It’s always a great night at the Sterling Awards Gala as theatre artists flock to honour the past season's major achievements.
Co-hosts Rachel Bowron and Hunter Cardinal are stickhandling this year’s award ceremony on Monday, June 25 at Mayfield Dinner Theatre.
Although this shared stint is a first for them, a quick glance at their past acting credits summarizes youthful energy, versatility and a readiness to take risks.
“I was truthfully surprised to be asked,” said Bowron. In addition to numerous acting roles, she is also St. Albert Children’s Theatre (SACT) music director.
“I don’t know Hunter super well. But I’ve seen him be brilliant on stage and I’ve admired him offstage. I’m very excited to be hosting with him.”
A developed script is provided to hosts a few days before the event.
“Our job is to keep the night moving. We have to read the script and throw in our own pizzazz.”
Is she nervous? After all, it is the one night of the year when the who’s who of theatre gather to salute their peers and validate their accomplishments. The Mayfield Dinner Theatre, which easily accommodates more than 400 patrons, has barely an empty seat on awards night.
“I always love going. It’s a big room full of friends. It’s a night with people I adore. I admit it is nerve-racking, but I’m happy doing it with someone like Hunter. He’s smart, charming, funny and we’re going to have a lot of fun together.”
The previous two-time nominee also received a nod as Outstanding Fringe Production by an Actress for her performance of Ezra, a 13-year old teenage boy in the Blarney Production Legoland.
In addition, SACT alumnus and Legoland director Luc Tellier nabbed a nomination as Outstanding Fringe Director.
St. Albert’s Jenny McKillop also performed in the two-hander. Although her work was not singled out, Legoland is in contention for Outstanding Fringe Production, an award that encompasses everyone’s contributions.
“It’s very special to be nominated. Luc and Jenny are two of my closes friends. It was so special having a director like Luc because I directed him for so many years. To see his clear vision and understanding of the material was very special to me.”
Born and raised in Edmonton, Bowron immediately gravitated towards the arts studying at Victoria School of Performing Arts from Grades 7 to 12. Several of her friends from Vic, Melanie Piatocha and Kendra Connor, now acclaimed actresses in their own right, enrolled in MacEwan College’s musical theatre arts program. Bowron followed.
After graduating in 2006, she hustled for jobs and experience throughout the Edmonton scene. By a stroke of good luck, SACT needed a music director.
Artistic director Janice Flower, who was aware of Bowron as both an actor and pianist, hired her on the spot. This is the Edmonton-based actress-pianist’s 10th year as music director.
In a quick look-back, Bowron notes that Seussical was her first big SACT musical theatre show.
“It was such a learning curve.”
And Legally Blonde’s music brought out the fun in the cast and crew.
“The cast was exceptional. Some alumni came back and it was interesting to see how much they had grown and how much I had grown.”
And who can forget Shrek?
“The music was incredible and it got a lot of recognition. It doesn’t always get seen as a kids’ musical, but it worked well.”
Next on SACT's musical ledger is Tuck Everlasting, a tale about a little girl longing for adventure. It is slated to open in November.
“It’s so beautiful and one of the largest showcases we’ve done in a long time. It’s going to feel magical and larger than life.”
But that’s in the future, and for now the focus is championing her peers.
“I love to honour my friends in the community. When you see people working for years and getting recognized, it’s very special. The theatre community is so supportive. It’s such a gift every year. It’s always a great treat to look forward to.”
