A Merry Adventure for All in Sherwood Forest

It has been a very busy time here at Carousel Theatre. We opened, not one, but TWO shows this past weekend: Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny, and our holiday production of The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood!

The second show that opened this weekend, The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, opened to a packed opening night audience on Saturday, November 28. The theatre was roaring with laughter, applause, music and the sounds of swords clanging into the night!

The Sheriff of Nottingham (Josue Laboucane) and Guy of Gisborne (Ryan Beil) have a little moment. Awww.

The cast of Carousel Theatre's The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood includes (from left) Julie McIsaac as Will Scarlett, Lawrence Haegert as Robin Hood, Sean Oliver as Alan of Dale, and Joshua Reynolds as Little John

Ian Butcher (Forester), Allan Zinyk (Friar Tuck), Genevieve Fleming (Maid Marian), and Ryan Beil (Guy of Gisborne... as wolf)

Here’s what some folks had to say about the show:

“The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood is a joyous feast. Director Stephen Drover has crafted a crisply paced production that is every bit as merry as it is adventurous.” Review by Kathleen Oliver, The Georgia Straight (read the whole review here)

“Our class thoroughly enjoyed the play ‘Robin Hood’. The production was top notch and my parent volunteers were also raving about it.  I was also watching my students and they were all engaged  but the story and script were filled with so much action that they had no choice but to be alert to absorb everything going on. Every one put on a first class act.  The play was just hilarious and the script was funny on two levels!!  Thank you again and please pass on our congratulations to the actors/ actresses. We were honoured to be your first live audience.” Stella, a teacher from Garden City Elementary (Richmond, BC)

“This was fairy-tale storytelling shrek-style and it was pure fun! The best part is I could tell, as an audience member, everyone on stage was having fun too!  I’ve never been to a Carousel Theatre production before (I know, I know, my bad) but if this is the quality of show they put on you can be sure I’ll go back. Yes, it is a TYA theatre production, but this show is fun for all ages. The little kids were shrieking and laughing which makes my grown-up heart burst because if this is the type of theatre kids are being introduced too then we are definitely building an audience for the future.” (Read the rest of Sabrina’s blog entry here)

“This show was fantastic. Fun for the whole family.I haven’t enjoyed a show that much in a long time. It’s the perfect holiday treat. ” A Mom of 2 kids.

Carousel Theatre’s shows are a popular holiday tradition with families- a chance for the whole gang to get together and see a show that will be enjoyed by everyone from ages 4 and up.

Have you seen the show yet? If so, let us know what you think!

Hello from Carousel’s Little John!

We wanted to hear from some of the actors involved with The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood. Why? Because they sound like they’re having so much fun in the rehearsal hall. We office folk sit at our desks, looking longingly out the door as we hear the luaghter, and the ting-ting-ting of the sword fight rehearsals.

So, in order to get a taste of what was happening in the RH rehearsals, we’ve asked some of our actors about it.

First up- Joshua Reynolds! He is the Fight Director (which means he comes up with all the awesome-and safe!- stage fights) and he plays the not-so-little Little John.

Actor and Fight Director Joshua Reynolds

CT:  What can you tell us about the stage fights in Robin Hood?

Joshua:  It is very exciting to direct the fights in a play like Robin Hood because the story  and the characters are so iconic.  For example the staff fight between Robin Hood and Little John is something that everyone remembers.  I wanted to be able to create what is in people’s heads, but also add a surprising twist to take it to another level.  Another important element to the fights are to have as much action as possible and involve up to 10 actors, while still telling the story.  We have swords swinging, fists flying and as many foreign objects as you can imagine, but in the end, the fights are there to enhance the play, keep the story moving, and have a lot of fun doing it.

CT: As an actor in the show- what’s the best part of being involved with this production?

The best part of being involved with this production is the opportunity to play a character that I remember being in awe of as a child.  When I was a kid, Little John was the guy who I wanted to be.  I never wanted to be Robin Hood.  I was always bigger than all the other kids, so to me Little John was the hero because it showed that you could be big, strong, and righteous all at the same time.  Sure Robin had his bow and arrows, but all Little John needed was a staff made from a big tree branch.  Now that’s cool!

 

Robin Hood (Lawrence Haegert) and Little John (Joshua Reynolds) get into a tiff. Photo by Tim Matheson. Carousel Theatre, 2009

The Big League’s Big Finish

The Big League family, including former cast and crew members, celebrate the last performance (#475!) with the audience and a beautiful (and yummy!) cake donated by Anna's Cake House

After 475 performances, 5 seasons, 3 national tours and 2 Jessie Awards we have hung up the skates and bid a tearful goodbye to a Carousel Theatre classic- James Durham’s The Big League. On Sunday, November 15 we retired a legend.

Well… a bunch of legends:

- Many well-loved jerseys.

- A gazillion sticks, pucks, pads, helmets, rolls of hockey tape

- An amazing set that has made young hockey players drool (“Mom- can we have that for the backyard?!”)

