Catalyst Theatre
Catalyst Theatre is a theatre company in Edmonton, Alberta founded in 1977, originally as a social action theatre.[1] In 1997, it was taken over by co-Artistic Directors Jonathan Christenson and Joey Tremblay, who drastically changed both the mandate and the style of the company. Since then Catalyst Theatre has become renowned for creating and touring new work developed under Artistic Director Jonathan Christenson in collaboration with Resident Designer Bretta Gerecke. Since 1997, Catalyst's artistic team has created original productions that have toured the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and the United States.
| Formation | 1977 |
|---|---|
| Type | Theatre group |
| Purpose | Original works |
| Location | |
Artistic director(s) | Jonathan Christenson |
| Website | http://www.catalysttheatre.ca/ |
Catalyst has received 25 Sterling Awards for its productions of The House of Pootsie Plunket, Songs for Sinners, Elephant Wake, Fusion 2001, The Blue Orphan, Carmen Angel, Frankenstein and Nevermore, and Hunchback. In the spring of 2013 Catalyst produced a new work called "The Soul Collector" which ran at the Westbury Theatre. Their newest work, "Fortune Falls" premiered at Alberta Theatre Projects in October 2016, and returned to Edmonton opening on January 18, 2017. Their production of "Vigilante", which premiered at the Citadel Theatre in 2015, went on their largest tour to date in the winter of 2017. Playing at Persephone Theatre in Saskatoon, The Grand Theatre in London (Ontario), and Canada's National Arts Centre in Ottawa.
History
From 1997-2015 Catalyst resided in a converted warehouse on Gateway Boulevard. In 2015, they relocated to the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton's downtown core and became the company in residence at the Maclab Theatre.
Productions
Unless otherwise indicated, all Catalyst productions were directed, written and composed by Jonathan Christenson and designed by Bretta Gerecke.
Fortune Falls (2016)
Co-Written by Jonathan Christenson & Beth Graham. Directed and composed by Jonathan Christenson. Lighting and set design by Kerem Centinel. Costumes by Megan Koshka. Music Production by Matthew Skopyk.
Songs for Sinners & Saints (2016)
A concert review of all previous works. Directed by Jonathan Christenson.
All Our Unworldly Possessions (2015)
Conceived by Jonathan Christenson and Bretta Gerecke. A season-long installation piece.
Vigilante (2013)[2]
Conceived by Jonathan Christenson, this original rock musical follows the story of the Donnelly family, as they escaped their homeland of Ireland to the rough country-side of Ontario.
The Soul Collector (2013)[3]
Conceived by Jonathan Christenson & Bretta Gerecke.
Whisper (2012)[4][5][6]
In 2012, Catalyst produced Whisper in association with Studio Theatre at the University of Alberta, which was performed by the school's BFA Acting class of 2012.
Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe (2008)
Nevermore had an 11-week Off-Broadway run at New World Stages from January 14, 2015 to March 29, 2015. On June 16, 2015, The Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording of Nevermore – The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe soundtrack was released by Broadway Records. This was Catalyst's first soundtrack album.[8][9][10]
Frankenstein (2007)[11]
Based on Mary Shelley's 1813 novel, Frankenstein, adapted by Jonathan Christenson.
Sticky Shoes (2005)
Created by Jonathan Christenson and Bretta Gerecke.
Love + Love (2004)
Created by Jonathan Christenson, Annie Dugan, Bretta Gerecke, and John Ullyatt.
Carmen Angel (2003)
Written by Joey Tremblay, composed by Jonathan Christenson.
Dream Life (2003)
Written by Chris Craddock, composed by Jonathan Christenson.
The Blue Orphan (2001)
Written by Jonathan Christenson and Joey Tremblay, composed by Jonathan Christenson.
The House of Pootsie Plunket (1999)
Written and directed by Joey Tremblay and Jonathan Christenson, composed by Jonathan Christenson.
