Theory of Relativity Program

Theory of Relativity Music and Lyrics by Neil Bartram Book by Brian Hill Cast: Chenuse Aitchedji Amara Bell Emma Bleau Conan Bolen Gideon Bosompem Earl Dangwa Augusto de Araujo Lemes Luna Drury Jenn Ethier Gina Friedrich Azalea Goerz Jaina Hancock

Casey Hawkings Gabby Keizer Dayaveer Khangura Amelia Kuntz Carlene Lloyd Al Pagnotta Phoenix Phillips Vian Provins João Raphael Reis Emma Richard Katherine Smadis Sydney Stiles Band: KEYBOARDS- Cathy Derkach GUITAR- Keaton Smith DRUMS - Cooper Ray

We acknowledge that the land where we gather and create is Treaty 6 territory, and a traditional meeting ground and home for many Indigenous peoples, including Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, and Nakota Sioux Peoples.

The Theory of Relativity is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com The Theory of Relativity was developed at the Canadian Music Theatre Project, Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.

Artistic Team Director Darrin Hagen Music Director Cathy Derkach Production Designer & Technical Director Josiah Hiemstra Wardrobe Betty Kolodziej Stage Manager River Buhler ASM Emma Bleau

Sound Mixing Daniel Okebugwu Lighting & Sound Operator Maggie Giles Follow Spot Operator Renae Smith Scenic Painter and Carpenter Amy Powell Poster Design Aaron Parker Publicity and Promotions Rebecca Merkley & CUE Communications Team Box Office Manager Abha Sharma

Musical Numbers 1. PERSON A - Company

12. LIPSTICK - Gideon, Gabby and Company

2. RELATIVITY - Company

13. APPLES AND ORANGES - Jõao, Chenu

3. I’M ALLERGIC TO CATS - Conan

14. ME & RICKY- Jenn, “Ricky Girls” and Company

4. CAKE (PART 1) - Al

15. PROMISE ME THIS - Kat

5. PI (PART 1) - Vian

16. CAKE (PART 3)- Al

6. THE END OF THE LINE - Amelia, Carlene (March 15,17,23)- Gina, Sydney (March 16,22,24)

17. PI (PART 2.5)- Vian

7. GREAT EXPECTATIONS - Phoenix, Chenu and Company 8. RELATIVITY REPRISE #1 - Company 9. FOOTPRINT - Earl 10.CAKE (PART 2) - Al 11. PI (PART 2) - Vian

18. JULIE’S SONG - Zil and "Cats” 19. PI (PART 3) - Vian 20. RELATIVITY REPRISE #2- Company 21. YOU WILL NEVER KNOW - Company 22. PERSON A REPRISE- Company 23. MANICURE - Luna 24. NOTHING WITHOUT YOU - Company

The show runs approximately 90 minutes without intermission.

The Theory of Relativity was originally produced by Goodspeed Musicals, East Haddam, CT. The Musical was presented at the National Alliance for Musical Theatre's Festival of New Musicals in 2015.

Director Notes

The Theory of Relativity is a musical for our time. It was musical director Cathy Derkach who brought it to my attention while we considered which show to choose. I started listening to it and within 2 songs I was seduced by the sophisticated music, the clever structure and its overall message of connectivity that is so urgently needed in these troubled times.

With music and lyrics by Neil Bertram (Wicked, Bedknobs and Broomsticks), and book by Brian Hill (also his collaborator on Broadways’ Story of My Life), The Theory of Relativity was commissioned by The Canadian Musical Theatre Project at Sheridan College in Toronto a decade ago.

Unlike traditional story musicals, The Theory of Relativity arrives in the form of snapshots of young people at pivotal moments in their lives: searching for connection, about to step away from the life they have known, and ready to embark on the profound adventure of adulthood. Threading it all together is philosophical and mathematical connectivity, all delivered in dazzling harmonies and soaring melodies. And the fact that a group of young adults are performing as young adults gives the whole show a remarkable and refreshing authenticity.

As I absorbed this musical, it struck me that the entire experience acts as a love letter from the performers - a wonderful thank-you to the families and friends who brought them to this moment in their lives, and a pause to reflect before they step into the future.

Ultimately, it’s about the human instinct to connect with others, and to celebrate the gift of being alive.

Special Thanks Freewill Shakespeare Festival, Sheeptown Players, Front of House volunteers, Dr. Danielle Lisboa, Glenda Stirling, John Brough, and the set installation crew.

