Expressions Theatre Festival
The Expressions Theatre Festival is the culmination of a year of work for our Pre-Professional Theatre Program and Yearlong Intensive students.
All shows take place at the Jack and Darlene Poole Theatre at Arts Umbrella.
The Boxcar Children
Performed by the Junior Theatre Troupe
This classic story tells the tale of four orphans, Henry, Jess, Violet and Benny as they hide from their “cruel” grandfather and discover their independence while living in an abandoned and overgrown Boxcar. Set in the 1920s, you will see the resilience, intuitiveness and love of these siblings as they navigate learning, work and creating a safe community. With the help of many along the way, will the children create a new home or be caught by their mystery guardian-to-be?
Run time ~60 mins
Written by Jon Jory. Based on the book by Gertrude Chandler Warner.
Director – Seamus Fera
Stage Manager – Laura Reynolds
Set Design – Luis Bellassai
Costume Design – Joelle Wyminga
Lighting Design – Brad Trenaman
Sound Design – Shona Struthers
Show dates
Friday, May 12th – 7:30pm
Saturday, May 13th – 3pm
Sunday, May 14th – 7:30pm
Friday, May 19th – 7:30pm
Tickets are $20 for General Admission and $15 for Students.
THE BOXCAR CHILDREN is produced by special arrangement with Stage Partners (www.yourstagepartners.com).
Hummingbird
Performed by the Senior Theatre Troupe
When forced to choose a topic for a mandatory, culminating high school project, Alex sarcastically says “hummingbirds” because one is hovering outside the window. Alex has no idea that this offhand choice will lead to uncovering hidden family histories in a mysterious journal from the 1860s, finding an essential role in a community nest finding network, opening up to a vibrant ecosystem, and learning how a hummingbird disrupted a major pipeline project.
Run Time ~ 60 mins
Written by Elaine Avila
Director – Paul Moniz de Sa
Assistant Director – Francis Dowlatabadi
Stage Manager – Dayna Horn
Set Design – Luis Bellassai
Costume Design – Joelle Wyminga
Lighting Design – Brad Trenaman
Sound Design – Shona Struthers
Show dates
Saturday, May 13th – 7:30pm
Sunday, May 14th – 3pm
Thursday, May 18th – 7:30pm
Saturday, May 20th – 7:30pm
Tickets are $20 for General Admission and $15 for Students.
Hummingbird was commissioned by the Robert M. Ledingham School of Theatre, Music and Film at Arts Umbrella and performed by the Arts Umbrella Senior Theatre Troupe as part of the Eco Theatre Project.
Jasper in Deadland
Performed by the Musical Theatre Troupe
Jasper in Deadland tells the story of 16-year-old Jasper, who journeys into the Afterlife to rescue her recently deceased best friend, Agnes. But in this version of the hereafter – known as “Deadland,” a hybrid of mythology, religion, and superstition – the dead forget Life… And so, too, will Jasper, if she can’t get past the seven circles of Deadland, fearsome Cerberus, heavenly Beatrix, mysterious Mr. Lethe, and ultimately herself. Can Jasper bring her best friend back from the dead, or will she join the dead forever?
Content Warning: swearing, themes of death, mentions of drug use and physical abuse.
Run time ~2 hours with intermission
Book by Hunter Foster and Ryan Scott Oliver
Music and Lyrics by Ryan Scott Oliver
Director/Choreographer – Erika Babins
Music Director – Patrick Ray
Stage Manger – Julia Lank
Production Design – Monica Emme
Lighting Design – Brad Trenaman
Show dates
Saturday, May 27th – 7:30pm (Cast A)
Tuesday, May 30th – 7:30pm (Cast B, Pay What You Can)
Friday, June 2nd – 7:30pm (Cast B)
Saturday, June 3rd – 2pm (Cast A)
Wednesday, June 7th – 7:30pm (Cast A)
Saturday, June 10th – 7:30pm (Cast B)
Tickets are $25 for General Admission and $15 for Students.
JASPER IN DEADLAND is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. (www.concordtheatricals.com).
The Secret Garden
Performed by the Musical Theatre Troupe
This enchanting classic of children’s literature is reimagined in brilliant musical style. Orphaned in India, 11-year-old Mary Lennox returns to Yorkshire to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle Archibald. The estate’s many wonders include a garden which beckons her with haunting melodies and the “Dreamers,” spirits from Mary’s past who guide her through her new life, dramatizing The Secret Garden‘s compelling tale of forgiveness and renewal.
Run time ~75 minutes
Book and Lyrics by by Marsha Norman
Music by Lucy Simon
Director – Andy Toth
Music Director – Eric Biskupski
Choreographer – Heather Thwaites
Assistant Director – Jamie Dy
Stage Manager – Tessa Gunn
Set and Prop Design – Monica Emme
Costume Design – Christina Sinosich
Lighting Design – Brad Trenaman
Show dates
Saturday, June 3rd – 7:30pm (Cast B)
Tuesday, June 6th – 7:30pm (Cast A, Pay What You Can)
Friday, June 9th – 7:30pm (Cast B)
Sunday, June 11th – 2pm (Cast A)
Tickets are $25 for General Admission and $15 for Students.
THE SECRET GARDEN: SPRING VERSION is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. (www.concordtheatricals.com).