Entertained!
The Grande Parlour debuted their opening production; Let Us Entertain You, over the last two weekends to a thoroughly entertained sold out crowd. The four-night run was masterly written and produced by local thespian-turned-banker-turned-thespian, Teresa Pettit. Pettit’s vision was wonderfully choreographed and set to jazz-infused classics and originals by local teacher-slash-music director, Megan Bailey. Co-founder of the Grande Parlour, Craig Konechny was the mastermind behind the set, which encompassed the entire room; while Cassandra Newton, EME Designs & the Funky Button, transported the character to the 1920’s with her costume designs.
The three-act play, full of sketch comedy, heart-warming moments, and great fun, was brought to life by a cast of local performers. Some of the cast came with acting backgrounds, while others stepped on the stage for the first time in this production. Either way, you’d never know they weren’t all formally trained.
The show opens to the jazz stylings of Blaze Starr & the Sassy Flatts, set to prohibition Cold Lake, c. 1920. Before the play opens and in between sets, Erynne Jette’s amazing voice took mega hits, such as “All About that Bass”, “Paint it Black, and “Creep” to a place F. Scott Fitzgerald would remember. The crowd didn’t know whether to sing along or sit in awe of her voice.
The songs throughout the play were masterfully placed and originally performed. Bravo to Music Director Megan Bailey, who stole the show with the performance of the night, as Iris Minette.
But we’re not there yet. Let’s go back to the opening scene, master of ceremonies Sydney (Jacob Leveque) was absolutely thrilling! We learn, from the flamboyant host, that the Blind Pig is a speak easy. Sydney warns the crowd that they must keep it on the down low, as joints like this are against the law. The hosts also lets the crowd in on the code phrase, “the bulls are here”, if they hear it hide the hooch, cause the police are here!
The Blind Pig is a speak easy in Cold Lake, is owned former Chicago resident and gangster Joey Gambino (Macadam Baird). Gambino and his sidekick Baby Face Roselli (Zac Hunter) spent the evening drinking, smoking and keeping a close eye on the establishment and the people in the crowd – as well as on stage. Gambino was a crowd favourite tough guy who has payed for entertainment and he expects what he’s been payed for.
Luckily for Martin & Lewis, entertaining is not hard. The lovable doofus, Lewis and his sly partner, Martin, have the crowd in stitches moments after taking the stage. Played by Andrew Johnson-Watson (Lewis) and Calum Hackler (Martin) the pair displayed great comedic timing and chemistry throughout the performance.
The Fairbanks Family & their Acrobatic Animals are to take the stage and entertain Mr. Gambino and the crowd – However *gasp* the animals are missing. Gambino takes to the stage in a face off against a young- but feisty Mary Fairbanks (Harper Reed) and threatens the family to be fitted with cement shoes, if they do not fulfill their contract to entertain. Out of character for the gangster, he allows the family to move down in the line up with the hope the animals will arrive. The Fairbanks family was masterfully played by real-life family, the Reeds; Rohdy (father), Parker (son) and Harper (daughter).
Danny Davis (Bryan Christie) and the Dapper Daddies followed up with a little something for the ladies… or at least that was their intention. However slightly rushed, not all men had their pants on. A few near-full-monty misses later the crowd was laughing more than swooning over the men. A true crowd pleaser.
Iris Minette follows with an outstandingly sexy rendition of Havanna, which leads perfectly into the Burlesque Babes, lead by Ruby Rose (Susanne Hildt). Ruby Rose takes advantages of a few opportunities to blow the hair back on the crowd with her amazing voice. She was a true treasure in the production.
Ed & Clarence, played by Daniel Viola entertained the crowd with a classic ventriloquist vs doll routine. Ed’s fetching charm was equally opposed by Clarence, the doll, crude and sometimes rude humour. The pair made for a fun set.
Throughout the play we see the Fairbanks Family struggle to find their animals, with a cute and lovably protective father, Douglas, concocting the ultimate scheme to get his family out of the dangers of Cold Lake’s toughest wise guy. The plan, use the audience as animals! The family pulls up three people from the crowd and puts them in ridiculously obvious costumes, in an attempt to pull one over on Gambino. Simply put, it was hilarious. And it worked! Gambino tried to argue; however as little Mary pointed out, he payed to be entertained and with the crowd help it was proven that yes; we were all entertained!
Following the relief and safety of the family, the Electrifying Ernesto (Derek Patteron) and his delightfully dim-witted assistant Betty (April Simard) took the stage for a magic show that quickly went array. A splendid performance from both actors was followed by another performance by Ruby Rose.
And just when you thought the best performances were behind you… Sydney takes the stage in full and fabulous drag, with a complete show stopping performance of “Death of a Bachelor”. Absolutely fabulous. The cast joins Sydney on stage for what is to be the closing act; however “the bulls are here”! The characters scatter across the stage, running and hiding from the copper, who has an unfortunate run-in with everyone’s favourite doofus, Lewis.
A little slap stick comedy later and the entertainers at the Blind Pig have called it a night.Leaving stage hand, (Sydney Born) to close up… And did she ever close the show! Young singer-actor, Sydney Born left the crowd something to remember with her incredible range and perfect pitch. Bravo!
The Grande Parlour
Cold Lake is no stranger to Grande Parlour Productions, after a met-cue between Craig and Theresa last year, the theatre has been resurrected in the city. The pair debuted their talents in The Adam & Eve Diaries to rave reviews and followed up with Every Christmas Story Ever Told. While Theresa produced and wrote the plays, Craig worked on sets and utilizing every square inch of his business, Bean Trees Cafe, to give the shows a stage.
It was very evident that the space in Bean Trees was not going to be big enough and with the audience demanding more, Craig and Theresa looked into expanding. The space next to Bean Trees was purchased and renovated into the Grande Parlour. The two spaces are connected through an open entrance, with the Grande Parlour taped off with red barricade rope until show time. Bean Trees is used as the lobby area, where guests can enjoy a meal, dessert and/or a wide array of hot and cold specialty beverages; as well as alcoholic drinks.
The Grande Parlour is also known for impromptu-style performances, where they infuse themselves into a crowd; while completely keeping character. A great example of their rogue-esq performance is the Women of Influence Awards. Several female actors took on roles of famous women through history. They mingled with the crowd as their characters before and after the awards ceremony; of which each actor was a presenter.
This style of “the never ending show” was used in Let Us Entertain You. Cast members started 30 minutes before the show greeting guests, in full character, in the lobby; aka Bean Trees Cafe. While guests enjoyed sips of wine, the cast warned of the coppers; seeing as in their minds it was the prohibition era. The bit continued during the two intermissions of the play, where characters walked into the crowd and chatted with guests or each other; all in character.
It was evident in the four-nights of sold out crowds that the Grande Parlour is here to stay; for many encores.
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