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Workshops: Everything and Nothing Like SMASH

Christine — Sat, 12 May 2012 19:46:05 +0000

Okay, we’ll admit it.

We’re a little obsessed with NBC’s ‘hit’ show SMASH. Ridiculous? Absolutely. Entertaining? No doubt. We’re not sure in what universe untrained Iowan ingenues book Broadway shows, professional stage managers allow actors to frolic freely out of rehearsal mid-number, or directors re-imagine a classic musical theatre show as an awful auto-tune dance striptease, but you know what? Strip away the soap opera melodrama and unlikely storylines, and you have a story about a group of people working their guts out to put a new piece of theatre on stage, and we know a thing or two about that.

For the last month and a bit, the Delinquents have been workshopping the new material for STATIONARY: a recession-era musical. Through 2 full-day workshops, we learned and orchestrated new musical numbers, and read through the script. Inviting a few friends for dramaturgical advice, we did full readthroughs with music to get a sense of how the show is coming together. Though regrettably bereft of infidelity, anaphalactic shock and spontanous auto-tune music numbers (a la Smash), we’ve had an incredible time putting it all together. Our real-life workshop bore a few similaries to its TV counterpart: the creative team begging the playwright for new material, or the electric moment of seeing that tricky number come together in just the right way.

STATIONARY’s new material is inspired by everything from indie-rock to 1920s jazz, Jason Robert Brown and more. The STATIONARY cast has already shown incredible enthusiasm, musicianship and vocal prowess (not to mention a wicked sense of humor). We are so excited to start rehearsals in a few short weeks. Huge thanks to Carousel Theatre and Pacific Theatre for sponsoring our workshops!

In keeping with our regrettable hipster tendencies, most of the pictures from the workshop were from Instagram.

Watch this space in the weeks to come for sneak peeks at the show and reports from the rehearsal hall. Though we’re fairly certain actors Meaghan Chenosky and Erin Palm won’t be having a sing-off in a hotel room, or that Stage Manager Emily Griffiths won’t get side-tracked making smoothies for the actors, we know that in theatre – as on the small screen – anything is possible.

Introducing STATIONARY: a recession-era musical

Christine — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 02:01:24 +0000

Delinquent Theatre is proud to present

STATIONARY: a recession-era musical

as part of the Neanderthal Festival July 18 – July 29 at the Cultch

Under the fluorescent lights of real life, obligations and social niceties loom large. But in the world of day-dreams, all things are possible. STATIONARY: a recession-era musical explores the lives of 6 young people at a moment when big dreams meet reality checks. It’s a musical for the generation that has stepped out – bachelor degree in hand – to discover that the world isn’t quite what they were promised it would be. It’s for the generation that was coached to dream big, only to find there isn’t enough room for everyone to be a winner. Real life is disappointing. Singing about it definitely takes the edge off. STATIONARY: a recession-era musical is a new work from Delinquent Theatre.

An extended version of PARKED: an indie rock musical for novelty instruments from Bridge Mix 2011. Lyrics and script by Christine Quintana and music by Mishelle Cuttler with rap lyrics by Brian Cochrane. Directed by Laura McLean. Featuring Meaghan Chenosky, Brian Cochrane, Mishelle Cuttler, Alexander Keurvorst, and Erin Palm, with Evan Lamberton and Arlen Kristian Tom.

FLOP! is Anything But

Christine — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 23:47:42 +0000

The reviews are in, and FLOP! seems to be anything but. The Georgia Straight‘s Colin Thomas calls it the “future of Vancouver theatre”.

Joy and skill: there’s a winning combo… for a $15-dollar ticket, Flop! packs more pleasure into 45 minutes than many much more expensive and longer evenings manage to. See it and support the future of Vancouver theatre.

Mark Robins of gayvancouver.net says FLOP! is a “cause for celebration”.

Early in the show Labbe talks about being “suspended in infinite possibility”. Lipovetsky proves how true those words are with Flop!

We are also loving the feedback we’re hearing from Facebook and Twitter – you all are too kind! Here are some kind comments from our friends on Twitter:

Join the conversation on Twitter by following us at @delinquentheatr, or including the hashtag #DTFlop – we’d love to hear from you!

FLOP! only runs til April 1st – be sure not to miss out.

Late nights at FLOP!

Christine — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 05:01:55 +0000

Tomorrow’s the big day – opening night! We’re ready to show you a great time. With most shows a late start time at 9PM, we’re opening the house early to pump some sweet tunes and open the bar. Thanks to Value On Liquor (opening soon on SW Marine Dr), we have a sweet selection of Phillips Beer and Copper Moon Wine to tickle your palate – and Delinquent Theatre members get $1 off every drink! The bar will be open before and after the fabulous show, so come early for the 9PM curtain, and hang out with us Delinquent-style for a fun night at the theatre.

“Do it for the children, you know?” An Interview with Anton Lipovetsky

Christine — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 01:11:15 +0000

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.

Behind the Music: Mishelle Cuttler

Christine — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 00:32:28 +0000

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?

Anton is my cousin! We had parallel journies through theatre school (him at Studio 58 and me in UBC’s BFA Acting) but as of last summer we had never done any work together. In June, 2011 he sent me a facebook message asking if I wanted to come to the Edmonton Fringe. I said YUP, and that was that.

DT: What else do you do other than music?

MC: I am an actor and was part of my first professional show this February with Carousel Theatre. After I finish up with Flop! I will get back onstage as an actor in STATIONARY at the Neanderthal Arts Festival (I am also composing and musical directing for that show). When I am not performing I am painting – I’m currently in search for opportunities to show my collection of portraits. When I am not being arty I am a legal assistant. I am excellent at formatting.

For more information about this multi-talented artist, you can visit her website.

FLOP! Trailer

Christine — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:43 +0000

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! is a Spring Pick!

Christine — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 18:21:43 +0000

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!

Hot Tickets and AGM Report!

Christine — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 01:09:31 +0000

FLOP! doesn’t open for over a month, but the buzz already begun. FLOP! was selected as one of the Westender’s Spring Hot Tickets!

In other Delinquent news, on Wednesday February 8th we had our first ever Annual General Meeting. We were absolutely blown away by the many friends and supporters who came out to become members of the Delinquent Theatre Society. You can check out our new Membership page above to see those names, and for information on how to join us!

We’re Official!

Christine — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:59:37 +0000

Well folks, we made it official. Delinquent Theatre is now a non profit incorporation. As you can see, Christine was pretty excited to get our certificate in the mail…

We are going to celebrate with our first AGM (that’s Annual General Meeting in society-speak) and we would love all of you to join us and become members!

Now why, you ask, you should you become a member? Members of Delinquent Theatre will receive:
- Priority Assigned Seating
- A dollar off any alcoholic beverage at our theatre bar
and
- A chance to win a pair of tickets to our upcoming show FLOP! at Studio 1398 March 21st to 31st.

Membership fee is only 5 dollars. To become a member just come on down to our AGM Wednesday February 8th at 6pm at Carousel Theatre’s Small Studio at 1411 Cartwright Street find out what’s in store for Delinquent Theatre, and eat some FREE FOOD. What could be better? Check out our facebook event for all the deets – see you there?