the best. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart,” he chuckles.
The On Stage Series has been extended to seven shows but revamped to fit present day economies by offering pre-show wine tasting as opposed to a brunch or appetizers. “We wanted to lower the ticket price, diversify it, have less a brunch and more a date night.”
The series is a multifaceted group starting with harmonica player Raoul Bhaneja and pianist Graham Guest working on a slate of urban blues and roots. Playwright Daniel MacIvor does a premiere reading of I, Animal, a new trilogy of his monologues.
For those who want an evening of Christmas torch songs, Kim Stockwood will bring out the Top 20. Pianist Eve Egoyan performs Simple Lines of Enquiry from start to finish and Julie Nesrallah blends opera with cabaret.
And in November, while the St. Albert Children’s Theatre uses the Arden Theatre for their annual musical, Prescott has scheduled On Stage performer cellist Kevin Fox for a stripped down evening of jazzy pop at the Art Gallery of St. Albert.
Opening the Main Stage Series is jazz singer Molly Flood. “She’s the funniest lady. She’s so talented. There’s no better person to interact and get people revved up.”
Following Flood is the chameleon-like Raoul Bhaneja in Hamlet, performing every role in a telescoped version of the Bard’s epic play. “It’s very different, but authentic to the text. He’s virtuosic, but pulls it off.”
Russell deCarle of Prairie Oyster, introduces his new retro mix album, Under the Big Sky, and Genticorum, an Acadian band promises to satiate crowd thirst for fiery fiddles, fast guitars and stomping feet.
The internationally acclaimed Viver Brasil, a company of 12 dancers, makes its Canadian debut at the Arden with its vibrant Carnival flavours.
Little Miss Higgins puts a nostalgic spin on the blues, and The Good Lovelies team up with The Human Statues for an evening of top-rated Canadian folk. “They’re crazy, fun and unexpected.”
The Amazing Kreskin, the legendary mentalist with an international reputation, also makes his debut. “This one was my indulgence. He’s still current, a night of classic entertainment. I wanted something for Christmas, a night of pure escapism.”
Also in December, the Hot Club of San Francisco celebrates a cool yule with their gypsy jazz flavourings, and in January 2012, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra’s full complement of 52 musicians hit the Arden.
Nashville North and Ghost River Theatre, a Calgary troupe that pushes boundaries spin their magic while cabaret sensation Patricia O’Callaghan puts a spark into Valentines.
Additional featured performers include Guitar Republic, Blue Bird North’s East Coast kitchen party, a folk opera with Anais Mitchell and the Hadestown Orchestra and legendary singer/songwriter Arlo Guthrie.
“When you present the new season, it’s a time of great excitement and great vulnerability. You reveal to the world what you’ve been cooking for the past year. We hope people will be inspired and surprised and I hope they find something intriguing that compels them to jump out of their comfort zone.”
