Dana and Sarah Joy testing out the “canoe” for Keystone’s new silent film play, “Gold Fever”.
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Gold Fever at the Toronto Festival of Clowns
Keystone Theatre is delighted to return to the Toronto Festival of Clowns with their newest silent film inspired play Gold Fever. After premiering The Last Man on Earth at the festival in 2011, and touring across Canada to rave reviews and sold out houses, Keystone sets its sights on a new work inspired by the Klondike. Set in a barren and brutal landscape where fortunes are made and hearts are broken, Gold Fever explores how the dream of striking it rich brings out the best and the worst in people. Brilliant physical comedy and the rough and tumble spirit of the Klondike combine as we bring unique characters and their stories to life.
Dora Award Winning Keystone Theatre performs in their signature style bringing the aesthetic of silent films to life on stage. The highly talented ensemble dons stylized makeup and costumes all in black, white, and shades of grey. A few strategic title cards appear from time to time, but their stories are primarily communicated through look, gesture, and emotion all supported by an original musical score performed live. Their varied expertise combined with their passion for silent film has allowed them to perfect an entirely unique genre of physical theatre.
Thursday May 30th at 8PM
Saturday June 1st at 6pm
Sunday June 2nd at 4pm
At the The Scotiabank Studio Theatre at Pia Bouman School – 6 Noble St.
Co-Created by The Keystone Theatre Ensemble | Director: Richard Beaune | Producer and Stage Manager: Kimberly Beaune | Musical Director/Composer: David Atkinson | Performers: Dana Fradkin, Phil Rickaby, Sarah Joy Bennett, Stephen La Frenie | Keystone Theatre
Character Keys Workshop
Creating Character Through The Body
with Actor / Director / Instructor / Coach
Richard Beaune, Artistic Director Keystone Theatre
Through his work as an actor and director at a variety of theatres across the country, Richard Beaune has developed a comprehensive method for creating unique and memorable characters. Using the techniques of sound and gesture, body centres and Laban, Richard has helped many actors to explore and refine their approach to character work. This method of character creation is central to the his work with his award winning company Keystone Theatre.
This intensive 3hr workshop will provide participants with the tools and vocabulary required to create or develop an infinite variety of diverse characters.
The Natural Performer
with Actor / Mime / Clown / Teacher / Artist
Stephen LaFrenie, Performer/Co-creator Keystone Theatre
Using a series of physical theatre techniques based in Commedia Dell’Arte and character work, each participant will find their own style of physical expression. Each of us has a unique performing style and character which needs to be developed and expressed in order to understand traditional characters and movement. The objective is not to discard natural rhythms but to use them to accomplish and personalize the traditional.
This intensive 3hr workshop will provide an introduction to and a foundation for understanding traditional Commedia Dell’Arte characters.
Musical Keys (May 19th only)
with Musician / Performer / Teacher / Dora Award Winner
David Atkinson, Music Director Keystone Theatre
Both classes on May 19th will be accompanied by live music. On this day Musicians of all styles are invited to take the classes and Keystone Theatre’s Music Director will share insights on how music can play an integral role in character creation.
Sunday, May 12th & Sunday, May 19th
10am – 1pm – Character Keys
2pm – 5pm – The Natural Performer
One 3hr Class $60, Two $100, Three $150, All Four $200
CAEA Members Receive a 20% Discount
To register or for more info email dana@keystonetheatre.net
Location:May 12 at Toronto Dance Theatre, and May 19 at Fringe Creation Lab
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Did we mention that The Last Man on Earth was nominated for Best Production – English Theatre Award?
A little mini-review
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Shane Adamzak (AKA Zack Adams), says about The Last Man on Earth:
“Beautiful original show. We performed in the style of “Silent Theatreâ€. 4 superb performers, great live soundtrack.”
Montreal Fringe Festival Review Round Up
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A collection of reviews of The Last Man on Earth from the Montreal Fringe Festival:
Indyish.com called the show “truly different, original, and smart. A real treat.”
Bloodyunderrated.net said “Without a single word spoken onstage and featuring only the occasional (and highly effective) bilingual title card, the story of The Last Man on Earth is related through the beautifully over the top acting and excellent live piano accompaniment. The show is delightful from start to finish, consistently sentimental but never cloying. Sarah Joy Bennett, meanwhile, plays the most lovable evil minion you will ever see onstage.”
From The Montreal Gazette: “Charlie Chaplin fans will want to check out The Last Man on Earth, a beautifully crafted mime show of the silent movie kind featuring a doofus hero, a damsel in distress, a bad guy and his wily human-bat servant. The piano player, who does it all by heart, is amazing. This is charming family fare, from Toronto.”
The Last Man on Earth reviewed at Montreal Fringe
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Our first review from the Montreal Fringe Festival is in,from bloodyunderrated.net.
Without a single word spoken onstage and featuring only the occasional (and highly effective) bilingual title card, the story of The Last Man on Earth is related through the beautifully over the top acting and excellent live piano accompaniment. The show is delightful from start to finish, consistently sentimental but never cloying
Read the full review of The Last Man on Earth here
Introducing the Cast of The Last Man on Earth
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Here’s a little video we put together introducing the cast for The Last Man on Earth for the Montreal Fringe Festival.
The Last Man on Earth at Calgary Fringe Festival
The Last Man on Earth will be presented during the Calgary Fringe Festival at The Lantern Community Church, 1401 10 Avenue, SE in Calgary on the following dates and times. Cast: Phil Rickaby as Gormless Joe, Dana Fradkin as Penelope, Stephen LaFrenie as The Devil, Sarah Joy Bennett as Minion, and David Atkinson as The Piano Man.
The Last Man on Earth at Winnipeg Fringe
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In The Last Man on Earth, The Devil and his minion plot to corrupt the last vestige of innocence on earth. Underdog Gormless Joe must play the hero or lose everything, including his one chance at love. Dora Award-Winning Keystone Theatre brings to the stage a thrilling new play in the style of a silent film. Cast: Phil Rickaby as Gormless Joe, Dana Fradkin as Penelope, Stephen LaFrenie as The Devil, Sarah Joy Bennett as Minion, and David Atkinson as The Piano Man.