The power of musical theatre is so great there is never a shortage of ideas. As Acting Out Musical Theatre slides into spring, it spins a new musical around the concept of time, a popular theme virtually every celebrity singer has adapted throughout their career.
Artistic director Criselda Mierau has developed an original script about a high school reunion. It is the final gathering before the building is turned into something else or destined for demolition.
“It discusses the past and looks forward to the future,” said Mierau of the May 2 and 3 concert taking place at St. Albert United Church.
Close to 40 vocalists from So Noted Singers and Cleopatra’s Women’s Ensemble perform a series of 19 time-related songs. A five-piece band accompanies singers in a memorable parade of hits ranging from Bob Dylan’s The Times They Are a Changing and Jim Croce’s Time in a Bottle to Billy Joel’s The Longest Time and Stevie Nicks Time Warp.
Threading the musical into a cohesive unit are assorted and easily recognizable characters that could easily be our neighbours. The mixed bag includes a sweetheart couple, an older couple, a retired teacher, a long-serving principal, recent grads, past graduates and many more.
Throughout the plot, characters peel away layers of their personalities as they pertain to time. And they ask relationship questions in the present. Can the building be saved? Will a marriage survive? Will friendships thrive?
“I want people to think about time and how it blurs the past and influences the future. It’s a construct, but it can influence our souls and our humanity. Time is a big part of our lives. This show has some serious moments, but it also has a lot of fun stuff,” Mierau said.
Through this production, So Noted is supporting St. Albert Sturgeon Hospice Association, their charity of choice.
The Friday, May 2 show starts at 7:30 p.m. and the Saturday show runs at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by email at [email protected] or by calling 780-238-5617.