Songs for Sinners (1998)
Written and directed by Joey Tremblay and Jonathan Christenson, composed by Paul Morgan Donald, Jonathan Christenson, and Joey Tremblay
Abundance (1997)
Written and directed by Joey Tremblay, Jonathan Christenson, and company.
Electra (1996)
Written and directed by Joey Tremblay and Jonathan Christenson.
Elephant Wake (1996)[12]
Written by Joey Tremblay and Jonathan Christenson.
My Perfect Heaven (1996)
Written by Joey Tremblay and Jonathan Christenson, composed by Jonathan Christenson.
Board of directors
Catalyst's Board of Directors consists of:
- Janine Andrews (Chair)
- Jonathan Christenson
- Rena Liviniuk
- Zack Siezmagraff
- Sue Quon
- Darrell Manning
Awards and nominations
| Year | Production | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of | Outstanding Musical | Nominated |
| Nevermore - Laura Krewski | Outstanding Choreographer | Nominated | |
| Nevermore - Bretta Gerecke | Outstanding Costume Design | Nominated | |
| Year | Production | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Fortune Falls - Kerem Çetinel | Outstanding Lighting Design | Nominated |
| 2015 | Elephant Wake - Bretta Gerecke | Outstanding Set Design | Nominated |
| Elephant Wake - Joey Tremblay | Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role | Won | |
| Elephant Wake | Outstanding Production of a Play | Nominated | |
| Vigilante | Timothy Ryan Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical | Nominated | |
| Vigilante - Jonathan Christenson | Outstanding Score of a Musical or Play | Nominated | |
| Vigilante - Beth Kates | Outstanding Lighting Design | Nominated | |
| Vigilante - Jan Alexandra Smith | Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role | Nominated | |
| Vigilante - Jonathan Christenson | Outstanding New Play - Award To Playwright | Nominated | |
| Vigilante - Narda McCarroll | Outstanding Costume Design | Won | |
| Vigilante - Jonathan Christenson & Matthew Skopyk | Outstanding Musical Direction | Nominated | |
| 2013 | The Soul Collector | Timothy Ryan Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical | Nominated |
| The Soul Collector - Jonathan Christenson | Outstanding New Play (award to playwright) | Nominated | |
| The Soul Collector - Bretta Gerecke | Outstanding Set Design | Nominated | |
| The Soul Collector - Bretta Gerecke | Outstanding Costume Design | Nominated | |
| The Soul Collector - Jonathan Christenson | Outstanding Score of a Play or Musical | Nominated | |
| The Soul Collector - Jonathan Christenson | Outstanding Musical Director | Nominated | |
| The Soul Collector - Marie Nychka | Outstanding Choreography or Fight Direction | Nominated | |
| 2011 | |||
| Hunchback | The Timothy Ryan Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical | Nominated | |
| Hunchback - Bretta Gereke | Outstanding Set Design | Nominated | |
| Hunchback - Bretta Gereke | Outstanding Costume Design | Nominated | |
| Hunchback - Bretta Gereke | Outstanding Lighting Design | Nominated | |
| Hunchback - Jonathon Christenson | Outstanding Score of a Play or Musical | Nominated | |
| Hunchback - Don Horsburgh | Outstanding Musical Director | Nominated | |
| 2009 | |||
| Nevermore | Outstanding Production of a Musical | Won | |
| Nevermore - Jonathan Christenson | Outstanding New Play (award to playwright) | Nominated | |
| Nevermore - Jonathan Christenson | Outstanding Director | Won | |
| Nevermore - Bretta Gerecke | Outstanding Set Design | Nominated | |
| Nevermore - Bretta Gerecke | Outstanding Costume Design | Won | |
