Mavor Moore’s A Christmas Carol to play at the Charlottetown Confederation Centre
 |
| Wade Lynch as Scrooge |
From December 13 to 21st,
Charlottetown’s Confederation Centre of the Arts presents Mavor Moore’s musical
adaptation of A Christmas Carol! The production, featuring over 52
actors and a full orchestra, is presented in partnership with Holland College
School of Performing Arts (20 dance and performing arts students are included
in the elaborate cast!) Special treats include Wade Lynch, the
Confederation Centre’s associate art director, playing Scrooge and Liz Gilroy
directing and choreographing.
Gilroy is no stranger to the Centre as during the 90s she played Dianna Barry in Anne of Green Gables for three Charlottetown Festival seasons! We caught up with the theatre artist to find out more about her intriguing experiences and what audiences can expect from the December holiday production.
 |
| Liz Gilroy, director and choreographer |
How did you first get into the world
of theatre and what have been some highlights?
LG:
I started performing professionally at the age of 12. My first show was Oliver
in Toronto. After that I was hooked. My two seasons at Stratford were fantastic.
Working with Alan Lund on his last Anne at the Elgin Theatre was
incredible. Playing Lizzie Borden the infamous murderess was a great challenge. Directing
Sexy Laundry was a ton of fun and choreographing the brand new musical Rum
Runners was very exciting.
What was it like to star as Diana
Barry in Anne of Green Gables with The Charlottetown
Festival?
LG: Playing
Diana for three seasons was really a dream come true. She is a delightful
character and getting to recreate her on that huge stage here in PEI the home
of Anne was an honour.
You were in Neptune's production of ELF! last
year as Emily Hobbs - are you especially excited about holiday-themed
productions?
LG: Holiday
shows are always very special. They put you in a good mood no matter how you feel
when you come to the theatre.
What made you interested in directing and choreographing A Christmas Carol?
LG: I
have been in a few different versions of the show so getting to be on the other
side of the table and having the creative control, especially in a theatre of
this size, was too good an opportunity to pass up.
How have preparations/rehearsals gone so far?
LG: So
far so good! There are over 50 people in the cast so it is a huge challenge
just to make up a schedule. Wade is going to be delicious as Scrooge and the
kids in the show are charming. Oscar, our Tiny Tim, is an absolute sweetheart
and I am sure he will melt the hearts of the audience. Going to work is an
adventure that I look forward to every day. All of the backstage preparations
such as set and costumes are right on schedule.
What can audience members expect from A Christmas Carol?
LG: The
music that Mavor Moore wrote is a nice addition to the usual story. The set is
gorgeous and has a few surprises in store for the audience. There are also
going to be a few good scares. Not to mention when was the last time anyone saw
a production of A Christmas Carol with over 50 people…
What's next on your creative agenda?
LG: I am off to star
in Same Time, Next Year at Magnus Theatre with my husband Scott
Maudsley . Then this summer I am directing/choreographing Grant Tilley's new
musical Bingo Ladies which I think is a fantastic new show written by a
very talented Canadian.
Is there anything you would like to
add?
LG: I really hope
everybody has a chance to come see this holiday show. For me A Christmas
Carol reminds me of what is really important: being surrounded by those you
love and living your life to its fullest every day. Getting to come back to
Charlottetown and the Confederation Centre is very special to me and I have Matt,
Wade, and Dean to thank for the opportunity. I hope this is the first of many
projects I get to be a part of at the Centre.
Mavor Moore’s A Christmas Carol
December 13-21
The Homburg Theatre, Charlottetown
http://www.charlottetownfestival.com/en/169-Mavor-Moores-A-Christmas-Carol