Company Biographies Chenuse Aitchedji (Performer) Chenu, is an eccentric third year student at Concordia. As a theatre major and music minor, Chenu aims to pursue a career on broadway. And has performed in several other musicals in the past. Such as West-Side Story, Grease, and most recently Concordia's production Tuck Everlasting. Outside of musicals, Chenu has performed in many comedic pieces such as David Ives, The Universal Language and renditions of Monty Python's Flying Circus. Being an international student, Chenu immediately struck a chord with many of the themes of home-sickness and self discovery present in the play. And with a light step and an itch to perform Chenu brings a fun and powerful energy with him onto the stage in songs like "Great Expectations" and "Apples and Oranges" Performing in the two duets has granted Chenu the chance to share the unique experience of vocalizing the struggles of a university student. And he couldn't be happier about it.

Amara Bell (Performer) Amara is a fourth-year student majoring in Drama and minoring in Early Childhood Education at Concordia. She is very excited to be a part of the production of The Theory of Relativity. This is her fourth performance on the Concordia stage and feels honoured to be part of such a talented cast and crew. Previously, Amara has played Wardrobe in Beauty and the Beast, Narrator in Cinderella, Mersister/Maid/Captain in The Little Mermaid, Rosie in Mamma Mia, Elder in Chrysothemis and Goods in Everyman. Enjoy the show!!!!

Emma Bleau (ASM & Performer) Emma is a 2nd year psychology major, with an interest in acting. This is her second performance at CUE, her first being Chrysothemis. This is her first show in the backstage crew with CUE. She is very excited to be learning about backstage work. She is also a part of the ensemble. Emma has been a part of many musicals and straight plays. She is very excited for the show and to work with an amazing team!

Conan Bolan (Performer) Conan is in his final year at Concordia as a Drama Major and education minor. This is his first involvement in a Concordia production, and it is no understatement to say that the process of this musical has been not only enjoyable but also eye opening. If you come to find something you enjoy, take a moment to take in the whole experience, you will not regret it.

Gideon Bosompem (Performer) Gideon is a first-year psychology student and is thrilled to be a part of the Theory of Relativity production. He plays the role of Person A, marking his second performance on the Concordia stage, after playing Maurice in the Fall production of Deep Dive. He has had an exciting and elevating experience being in this production alongside such a wonderful cast and crew. Enjoy the show! And thank you so much!

River Buhler (Stage Manager) River is in their final semester of a Music & Drama double concentration at Concordia and is very excited to be stage managing The Theory of Relativity for this very loving cast & crew! This is their fifth show in the backstage crew with CUE, including Deep Dive last term, Everyman, and Chrysothemis. They have previously been a pit band cellist in The Addams Family, as well as other on-stage roles. They hope you find something in our music that touches you, maybe something you weren’t expecting to relate to, yet find yourself thinking about days from now. Thank you for supporting our theatre, and enjoy the show!!

Earl Dangwa (Performer) Earl is a first year Open Studies student with a penchant for writing and creating stories… in his head. Theory of Relativity will be his first live stage performance in the last five years, and he is just glad to be working with passionate and talented people once again. He has acted in various plays such as M*A*S*H, The Village of Idiots, Addams Family, The Triangle Factory Fire Project, and filmed a production of Razia’s Shadow during covid. Thank you for the support! Enjoy the show.

Augusto de Araujo Lemes (Performer)

Augusto is an exchange student from Brazil and is very excited to be in Canada to study.

He started acting at a very young age and today he is studying Marketing and he’s a Marketing Manager in Brazil. Augusto feels excited to be doing this show, and he would be honored to share it with all of you.

Cathy Derkach (Musical Director) Cathy is new to CUE and she is thrilled to be working with such an amazing and talented creative team both faculty and students! What a joy to be able to now share our work and remind us all that connectivity is the centre of music and life. Cathy has been very blessed to be a Theatre Artist for over 35 years and works as an actor, singer, multiinstrumentalist, Musical Director and Educator. Born and raised in Edmonton she graduated from the Grant MacEwan Theatre Arts program in 1986 and immediately became a co-founder of The Leave It To Jane Theatre Company under the direction of Tim Ryan. She then went on to perform with many companies including The Citadel, Theatre Network, Workshop West Theatre, Concrete Theatre, Mayfield Dinner Theatre, Northern Light Theatre, Edmonton Opera, Plain Jane Theatre, Shadow Theatre, Teatro La Quindicina (in many plays written and directed by Stewart Lemoine) as well as Canadian Stage (Toronto), Lunchbox Theatre (Calgary) and Fringe Theatre Festivals in Edmonton, Vancouver, Victoria, Winnipeg, Montreal and Edinburgh. She has won Sterling awards for Musical Direction and as Lead Actress. She was also a regular cast member of the CBC’s Irrelevant Show. Cathy began Music Directing 15 years ago and has MD’d over 25 musicals. Selected credits include: Anything Goes, Into The Woods,Company, The Light In The Piazza, Promises Promises, Little Shop Of Horrors, The Drowsy Chaperone, City Of Angels, Nice Work if You Can Get It and I Love You You’re Perfect Now Change. Cathy works as a Sessional Instructor/Vocal Coach/ Accompanist in the Musical Theatre Performing Arts program at MacEwan University. She is also a proud mom of two amazing young women. Upcoming shows: The Occulist’s Holiday at The Varscona Theatre (as an actor). Enjoy the show!

