Every year Citadel Theatre’s Young Musical Company delivers a production with punch.
This year guest director Bridget Ryan takes on the slightly daunting Spring Awakening, a Tony Award winning Broadway show that turned the teen musical on its ear.
Spring Awakening, at the Rice Theatre June 2 and 3, is a rock musical adaptation from the controversial 1892 German play of the same name by Frank Wedekind. Set in late 19th century Germany, it highlights adolescents who are discovering their sexuality.
Originally banned in Germany due to its frank discussion of abortion, homosexuality, rape, child abuse and suicide, it is now an integral part of our popular culture.
The dedicated cast of 12 includes St. Albert resident Dylan Rosychuk and St. Albert Children’s Theatre (SACT) alumna Cynthia Hicks.
Propelling the music forward is former SACT music director Ryan Sigurdson working with a score that includes earthy numbers such as The Bitch of Living and Touch Me.
Showtimes are Saturday at 1:30 p.m., and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Call 780-425-1820 or purchase online at: www.citadeltheatre.com.
The Young Playwriting Company is also presenting staged readings of their new works on June 4 through 6 at 7:30 p.m. also in the Rice Theatre. The readings also include the work of St. Albert playwright Josh Languedoc. The performances are pay-what-you-can.
Firefly Theatre once again turns our attention to its annual showcase and fundraiser on June 8 and 9 at La CitĂ© francophone, 8627 – 91 St.
Let There Be Height hits the big top with a space-borrowed theme. Flying through the air are a set of airborne aliens, a Barbarella look-alike, Superman on a triple trapeze and Space Godzilla.
Artistic director Annie Dugan, a hoola-hoop mainstay at the International Children’s Festival for many years, has also scheduled performances from some of Edmonton’s hottest aerialists and the Edmonton School of Ballet.
Doors open at 7 p.m. Showtime is at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $28 from www.tixonthesquare.ca or $30 at the door.
Guitarist Edwin Grieves, a music veteran from the Comox Valley in British Columbia, joins his son Sean on Tuesday at LB’s Pub for a night of old-fashioned rock and roll.
The elder Grieves honed his chops playing on the Vancouver rock circuit in the ’70s while junior, now an Edmonton resident, has spread out his keyboard and drum skills in blues, funk, R&B, jazz, rock and gospel.
“We are happy to bring this show back to our stage for a second visit reuniting Sean and his father Edwin,” said host Mark Ammar.
The jam starts at 9 p.m. LB’s is at 23 Akins Dr. No cover.
