Bonnie and Clyde the Musical is currently in production
MINDEMOYA—For the past decade-and-a-half, Burns Wharf Theatre Players have titillated the senses with outstanding musical performances, mostly in the theatre located in the upper floors of the historic Burns Wharf buildings in Manitowaning, but time took its toll on the venerable buildings the company called home and, in the end, the structures became unsafe. Performances moved on to the venues of Knox United Church and then Manitoulin Secondary School, most recently with a hilarious rendition of The Addams Family. After several years of negotiations with the Town of Assiginack, the company came to the decision that it could no longer call Manitowaning home.
The Municipality of Central Manitoulin stepped up to offer the company a new home in its Mindemoya Community Centre and negotiations with that town are ongoing. But, now fully separated from its namesake location, and under the guidance of new and younger group of producers, the company now operates under a new name—fittingly—Phoenix Theatre Company, rising from the ashes to begin anew.
Partners Isaac Gosse and his fiancé Natalia Bell have taken on the “role” of producers for the company.
“I’m truly thrilled to have been given the opportunity to take on Phoenix Theatre Company, and I’m excited to help lead this incredible troupe into a season filled with success, creativity, passion, and fun,” said Mr. Gosse. “We’ve been working tirelessly to create something truly unique for Manitoulin audiences and we’re committed to continuing the strong love for theatre that exists across this wonderfully artistic Island.”
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, especially having members of the original troupe continue on this journey with us, while also welcoming many new and talented faces to the stage. The level of talent this year is exceptional, and I can’t wait for everyone to see the result of all our hard work,” he said. “We also have some exciting plans for the future that we’re looking forward to sharing soon.”
“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way, including Central Manitoulin, the Rainbow District School Board, Mike and the team at The Manitoulin Expositor, and the many individuals in our community who contribute behind the scenes,” continued Mr. Gosse. “That support does not go unnoticed, and I’m deeply grateful.”
“As someone who has been with the group since 2010, it’s been an honour watching it grow throughout the years,” said Ms. Bell. “It’s a total full-circle moment for me to be on the board of the theatre group that has been such a huge part of my life. I can’t wait for all the exciting things we are going to bring to the Island!”
With a production now well underway, Pheonix Theatre is looking forward to the first production under its new banner, the Frank Wildhorn (lyrics by Don Black) production ‘Bonnie and Clyde the Musical.’ The play is based on the book by Ivan Menchell and it had its world premier in San Diego.
Bonnie and Clyde the Musical follows the ill-fated lives of the outlaw star-crossed lovers whose infamous exploits have captivated imaginations since the Great Depression up to the present day. The score is an esoteric mix of rockabilly, blues and gospel and the play was nominated for three Outer Critics Circle Awards and five Drama Desk Awards (including Best New Musical) and two Tony Award nominations.
Under the co-directorship of Mr. Gosse and (Debajehmujig alumni) Samantha Lynn Brennan, the production boasts a 30-member onstage cast, including many familiar faces from Burns Wharf. Among the cast are two recently cast youth, Ojeekwe Osawabine (playing the young Clyde Barrow) and Maurika Tober (as the young Bonnie Parker).
The cast and crew of this year’s production include: Ms. Brennan as co-director; Mr. Gosse as co-director as Clyde Barrow; Natalia Bell , costumes and Bonnie Parker; Ann Cummings as Blanche Barrow, Peter Baumgarten as Marvin (Buck) Barrow, Wayne Murdock as sheriff, Jordan Moore as Ted, Maurika Tober as Young Bonnie, Ogeequa Osawabine as Young Clyde, Ria Carter as Gov. Ferguson/Stella, Angela Lynn Harper as Emma Parker, Kayla Simbirski as Cumie, Henry Mink as Henry, Audrey Jones as Elanor, Rebecca Laurenti as Trish, Gavin Pangowish as Bud/John, Larry Bieronski as guard/Deputy Johnson, Donnie Schram as Preacher, Jordan Pitawanakwat as Joe, Robin Maltby part of the ensemble, Dave George as Alcorn, Jane Prosser part of the ensemble, Taylor Goodfellow part of the ensemble, Dimitri Simbirski part of the ensemble, Mateo Morrison part of the ensemble/customers, Emma Beattie-Byrnes part of the ensemble /customers, Tanaya Osawanimiki part of the ensemble and Rachel Quackenbush part of the ensemble and Perry Dickson part of the ensemble.
Crew members include Christianna Jones as lighting technician, Bryce Mastelko as sound technician, Nox Corrosiva as music technician, Jeff Shachinger as props master and Jordan Pitawanakwat as treasurer.
Mr. Gosse and Ms. Bell are no strangers to live theatre and musicals, having both grown up in the bosom of Burns Wharf Theatre Players.
“I began attending in 2008, then I started as a page turner for Marilyn Wohlberg and Alex Baran in 2015 when I was 15,” said Mr. Gosse, who took his first onstage role shortly thereafter as a background player, moving onto his first lead in 2017. In 2018 he became the company’s technical director.
Ms. Bell has an even longer Burns Wharf pedigree, starting out onstage in 2009 when she was barely five years old. The pair have been a part of just about every production since.
While its onstage roster is pretty much filled out, the company is still seeking folks to fill a variety of backstage and house roles, including technical lead and crew members.
The performances will take place at Manitoulin Secondary School, with 7 pm curtain June 12-14; June 19- 21 (there will be a 2 pm matinee on June 21); and June 26-28. Admission will be $25. For more information or to volunteer, contact Isaac Gosse at 1-248-997-0042 or by email at info@phoenixtheatrecompany.ca.