Luna Drury (Performer) Luna is a first-year music student majoring in voice and minoring in English. They are thrilled to be back in the world of performing through The Theory of Relativity. This is their first production with Concordia, but they have been in a few shows prior including but not limited to Legally Blonde Jr., The Enchanted Bookshop, and One Enchanted Evening Gala with the Enchanted Theatre in Fort Saskatchewan. They are very excited to perform and be working with the lovely group that is putting this musical together! Enjoy!

Jenn Ethier (Performer) Jenn is in her final year as a drama student at Concordia. She is very excited to be a part of the production! Previously, Jenn has been part of over a dozen shows including Donna in Mamma Mia, Rusty in Footloose and Everyman in Concordia’s production of Everyman. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Gina Friedrich (Performer) Gina is in her final year of a music degree, where she is preparing for her upcoming composition recital. This is her second degree at Concordia, with the first being a BSc in Biology. Predominantly a choral singer, she also sang in the opera Il Tabarro with Pop Goes the Opera this summer. The Theory of Relativity is her first show at Concordia, and she has thoroughly enjoyed the process of bringing these characters to life. She hopes you enjoy the crunchy harmonies!

Maggie Giles (Board Operator) Maggie is a third year English Major, Drama Minor at Concordia. She is very excited to be a part of the great cast and crew of The Theory of Relativity. This will be the second show Maggie has ever been a part of, the first was Deep Dive. Enjoy the show!

Azalea Goerz (Performer) Azalea is a third year Drama student here at Concordia. They are thrilled to be part of The Theory of Relativity as musical theatre has a special place in their heart. This is their fourth time being in a CUE production having been in the ensemble in Tuck Everlasting, Cassandra in Chrysothemis, and assistant director and Gran in Deep Dive. Previously, Azalea has been in several junior musicals as various onstage roles at their high school including Singing in the Rain, The Wizard of Oz, Cinderella, and All Shook Up. They are so excited to share the hard work and dedication put into this production by all of the talented people in the cast and crew. Thank you for supporting theatre at CUE and enjoy the show!

Darrin Hagen (Director) Darrin is an award-winning playwright, author, composer, performer, and Queer historian, and is also the artistic director of Guys In Disguise. He has created over 40 plays, and dozens of published essays and articles, many dealing with the history of sexual minorities in Alberta. Plays by Darrin include his award-winning 1996 debut, The Edmonton Queen (published by Brindle & Glass Publishing, now in its fourth printing), and Tornado Magnet: A Salute to Trailer Court Women. More plays include the Sterlingnominated Buddy, Witch Hunt at the Strand, The Empress & The Prime Minister, Metronome, 10 Funerals, PileDriver! as well as the international hits BitchSlap!, and With Bells On which was adapted into a musical by New York City’s Live & In Color. Plays cowritten with collaborator Trevor Schmidt include Prepare for the Worst, Don’t Frown at the Gown, Puck Bunnies, the multiple award-nominated musical Klondykes, and the award-winning Flora & Fawna’s Field Trip. He has recently completed writing and directing the full-length documentary Pride vs. Prejudice: The Delwin Vriend Story (to be released in Spring of 2024). He has created and directed the award-nominated music video for Only Here on Loan by King of Foxes, the dance film Shadow of a Doubt with Gerry Morita, the silent experimental short Presence in the Third Space, and the comedy short The Foxy Lady Disco Dancing Lounge Rhinestone Turkey Baster Relay Marathon. He also hosted the web series Queer Places, produced by TelusOptik. Darrin is the writer / host / director of Edmonton’s Queer History podcast From Here To Queer, and his many essays on Edmonton’s Queer history can be found online at Edmonton City As Museum Project. He has received 7 Sterling awards for his work in Edmonton theatre, and the AMPIA for Best Male Host for the series Who’s On Top? In 2005 he was named one of 100 Edmontonians of the Century. In 2013 he was inducted into the Q Hall of Fame Canada for his contribution to Queer Canadian culture, and was named by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts as one of the 25 Most Influential Alberta artists in the last 25 years.