| Nevermore - Bretta Gerecke | Outstanding Lighting Design | Won | |
| Nevermore - Jonathan Christenson & Wade Staples | Outstanding Score of a Play or Musical | Won | |
| Nevermore - Jonathan Christenson | Outstanding Musical Director | Won | |
| Nevermore - Laura Krewski | Outstanding Choreography or Fight Direction | Won | |
| 2007 | |||
| Frankenstein | Outstanding Production of a Musical | Won | |
| Frankenstein - Jonathan Christenson | Outstanding New Play (award to playwright) | Won | |
| Frankenstein - Nancy McAlear | Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role | Won | |
| Frankenstein - Jonathan Christenson | Outstanding Director | Nominated | |
| Frankenstein - Bretta Gerecke | Outstanding Set Design | Won | |
| Frankenstein - Bretta Gerecke | Outstanding Costume Design | Won | |
| Frankenstein - Bretta Gerecke | Outstanding Lighting Design | Won | |
| Frankenstein - Jonathan Christenson | Outstanding Score of a Play or Musical | Won | |
| Frankenstein - Jonathan Christenson | Outstanding Musical Director | Won | |
| Frankenstein - Laura Krewski | Outstanding Choreography or Fight Direction | Nominated | |
| 2005 | |||
| faithless | Outstanding Production of a Play | Nominated | |
| faithless - Chris Craddock & Steve Pirot | Outstanding New Play (award to playwright) | Nominated | |
| faithless - Steve Pirot | Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role | Nominated | |
| faithless - Marianne Copithorne | Outstanding Director | Nominated | |
| faithless - Bretta Gerecke | Outstanding Lighting Design | Won | |
| faithless - Aaron Macri | Outstanding Score of a Play or Musical | Nominated | |
| 2004 | |||
| Dream Life - Chris Craddock (Azimuth Theatre/Catalyst Theatre) | Outstanding New Play (award to playwright) | Nominated | |
| Dream Life - Bretta Gerecke (Azimuth Theatre/Catalyst Theatre) | Outstanding Lighting Design | Nominated | |
| Dream Life - Jonathan Christenson (Azimuth Theatre/Catalyst Theatre) | Outstanding Score of a Play or Musical | Nominated | |
| 2003 | |||
| The Blue Orphan | Outstanding Production of a Musical | Nominated | |
| The Blue Orphan - Jonathan Christenson & Joey Tremblay | Outstanding New Play (award to playwright) | Won | |
| The Blue Orphan - Beth Graham | Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role | Won | |
| The Blue Orphan - Jonathan Christenson | Outstanding Score of a Play or Musical | Won | |
| 2001 | |||
| Fusion: Let There Be Light | Special Achievement Award: Special Theatrical Event | Won | |
| 1999 | |||
| The House of Pootsie Plunket - Bretta Gerecke | Outstanding Costume Design | Nominated | |
| The House of Pootsie Plunket - Bretta Gerecke | Outstanding Lighting Design | Won | |
| 1998 | |||
| Songs for Sinners | Outstanding Production of a Play | Nominated | |
| Songs for Sinners - Jonathan Christenson & Joey Tremblay | Outstanding New Play (award to playwright) | Nominated | |
| Songs for Sinners - Jonathan Christenson & Joey Tremblay | Outstanding Director | Nominated | |
| Songs for Sinners - Bretta Gerecke | Outstanding Set Design | Nominated | |
| Songs for Sinners - Bretta Gerecke | Outstanding Costume Design | Nominated | |
| Songs for Sinners - Bretta Gerecke | Outstanding Lighting Design | Won | |
| Songs for Sinners - Paul Morgan Donald with Jonathan Christenson & Joey Tremblay | Outstanding Original Composition | Won | |
| 1997 | |||
| My Perfect Heaven | Outstanding Fringe Production | Nominated | |
| My Perfect Heaven - Joey Tremblay | Outstanding Fringe Performance | Nominated | |
