The adult choral group and theatre company, Acting Out Musical Theatre, is getting bigger every year. This 2024-25 season, the group expanded its roster to include a touring company.
“Acting Out Musical Theatre is an umbrella of different programs for anyone interested in singing or acting, from choral music to musical theatre, depending on a person’s interest. Groups get to support each other and it’s unexpectedly joyful,” said Criselda Mierau, artistic director and founder.
Last season’s popular musicals and pop-up concerts were so successful, Mierau has created the Acting Out Touring Company. This season the company will tour Perils of Penzance, a zany mashup that marries Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore with Pirates of Penzance.
“We’re just touring Alberta and this is one way of expanding our footprint. Our first touring show is going to be at Fort Saskatchewan with five actors and Keat Mactemes as our musician. The show is designed to pack up, put it in a van and go.” she said.
During the 2023-24 season, the more experienced So Noted Singers created a VIP experience by performing Les Mis to a sold-out crowd.
“It was very successful, and everyone enjoyed the straight-ahead musical theatre show,” she said.
A secondary group, Forte Plus, was developed so seniors could drop in for afternoon singalongs.
“Seniors were telling me they loved to sing, but didn’t want to drive at night. So, I thought of a Wednesday afternoon drop-in. They liked it so much, they ended up not dropping in. They kept coming back. It was so successful they even raised $600 for the food bank singing songs from Fiddler on the Roof. Seniors believe in giving back and they look for every opportunity to help, and it has been remarkable.”
The choral group, Cleopatra, fosters 27 experienced women vocalists. The choir was developed because more women than men flock to choral groups.
“There’s something about a sisterhood. You breathe together. You sing together and your heartbeats link up together, and I love the name Cleopatra. It’s a strong name and everyone knows she was a strong leader.”
The all-female choir hosts a one-of-a-kind pop-up at St. Albert Catholic High music room on Sept. 17 at 7 p.m.
“The Cleopatras are hosting it and we want to invite other women. They’ll be singing anthems like I Will Survive, When Will I Be Loved, These Boots are Made for Walking, and Girls Just Want to Have Fun.”
In addition, the Cleopatras are hosting a rollicking swing concert in February. Proceeds from this event will go to support the Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation serving families living with domestic violence.
Acting Out will offer the largest burst of musical talent at Christmas from all groups. It includes a Messiah pop-up, a community carol sing-along, a Sound of Music sing-a-long and a special appearance by the Cleopatras.
And for Seniors who would like to act, Mierau has created a Readers’ Theatre where seniors will read story segments tying Christmas songs together in a musical theatre format.
In trying to maintain costs at a reasonable level, Acting Out is hosting its annual Fall Fair at St. Albert United Church on Friday, Sept. 27. The fundraiser is selling soups, breads, Halloween costumes, and a variety of gently used items. The fair also includes door prizes and entertainment.
“As people come home from work, they can stop off at the hall for some fun with us.”
More information about AOMT can be obtained by checking out the So Noted Facebook page or by calling Verla at 780-238-5617.