Jaina Hancock (Performer) Jaina is a first-year drama major, with a special interest in acting and film. This is her second time performing in The Theory of Relativity. Her other credits include Changing Minds, Almost Maine, and various dance shows. She is thrilled to be a part of this cast as her first show at Concordia.

Casey Hawkings (Performer) Casey is a 2nd year drama and classics student here at CUE. This is her second production here having been in Chrysothemis last year as well as shows outside of the school such as Alice Through the Looking Glass, Mmmbeth, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Wizard of Oz and many more. She can’t wait for you to see the show and hopes you enjoy it.

Josiah Hiemstra (Production Designer and Technical Director) Josiah is the Technical Director for the Al and Trish Huehn Theatre and an instructor for the Concordia Drama Department. He has a BFA in Technical Production from the U of A and is a member of IATSE, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. His credits include, Head Electrician for Freewill Shakespeare in the Park, Venue Technician for The Edmonton International Fringe Festival and the St. Albert Children’s Festival. Josiah has done many school tours with Concrete Theatre, a company producing theatre for young audiences. Josiah currently works as production designer and technical director for all of the mainstage productions at Concordia including: The Secret Garden, Dido and Aeneas, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, Urinetown, Waxworks, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Tuck Everlasting, Chrysothemis, Everyman and in Fall 2023, Deep Dive. Josiah also designed lights for All Shook Up at Mayfield Dinner Theatre and Bluebirds with Wishbone Theatre. Recently Josiah has been researching the use of VR technology in theatre design. Josiah continues to pursue his professional career while working with students at CUE introducing them to the massive world of technical theatre and design.

Gabriella Keizer (Performer) Gabby is in her final year and will be graduating this spring. This will be her third, and last production at Concordia. She was previously in the CUE 100 Cabaret, and Tuck Everlasting. She hopes to continue her journey in the acting world and to make her name known in the writing scene. Please enjoy the show. <3

Dayaveer Khangura (Performer) Dayaveer is a final year Drama student at Concordia. He is very excited to be a part of the production of The Theory of Relativity. This is his second performance on the Concordia stage after the Fall production of Deep Dive, and he feels honored to be part of such a talented cast and crew. Previously, Dayaveer has been part of shows like Julius and Caesar, My mother earth, Dill hai hindustani, Love at first site and Deep Dive. Being an artist is the dream of Dayaveer. I hope you will enjoy the show.

Betty Kolodziej (Costumes) Betty became involved with costumes while getting her voice opera degree from University of Alberta. Since then she has worked as costume co-ordinator, builder and/or designer for numerous theatre groups including Concrete Theatre, Concordia University, Keyano Theatre, Red Deer College and Beaumont High School. She was the costumer for Kompany!

Dance and Edmonton Musical Theatre for over 20 years and has been the in-house costumer for Opera Nuova for 22 years. Besides her costuming work she has been a member of the Edmonton Opera chorus for over 30 years.

Amelia Kuntz (Performer) Amelia is in her final year as a drama major and English Minor at Concordia University. She loves being a part of theatre, both behind the stage and on it.

This is the 6th show she has been a part of at Concordia. You may have seen her here in Chrysothemis or in some of her favourite shows she has participated in elsewhere including; Bring It On, Chicago, and Diary of Anne Frank. She has loved getting to know the cast and crew and she hopes you enjoy the show as much as she does!

Carlene Lloyd (Performer) Carlene is a third-year student at Concordia who is majoring in drama and minoring in English. She is playing the character Jenny as well as an ensemble role. Carlene went to high school at Thorhild Central School and has had an interest in drama and performing arts since grade seven. This is her third show at Concordia, her first being Tuck Everlasting and second being Chrysothemis. After university, she is hoping to become a voice actor, but if that doesn’t work out, she wants to become a theatre critic. Some of her favourite moments from rehearsing The Theory of Relativity are learning the music and hearing the harmonies of each song come together, as well as creating inside jokes with the other cast members.

