Next month, St. Albert Theatre Troupe (SATT) pulls the curtain back on its sixth anniversary – a feat that was difficult to envision at the inception.
With no funding, but a heap of passion, creativity and resourcefulness, the first dozen or so theatre aficionados built the company from ground zero to a viable dinner theatre venue.
President Rita Jensen explained that over its tenure, the company attracted more than 100 thespians and crew that flow in and out with various shows.
As a marker of its growth, the troupe’s three shows from last season attracted 2,400 patrons. In a comparison, its initial show, Bedtime Stories, only racked up 338 theatregoers.
This year, the core management team has planned a lean, tight season with more innovative material to attract a wider audience.
“This year we’re doing things a bit differently. We’re trying a night of one-acts for the last show of the season. We’re also exploring a little bit differently. We’re deviating from the tried and true comedies and farces of the past and we’re exploring edgier territory,” said Jensen.
Kicking off the season on Nov. 10 is American playwright David Adjmi’s 3C, a parody of the much loved television series Three’s Company.
Although written in 2012, 3C is set in the 1970s right after the Vietnam War. Brad, an ex-serviceman living in Los Angeles, goes out for a night of partying. He winds up wasted in Connie and Linda’s kitchen.
The women have just lost a roomy to married life, and the three strike a deal for a living arrangement that has unpredictable hilarious and devastating consequences.
In addition to the threesome, the six-person cast includes Terry, the schmoozy neighbour as well as Mr. and Mrs. Wicker, a couple of out-of-touch landlords.
“There’s a few f-bombs, some funny moments and some that are quite sombre,” said Jensen who is also directing 3C.
SATT’s first play of 2017 is Canadian playwright Michael Wilmott’s Buying the Moose, opening Feb 16. In this two-couple show, Betty returns home from a business trip to discover her husband with an inflatable sex doll.
It looks kinky, but is what she saw really happening? At any rate, Rob is out in the cold. She runs to her sister-in-law for comfort and Rob looks to his brother for advice. That’s when the rollercoaster ride gets bumpy.
“The girls get together to figure out what to do. The boys try and do nice things but it's never 'right.' They ponder what if it's over, and what if it's not. The ladies do the same in their own ice cream and wine induced fashion, said Jensen.
“It’s really about trust issues and relationships.”
Cory Christensen (Looking) returns to SATT after a two-year absence to direct Night of One Acts opening April 27.The three shorts are Jeffrey Hatcher’s Three Viewings, David Ives’ Sure Thing and Le Wilhelm’s The Power and the Glory.
"The evening of one acts is, in my opinion, what theatre should be – a journey that challenges the audience and entertains. The evening of one acts will make you think a little differently about love, life and death. You will cry. You will laugh. You will be touched,” said Christensen.
“I wish I could listen to the conversations that people will have driving home from these shows. People will love them and people will hate them, but most importantly, people will be moved. And the actors that dare to take on these roles, will be changed as well.”
Productions are mounted at Kinsmen Banquet Hall, 47 Riel Dr. Dinner theatre tickets are $55. Student/senior $50. Call 780-222-0102 or purchase online at www.stalberttheatre.com.
