On the surface it may seem that Catherine Banks’ new play Miss N Me has more to do with Nova Scotia than Manitoba. After all, Catherine Banks, a two-time Governor General’s Award-winning playwright, is a proud Nova Scotian, and the main character, Dawna, lives in a small town in Nova Scotia.
However, Dawna’s journey of self-discovery is a universal story people from all over the map can understand. And, a made-in-Manitoba cast and crew brings local flavour to this world premiere.
The Manitoba cast of Sarasvati’s last production, Fefu and Her Friends. L to R: Elena Anciro, Nan Fewchuk, Tracey Nepinak, Megan McArton, Julia Arkos, Brenda McLean, Tracy Penner and Kelci Stephenson (sitting).
Sarasvàti’s artistic director, and director of Miss N Me, Hope McIntyre knows better than most that Manitoba is home to many talented artists. McIntyre lived in several cities in Canada and the United Kingdom before settling in Winnipeg.
“Winnipeg was the perfect balance. It has a thriving arts community but isn’t too commercial. As a result, artists can take risks, experiment and bring exciting work to the stage while still managing to own a house.” says McIntyre.
Miss N Me follows Dawna, a hairdresser facing down a milestone birthday. Three days before her 25th wedding anniversary, Dawna steals her husband’s plumbing van and heads for New York City to meet the American Rapper Missy Elliott. Along the way, Dawna meets a host of wacky hitch-hiking characters who draw her deeper into her journey of self-discovery.
Winnipeg theatre veteran Melanie Whyte brings Dawna to life. Over the years, Whyte has worked on productions with Rainbow Stage, Dry Cold Productions, Prairie Theatre Exchange and Theatre by the River.
Colin Connor and Alissa Watson in Harold and Vivian Entertain Guests.
Playing Dawna’s teenage son is Kevin Gabel, a recent graduate from the University of Winnipeg’s Theatre and Film Program.
Colin Connor, along with Alissa Watson, fill in as a range of crazy characters, including a mermaid, clown parents, Adonis and Mrs. Excess Baggage. Connor and Watson have performed together on multiple occasions over the years (the Fringe production The Anger in Ernst and Ernestine, Sarasvàti’s production Harold and Vivian Entertain Guests, and Theatre Incarnate’s production Whitechapel Redemption).
Rounding out the creative team are: long-time Winnipegger Brenda McLean, who designed the surrealistic set and costumes; Dean Cowieson, as lighting designer; James Jansen as sound designer; and Angie St.Mars as assistant director.
Tickets are on sale now for Miss N Me, which runs May 21 to 31, 2015 at the UW Asper Centre for Theatre and Film. For more information, visit www.sarasvati.ca or phone 204-586-2236.
Sarasvàti Dramatic Theatre Productions and Repertory Inc. is one of more than 170 charitable organizations that has an Agency Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation. An Agency Fund provides a sustainable source of income for a charity. Click here to learn more about organizations with agency funds.
