HITTING TOWN

A witty, unsettling urban jungle thriller from London pop bard Stephen Poliakoff who, early in his career, wrote like a latter day illegitimate heir to Noel Coward.

Holly Dennison's performance as a film noir style femme fatale was alluring, and Patrick Tierney and Paulette Philips contributed slyly adept support.

The surround span of the setting consisted of steel scaffolding, platforms and ramps, and lots of plastic furniture. Neon signage was also effectively deployed, as was Muzac.

Site-specific production at the Bedford Studio

(part 1 of a Stephen Poliakoff Festival)

“Michaelson has a knack for finding female performers (like Holly Dennison) who can bring an almost overwhelming intensity to their portrayals...He has not only directed with his usual aplomb but also designed his first set. The irony of performing, in a TV studio, a work that deals with modern youth culture infiltrated by the media is not lost on him. He has “exploited” the space and placed aspects of the stage all around the audience – It's all effective, as is the soundscape of rock music that accompanies much of the action.”
Jon Kaplan, NOW magazine

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Direction and set design by JM

Lighting: Stephen Plotkin

Sound: Adam Henderson

Costumes: Lana Tetlock

Stage Manager: Stephen LaFrenie

Associate Producer: Peter Erlich

Photography: Joanne Hovey

CAST

Holly Dennison

Patrick Tierney

Paulette Philips

AMERICAN DAYS

Canadian Premiere - at The Poor Alex Theatre

(part 2 of a Stephen Poliakoff Festival)

What price selling out? Poliakoff's satiric take on modern media saturated culture. Aspiring young singers endure a grueling round of auditions for a shot at being the next shiny new pop star – overseen by a Warhol like indie label impressario, played with off the wall innuendo, hauteur and zest by Andrew Paterson. Oh, and 'Simon Nine' brought some real punk band street cred. Variety magazine said it best: “Not a play to be staged at a record industry convention.”

“American Days has its rough edges, but whether you're drawn by the music, the theatre or a combination of the two, the work is an unusual and strangely likeable part of the Toronto scene.”
Jon Kaplan, NOW magazine

“Brave bold original casting - Wonderfully clever economical staging.“
Sheila Wawanash. Shades magazine

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Directed by JM

Set Design: Roderick Mayne

Lighting: Stephen Plotkin

Sound: Hatem Habashi

Costumes: Audrey Van der Stoop

Stage manager: Deborah Perry

Executive Producer: Paul Farrelly

Photography: Joanne Hovey

Graphic Design : David Wilson

CAST

Andrew Paterson

Simon Nine

Emma Hewitt

Siobhan McCormick

Michael Devine

David Perlman

Deborah Perry