Daniel Okebugwu (Sound Operator) Daniel serves as the Audio Technician for Concordia University Theatre's production of Theory of Relativity. With a fervent dedication to sound engineering and a wealth of technical expertise, Daniel meticulously ensures that every sound resonates with clarity and precision on stage. Graduating from Concordia University's esteemed theatre program, Daniel brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and practical experience to his role, elevating the production to new heights. With unwavering professionalism and a commitment to excellence, Daniel Okebugwu plays a crucial role in bringing the world of Theory of Relativity to life for audiences at Concordia University Theatre

Al Pagnotta (performer) Al is a first-year English student at Concordia. They are incredibly excited to be participating in this production of The Theory of Relativity. This is their second production with Concordia, and they are honored to be performing and working with such amazing people. Prior to this, Al has performed in Deep Dive at CUE, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and a number of other amazing shows.

Phoenix Phillips (Performer) Phoenix is a third year music student with a special interest in voice and composition.

This is her first show at Concordia but definitely not her first rodeo. She has also been in the shows Bring it on, Pirate Queen, 9 to 5, and Newsies. On top of performing Phoenix also has participated in tech for every show. She is excited to work with such a fabulous team.

Vian Provins (Performer) Vian is a first-year student at Concordia and is very excited to be in her first college level production. She started acting at a very young age and fell in love with theatre through shows such as Honk! Jr, Baba Yaga, Drop Dead, Juliet!, Changing Minds and The Theory of Relativity. Vian feels beyond lucky to be doing this show for a second time as it is very close to her heart, and she is thrilled to share it with all of you.

Enjoy the show!!!

João Raphael Reis (Performer) João is an Exchange student at Concordia. He is very delighted and fulfilled to be playing in the production of The Theory of Relativity! This is not only his second performance on the Concordia stage, but also his second ever performance in Canada! Last semester he was part of the cast of Deep Dive, a fantastic and magic show! João has previously been a part of many new shows in Brazil, such as O Grande Abismo das Pequenas Coisas and Jorge, and has also worked on adaptations of plays such as Antigone and The Exception and the Rule. João has also worked with Devised Theatre alongside the Sao Paulo-based company Pegadas e Ecos and with techniques of the Theatre of the Oppressed in different performances. He is very excited to be in The Theory of Relativity. Bom espetáculo! Enjoy the show!

Emma Richard (Performer) Emma is a Second-year drama major, and education minor at Concordia University. Emma is from Bonnyville, Alberta and found her passion of acting during her early years of high school where she performed in shows like Mama Mia, The Drowsy Chaperone, 50 Historically Bad Dates, Everyman, and The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon. In those high school years Emma found her home both on stage, and backstage so she decided to come to Concordia to get her Bachelor of Arts with the hopes of later becoming a high school drama teacher herself.

Katherine Smadis (Performer) Katherine is thrilled to be in her first production here at Concordia University.

Katherine is a second-year drama major, minoring in Education. She has been in numerous school productions such as Annie, Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella and Wonderful Town the Musical. Katherine has also co-directed St. Andre Bassets production of Clue, and volunteers her artistic talents in the Catholic schools Theatre Programs in Fort Saskatchewan. She feels honored to be a part of such an amazing team and hopes you enjoy the show!

Renae Smith (Follow Spot Operator) Renae is a first-year drama major at Concordia and is excited to be working on The Theory of Relativity as a follow spot operator. Renae is used to being on stage in plays like Legally Blonde the Musical and Matilda the musical in high school. but recently in her drama class she got the opportunity to operate the lights for some projects. This led Renae to explore more of the tech side of theatre. She is excited to be the follow spot operator. Thank you for coming to The Theory of Relativity and enjoy the show!

Sydney Stiles (Performer) Sydney is a third-year drama minor at Concordia. She is excited to be part of The Theory of Relativity and help to tell the heartfelt and relatable stories of human connection within the show. She has previously acted in the Concordia production of Chrysothemis as Electra and has been on the tech team for Tuck Everlasting and Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time. Sydney finds great joy through theatre and is eager to share this joy with each member of the audience. Thank you for watching and enjoy the show!

Upcoming Fine Arts Events

Music Creativity and the Mind Concordia’s capstone music class (Music 490) welcomes children, students and adults to participate in a unique interactive workshop involving instrument creation and improvisation. There will be two separate workshops offered on April 13th: 1:30 to 2:30 PM and 3 to 4 PM in the Robert Tegler Student Centre. Learn about how music affects the brain and body, what sparks creativity, and why it is important to the development of early childhood education.