Bringing Nightingale Alley to Life with One Yellow Rabbit
After a successful return to the High Performance Rodeo this year, One Yellow Rabbit (OYR) continues the explosive energy this spring with an all-new musical. The world premiere of Nightingale Alley takes to the stage this April 12 – 23 in the Big Secret Theatre, Arts Commons. Previously workshopped to sold-out audiences, this musical is set to transform the theatre from its black box roots and harken back to the gas lamp streets at the dawn of capitalism. Based largely on the humorous and biting lyrics of anonymous 19th century underground poets and minstrels; these lyrics are the echoes found in subversive flyers from the alleys of the era’s London marketplace. Over 200 hundred years old, they speak with a surprisingly modern view on the female perspective. On the clash of social values, heartache and despair, and the darker, more disquieting aspects of the emerging sexual economy of street workers.
This highly anticipated show brings together a dream ensemble of strong intergenerational female voices including the award-winning Jamie Konchak, singer/actor/composer Allison Lynch, One Yellow Rabbit’s own Denise Clarke and introducing emerging artist of OYR’s educational program the beautifulyoungartists, Grace Fedocrchuk. This performance will be the first time that the beautifulyoungartist joins the stage with her mentoring ensemble.
Grace Fedorchuk was last seen during this year’s High Performance Rodeo to a sold-out audience as part of the beautifulyoungartists’ performance in the Yellow Cabaret Series which showcased local and emerging artists. Grace joins us for a conversation on the upcoming Nightingale Alley. An emerging artist from Calgary, Grace studied at the University of Victoria where she received her BFA while embracing her surroundings in nature which she says “In my art I’ve been exploring these important connections I hold with the earth. I also hope to create and work on pieces that make me feel something. And hopefully elicit an emotional reaction from an audience as well”.
On her role in Nightingale Alley, Grace tells us “What I love about this cast is that we all represent different ages and experiences. This piece will showcase a range of perspectives, experiences, and personalities. I’ll be the youngest performer, bringing to life a youthful character.”
Grace tells us “I started my performing journey as a singer and I’m very excited to get to sing on stage for an audience again. In this production it will be an extra meaningful reward to pay homage to the medium that brought me to where I am today.”
“With its unique blend of music, comedy, and drama, this performance promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience that you won't want to miss,” says director Blake Brooker. “We are thrilled to present this world premiere to Calgary audiences,” adds composer David Rhymer who is reunited for this production with musician Jonathan Lewis. “Prepare for an unforgettable evening of music, laughter, and pure, unadulterated classic OYR”, promises Blake Brooker of this latest masterpiece.
Nightingale Alley is directed by Blake Brooker with music composed by David Rhymer and features performances from: Andy Curtis, Denise Clarke, Grace Fedorchuk, Jamie Konchak, Jonathan Lewis and Allison Lynch. Tickets are on sale now at oyr.org and artscommons.ca.
