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The
historic Empress Theatre continues this summer an almost
century-old tradition of providing top-quality live entertainment
in Fort Macleod. Three plays, two Vaudeville shows and a special
performance by summer theatre staff are planned at the theatre
built in 1912 as the first opera house in western Canada.
“There is lots of new and great stuff happening this summer,”
Empress Theatre summer program co-ordinator Jeremy Mason said.
“Hockey Stories” is a new play for the Empress Theatre summer
program that focuses on the rivalry and friendship of two boys
growing up in the late 1980s. One of the boys is a Calgary Flames
fan, while the other boy favours the Edmonton Oilers.
“Hockey Stories” will be performed Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30
p.m. from July 1-Aug. 1.
The second live play being produced this summer by the summer
collective is “Buzz Job!
The True Story of Cal Cavendish.” This 75-minute play tells the
story of a forgotten piece of Alberta folklore and features songs
by Cal Cavendish and original music by Calgary indie music
institution Kris Demeanor.
“Buzz Job! The True Story of Cal Cavendish” starts Aug. 7 and will
be performed every Friday and Saturday night. New this summer at
the Empress Theatre is “Blame it on Bigfoot,” a new play written
by local playwright and former Empress Theatre summer collective
member Andy Jenkins.
“Blame it on Bigfoot” uses puppetry, dynamic physical comedy and
theatrical magic to share a new story about the legendary Bigfoot.
“Blame it on Bigfoot” will be performed every Saturday morning at
11 a.m. throughout July and August.
Two other key performances of live entertainment are the
Vaudeville! shows planned for 8 p.m. on Friday, July 17 and
Friday, Aug. 21.
“Vaudeville! is a big showcase of talent from southern Alberta,”
Mason explained. “It’s always really amazing to see the quality of
people who come out and perform in our Vaudeville! shows.”
The Empress Theatre summer collective is also planning a special
presentation of their own on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 8 p.m. at the
theatre Young people interested in the theatre have an opportunity
to take part in week-long drama camps.
The Empress Theatre screens current movies every night at 7:30
p.m., and 9 p.m. when there is live theatre.
For updates on show times and special features throughout the
summer, visit www.empresstheatre.ab.ca. |
