Author Archives: Christine

Delinquent Theatre: How did the creation of FLOP! originally begin?
Anton Lipovetsky: Flop started as an assignment for theatre school.  We were asked to each write and perform one a person show as our final project and I wanted to write a musical.  I suppose I drew on some personal experience of high school and high school theatre and working with insane artists.  And Flop was originally a 20 minute piece.  When I got the opportunity to go to the Edmonton Fringe, and I expanded it to it’s full length.  And my head exploded. 

 DT: What was it like touring to Edmonton for the Fringe Festival?AL: It was a spectacular experience.  We got to see something like 15 different shows from different artists from all around the world…  And apparently the Edmonton Fringe broke records that year with ticket sales, breaking the 100,000 mark.  I had never really seen anything like it… swarms of people and streets blocked off in the name of theatre.  I loved it.  It was at times hot and stressful and a lot of work — running around all day handing out handbills, getting the word out.  But mostly it was a fun and enlightening experience.  And doing the show was an absolute riot.  We were so grateful how well-received it was in the media and with the audiences. 

Anton finds his light.

DT: FLOP! is a super high energy tour-de-force for you – how do you keep your energy up?
AL: During a run of FLOP! I try to sleep at least 20 hours a day.  Like a housecat.  If I’m awake, it’s moments before the show and I’m injecting myself with coffee intravenously while yelling insults at myself in the mirror.  During the show…  I just keep reminding myself, it’s for the children.  Do it for the children, you know? 

DT: Why should people come to see FLOP?
AL: Well, I don’t know that I can answer this objectively…  I know other people have gotten a kick out of the show, or at least that’s what they told me afterwards–they could have just been being nice.  You’ll definitely be able to brag to your friends about how alternative and indie your taste in new musical theatre is.  The truth is, I need money for all my vices. 

 No, the real truth is, I’ve poured a lot of my heart into this show and I absolutely love performing it and this time a real reputable theatre company is putting it on!  And amazing talented people are working on it who are now pouring in their hearts as well.  It’s like a heart cocktail.  And our only goal here is to entertain and to touch people (heard it when I said it) and hopefully to leave people with some catchy tunes they can hum on the way home.

FLOP! is a virtuosic piece by Anton Lipovetsky – this talented performer wrote the lyrics, composed the music, and performs it himself.  But there is someone else on stage helping make the magic happen – pianist Mishelle Cuttler.  We sat down with Mishelle to find out a bit about the mysterious lady behind the keys.

Delinquent Theatre: Your piano skills are on fine display in FLOP!  What’s your musical background?

Mishelle Cuttler: I started out doing the classical thing, and have my Grade 10 certificate in piano from the Royal Conservatory.  Over the years I also performed lots as a singer, and have accompanied choirs, instrumentalists, auditions, rehearsals and living room singalongs.  I composed my first score in 2010 for a production of Romeo & Juliet at UBC, wherein I performed my music live throughout the play along with members of the cast.  I also learned accordion for that show, which opened up a wonderful world of opportunities for me – not only does it sound great, but everyone loves an accordion.  I continue to compose, musical direct, teach and perform music with an extra focus on music in the theatre.  I recently bought a glockenspiel and a tiny harmonica.

Mishelle between takes at the FLOP! Trailer film shoot.

DT: How did you first become part of FLOP?

Today we are excited to release our official trailer for FLOP! Huge thank you to director Ryan McDonald, helping hands Arlen Tom and Adam Weidl, and to Studio 58 for providing the space. Ch-ch-check it out!

FLOP! has been selected by the Georgia Straight’s Colin Thomas as a Spring Theatre Pick – here’s what he had to say…

Flop! (March 21 to April 1 at Studio 1398)
In writer and solo actor Anton Lipovetsky’s musical, a theatre director named Jimmy Labbe bombs and bombs again, until he learns the true meaning of failure and success.
The Draw: Lipovetsky. Did you see him in True Love Lies? 1984? Rent? This guy’s gonna be a star.
Target Audience: Failures who aren’t afraid to admit it.

Things are heating up with just three weeks to go til opening! Tickets are on sale now at Brown Paper Tickets.  We are excited!