"When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean - neither more nor less." -- Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking-Glass.
Have I mentioned before that I regularly have the privilege of meeting some of the most interesting and colourful characters in my role at Studio 2880?
I believe I have, particularly in the context of being neighbours with CFIS FM community radio. But this past Friday, I had a surprise visit by Humpty Dumpty. Yes, that's right, Humpty Dumpty. And the King of Hearts. And a Caterpillar.
Sound unusual?
Well, think Alice in Wonderland, the current production on stage at Theatre Northwest. The person I am actually referring to is one Roy Lewis, an actor of stage and film, who resides in "a house the size of a postage stamp" in Stratford, Ont.
Roy is a boisterous and extremely charismatic individual in real life, so it is no wonder he was cast as a triple threat in Jack Grinhaus's production.
While at my office, Roy and I had quite the raucous conversation about Toronto, Prince George and live performing arts.
Roy was born in England and for the past twelve years has made the prestigious Stratford Festival his home. With a large voice that sounds like it could comfortably be at home on an operatic stage, Roy has now appeared twice here in Prince George, including performing the role of Jacob Marley in last season's Theatre Northwest production of A Christmas Carol.
Now here for Alice, I asked Roy why he thinks the work is so popular with both adult and youth audiences.
He mentioned how the play is both complex and familiar and is layered enough so that one can see or hear something different each time encountered. Yet, at the same time it is familiar, which gives the director and cast an opportunity to stretch it and make it different.
"You're not out on a ledge," Roy said, which I found somewhat ironic considering much of the action in this current production does, in fact, happen on the edges of a fascinatingly sloped and forced-perspective stage design.
Roy said that he really likes Prince George. He thinks of it is as "a city in a forest." I pointed out to him how true this is, at least for me, as when I am downtown, I perpetually notice a wall of trees in every direction.
I asked Roy why he enjoys his stints with Theatre Northwest and he referenced the intimacy of both the theatrical space and the familiarly with audience members. He even gets recognized around town and mentioned a recent incident when a young person approached him in a coffee shop and asked "Aren't you Humpty Dumpty?"
Only the consummate professional could not be offended by being asked that question by a stranger.
I was particularly impressed to hear that Roy feels that being involved with Theatre Northwest at this time with Jack Grinhaus is like being invited to join someone's journey to build something unique. I personally feel like all of us in the arts and culture sector in Prince George are on this journey. At least it sure feels like we are in a period of growth and positive change in this city.
We also chatted about the uniqueness of live performing art - especially since he is involved in a theatrical work that is now quite familiar to audiences because of the 2010 Tim Burton blockbuster film.
Roy said, "the importance of seeing a live performance is that it is never the same. The show you see tonight is not the same as the night before. The audience plays a role in what the cast is doing on stage. In a way, you wait for the audience, as the audience will tell you how the show should unfold."
I can't help but agree. In a live setting, there is always more to give. And the benefactors of those little extras are the audience members. After all, isn't that why we go to see live performances?
And then there's the return on investment. My recent trips to a movie generally cost me around $30, including tickets and snacks. This is the same price I pay to go see live theatre here in Prince George, where I will have a very distinct and unique experience, with memories from the thought-provoking stage action that I will take with me much longer than those from the latest flick out of Hollywood.
And I must add that the snacks available at intermission at Theatre Northwest are better and cost much less than at the cinema.
The good news is that Theatre Northwest has added two additional shows to the Alice in Wonderland run, both tonight and Friday night. Tickets are available by visiting theatrenorthwest.com or Books & Company.
So grab a friend or a loved one and check out Roy and his fellow cast members in this live theatrical experience.
And like a certain rabbit, you won't want to be late for this very important date!