- Two versions of the bum-biting puppet, Whitey

- Twelve pairs of roller blades (including one size 15)

- Eight nets

- Two vans (many thanks to our amazing supporters after our van accident in 2007)

Thank you to the amazing collection of professional actors,  stage managers and creative team members who continually went above and beyond with each new tour. During the course of the 5 seasons there were two marriages (the director and set designer, two cast members) and four babies added to the Carousel family.

And thank you to the 166, 250 young people, teachers, families and hockey teams that made up our audiences- this was for you.

Vancouver Sun Interview with Director Stephen Drover

A merry old time is had in Pitcher’s Sherwood Forest

Selections from an interview with Vancouver Sun writer  Peter Birnie  (November 12, 2009)

An outtake from the Robin Hood photoshoot with Tim Matheson. Genevieve Fleming, Lawrence Haegert and Joshua Reynolds in fits of laughter.

So just how merry can merry men get? When Carousel Theatre presents its Christmas production of Robin Hood, the answer is simple:

Very merry indeed.

As director Stephen Drover shapes this adaptation by Jeff Pitcher of the familiar English legend, he’s delighted to be working with some of the brightest lights in comedy. These days Ryan Beil is perhaps best known as the goofy guy in the A&W ads (spots which, quite frankly, don’t do full justice to Beil’s skills), but he’s famous (infamous?) in Vancouver theatre for exceedingly sharp improv skills and a grasp of physical comedy so strong that he stole the show at this year’s Bard on the Beach production of The Comedy of Errors.

Josue Laboucane can twirl a villain’s moustache with elan — here he’s the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham, with Beil as his rotten forester Guy of Gisborne. A Bard veteran always worth catching for his comedy is Allan Zinyk, who is Friar Tuck, and big Joshua Reynolds plays Little John.

The list goes on and on: Julie McIsaac (last seen displaying the bright understanding of how to play a dimbulb in the Arts Club’s Black Comedy) as Will Scarlet, Ian Butcher (very scary as a cop in last year’s brilliant Glengarry Glen Ross by Main Street Theatre) as the Knight, and Stratford regular Lawrence Haegert as our hero, Mr. Hood.

Carousel saw great success with its previous productions of Pitcher’s take on Peter Pan. Better yet, Drover cut his teeth working with Pitcher at Theatre Newfoundland Labrador, where Drover ran the youth-theatre program.

Director Stephen Drover

“I’m really pushing the action aspect, swashbuckling for lack of a better term,” he says of Robin Hood. “Lots of fights, lots of bows and arrows. What’s quite fun about it is that the play lives in an imagined medieval fairy-tale world that’s acutely aware of itself, somewhat in the tradition of Shrek or The Princess Bride, so it’s able to mock itself and make fun of itself.”

Yet, Drover adds, there are some thematic streams for older ears.

“I think Jeff’s done a very good job of writing a play that’s entertaining as a fairy tale but also has some really interesting undertones in there that the adults can appreciate. The story of Robin Hood is really very much about the reappropriation of funds, taking from the rich to give to the poor — economic balance — and let’s have some faith about the power of balance in nature, because he gets the men to leave the city and come live in the woods.

“I don’t think the play aims to have environmental or financial messages…but adults who come to see the play will be pleased with those subtextures to it.”

A Sneak Peek at The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood…

We had the awesome Simon Ogden pop down to our Rehearsal Studios yesterday. He interviewed Director Stephen Drover and actors Lawrence Haegert (‘Robin Hood’) and Genevieve Fleming (Maid Marian). He always starts his videos off with asking the artists “why should I come to see your show.”

And this was their answer:

Stephen, Lawrence and Genevieve chat about 'The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood'

A Band of Merry Men and Women Take Over the Rehearsal Hall…

Today marks the first day of THE MERRY ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD. The first step in the rehearsal process is for everyone to meet each other. And greet each other- which is why we like to call it a ‘Meet & Greet’. Then everyone reads from the script for the first time, and we get to hear the lines read aloud. Today there was a lot of laughter- the show is hilarious and the cast is incredible.

Over the next few weeks the cast of 10 professional actors, along with an amazing creative team, will put this show together and open at the end of November (on the 28th to be exact). To keep you up-to-date, we will be posting photos, designs, interviews and other exciting tidbits. Want to know something about the show, or have a question for an actor? Email us at comeplay@carouseltheatre.ca!

To start us off, we will show off our preview shots from the Robin Hood photo shoot. A bunch of us met at photographer Tim Matheson’s studio two weeks ago and had some fun…

Lawrence Haegert (Robin Hood). Carousel Theatre, 2009. Photo by Tim Matheson

Lawrence Haegert (Robin Hood), Joshua Reynolds (Little John) and Genevieve Fleming (Maid Marian). Carousel Theatre, 2009. Photo by Tim Matheson

Someone told a joke. We laughed. (Genevieve Fleming, Lawrence Haegert and Joshua Reynolds) Photo by Tim Matheson.

THE BIG LEAGUE- The retirement party…

Okay, here’s the official blurb. We have this fantastic touring show that has been on the road for eons. For ever. Epic touring show that has been seen by over 145 000 people. And we get asked by parents all the time- “When can I bring my kids to see it, if it’s not going to their school?” Well- now we have an answer for you.

