If there is one Edmonton venue that projects an aura of the authentic 1920s Vaudeville era, it’s the Capitol Theatre.
Dana Anderson, the theatre’s artistic director, envisions creating a troupe of “Capitolians” at the venue located in the natural setting at Fort Edmonton Park.
“I want to build a troupe out of the Capitol Theatre base. I’d like to give them a place to play and the genre of Vaudeville can be endlessly explored,” said Anderson.
In keeping with his vision, Anderson is presenting Next Stop Vaudeville Station, a variety show that features singers, dancers, magicians and improvisers on March 14 and 15 at the park.
“It’s pure entertainment. People will get up there and show off their gifts as entertainers.”
The variety show features nine performers from Die-Nasty and the 11 O’Clock Number including faces from the St. Albert talent pool – Matt Alden, Jan Randall, Byron Martin and Jason Hardwick.
In a speedy time warp, theatre-goers will step into the 1920s popular entertainment market and watch two brothers as they try to snag a spot in the world of Vaudevillian entertainment.
“Two brothers come to Vaudeville and hope to make it big. But they meet the wrong woman and get caught up in heartbreak. Think of it as Bing Crosby and Bob Hope’s road to Vaudeville film.”
Matt Alden, lead actor on the web series Tiny Plastic Men, and triple-threat performer Jason Hardwick play the two brothers. Randall takes on the important role as the pianist providing the soundtrack.
“Jan is a performer and a comedian and he has a musical repository that is endless. He can reference anything and bring it to life instantly,” Anderson said.
The two-night shows start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $18 per person. Visit fortedmontonpark.ca/attractions/the-capitol-theatre for tickets.