It’s BACK by popular demand!

Jacques Lalonde as 'Don Berry', Josh Dixon as 'Tommy', and Ryan Anderson as 'Ron McKleen'. Carousel Theatre's production of The Big League, 2007. Photo by Tim Matheson

THE BIG LEAGUE

By JAMES DURHAM

NOVEMBER 15, 2009- TWO SHOWS ONLY!

At the Waterfront Theatre (1412 Cartwright Street on Granville Island)

For Ages 5+

Carousel Theatre’s award-winning production is hanging up its skates after 5 seasons, 3 national tours, and 2 Jessie Awards! But before the team jersey is officially retired and raised to the rafters, we’re bringing it home to our Vancouver family one last time.

Follow four actors on rollerblades as they face-off over sportsmanship, family relationships and the pressure to succeed. Tommy loves playing hockey but he doesn’t like that his dad yells at him from the stands. Neither do Tommy’s friends. As the game gets tougher, Tommy must decide just how far he will let himself be pushed.

A fast-paced and poignant show, The Big League isn’t just about hockey – it’s about trying your best, and most importantly, having fun while you’re doing it. The Big League has played to over 147 000 young people in 437 performances in Canada to date! This production is for ages 5 and up.

The talented cast includes Gaelan Beatty, Mack Gordon,  Almeera Jiwa and Jacques Lalonde.  Carousel Theatre’s production will feature the work of an award-winning creative team: Director Carole Higgins, Set Designer Al Frisk, Costume Designer Jay Havens and Sound Designer Jeff Tymoschuk. Stage Management by David Warburton.

Public Performances

Sunday, November 15, 2009, Two Shows Only! 11AM & 2PM

**2:00PM performance will be followed with a Big League retirement party (complete with cake from Anna’s Cake House)- come celebrate with past cast members!**

For more information or prices please contact Carousel Theatre Box Office @ (604) 685-6217 or  at www.carouseltheatre.ca. Discounts available for community and sports groups.

Carousel Theatre’s HALLOWEEN COSTUME SALE

WHAT?
Carousel Theatre’s annual Halloween Costume Sale is coming up soon! It’s a great event during which Carousel Theatre sells gads, buckets, and loads of custom-made costumes, props and other fun things (masks, small set pieces, etc) to the public at affordable prices.

A large majority of the pieces for sale have appeared on the Carousel stage, other theatre companies’ projects, and films. The best part? It’s a fundraiser and all funds raised go towards an excellent company that strives to provide excellent and inspiring theatre for the youngest of audience members.

Carousel Theatre's Annual Costume Sale!

WHEN?
Saturday, October 24, 2009
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

WHERE?

Carousel Theatre’s

Large Studio

1411 Cartwright Street

on Granville Island

Lots of fab finds- masks, costumes from Munsch Alley, The Secret World of Og, Macbeth and Love You Forever- as well as shows from past seasons, some funky vintage finds, and quite a few film set items. Most of our items are adult-sized, but we do have a bunch of items that would work for kids too! We will not be having sneak peeks or previews by appointment, so you’ll have to come down at 10am on the dot to get first dibs!

A Lovely Note…

Jessie van Rijn, Carousel Theatre’s General Manager, had a very busy day last weekend.  Love You Forever opened on Saturday(we had a great party- pictures to come!) and we had three shows on Sunday.

She checked her email to find this lovely note from a Grandma in her inbox:

Hi Jessie,

My name is Gran (Cathie) and I attended your show this afternoon with Grampa (Jim) and our two beautiful granddaughters, Reese and Sloane. We all LOVED IT and can’t wait for the other 2 shows we have tickets for. I can’t read LOVE YOU FOREVER to our girls without crying and of course you brought tears to my eyes this afternoon with the tender way that you handled that particular story. The set was fantastic, the acting was perfect and I would say that all of the technical aspects were handled with professionalism from my point of view. Thank you for opening up a new art form for us to display to our granddaughters. You are exposing all those young kids to theatre and with that creativity, imagination, make-believe, dress-up……becoming a writer, an actor, a designer, a technician WHATEVER!!

PS. Melissa [Oei], I don’t know if you are a MOTHER yet but you made me laugh until I cried with your portrayal of Mortimer’s Mother.

Grampa (Jim) and Gran (Cathie) with their two beautiful granddaugters, Reese (age 5) and Sloane (age 3).

Hello to our friends from yoyomama!

 

 

 

yoyomama!

Do you have any little Robert Munsch fans in your house? Then you’ll want to check out the great contest Carousel Theatre is running on yoyomama this week. We’re giving away a family package of four tickets to Love You Forever…and More Munsch!

 

Carousel Theatre has a Family Package of 4 (four) tickets to give away for a 7pm performance of Love You Forever… and More Munsch on October 16th or 17th, 2009. What do you need to do to win? Have a peek at Carousel Theatre’s website (www.carouseltheatre.ca), or their new Blog and leave a comment on their blog (www.carouseltheatre.wordpress.com) about what you love best about their programming and their mandate to bring live theatre to children and families. Oh and you can follow them on twitter (www.twitter.com/CarouselTheatre)!