| My Perfect Heaven - Jonathan Christenson | Outstanding Fringe Director | Nominated | |
| My Perfect Heaven - Jonathan Christenson & Joey Tremblay | Outstanding Fringe New Work (award to playwright) | Nominated |
| Year | Production | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Fortune Falls | Outstanding Production of a Musical | Nominated |
| Fortune Falls - Kerem Çetinel | Outstanding Lighting Design | Nominated | |
| Fortune Falls - Jonathan Christenson | Outstanding Sound Design or Composition | Nominated | |
| Fortune Falls - Laura Krewski | Outstanding Choreography or Fight Direction | Nominated | |
| 2011 | Nevermore - Bretta Gerecke | Outstanding Lighting Design | Nominated |
| Nevermore - Bretta Gerecke | Outstanding Costume Design | Won | |
| Nevermore - Laura Krewski | Outstanding Choreography or Fight Direction | Nominated | |
| Nevermore - Jonathan Christenson | Outstanding Musical Direction | Nominated | |
| Nevermore - Scott Shpley | Outstanding Performance By an Actor In a Comedy or Musical | Nominated | |
| Nevermore | Outstanding Production of a Musical | Won |
| Year | Production | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Vigilante | SATAwards - Saskatoon | Outstanding Production | Won |
| Vigilante | SATAwards - Saskatoon | Outstanding Direction - Jonathan Christenson | Nominated | |
| Vigilante | SATAwards - Saskatoon | Outstanding Musical Direction - Matthew Skopyk | Nominated | |
| Vigilante | SATAwards - Saskatoon | Outstanding Set Design - Jonathan Christenson | Won | |
| Vigilante | SATAwards - Saskatoon | Outstanding Costume Design - Narda McCarroll | Nominated | |
| Vigilante | SATAwards - Saskatoon | Outstanding Supporting Performance - Eric Morin | Nominated | |
| Vigilante | SATAwards - Saskatoon | Outstanding Leading Performance - Jan Alexandra Smith | Won | |
| Vigilante | SATAwards - Saskatoon | Outstanding Leading Performance - Carson Nattrasss | Nominated | |
| Vigilante | SATAwards - Saskatoon | Outstanding Ensemble | Nominated | |
| 2012 | Nevermore | SATAwards - Saskatoon | Achievement in Production | Won |
| Nevermore - Bretta Gerecke | SATAwards - Saskatoon | Achievement in Set Design | Won | |
| Nevermore - Bretta Gerecke | SATAwards - Saskatoon | Achievement In Costume Design | Won | |
| Nevermore | SATAwards - Saskatoon | Outstanding Ensemble Cast | Nominated | |
| 2010 | Nevermore | DORA Awards | Outstanding Touring Production | Nominated |
| 2002 | The Blue Orphan | Stage Magazine, U.K. | Award for Acting Excellent - Ensemble | Nominated |
| 1999 | Elephant Wake | Alberta Book Award | Best Published Play | Won |
| The House of Pootsie Plunket | Herald Angel Award, U.K. | Best Original Work, Edinburgh, U.K | Won | |
| The House of Pootsie Plunket | Scotsman' Fringe First Award, Edinburg Fringe | Best New Work | Won | |
| The House of Pootsie Plunket - Sian Williams | Stage Magazine, U.K | Award for Acting Excellence | Nominated | |
| The House of Pootsie Plunket | Stage Magazine, Edinburgh Fringe, U.K | Total Theatre Award | Nominated | |
| 1998 | Mayor's Awards | Best Emerging Artist, Bretta Gerecke | Won | |
| 1997 | Elephant Wake | Scotman's Fringe First Award | Best New Work, Fringe, Edinburgh | Won |
| Elephant Wake - Joey Tremblay | Stage Magazine, U.K. | Award for Acting Excellence | Nominated | |
| Elephant Wake | Stage Magazine, U.K. | Total Theatre Award | Nominated |
References
- The Catalyst Theatre Archived 2009-03-14 at the Wayback Machine
- "Vigilante". www.catalysttheatre.ca. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
- "Catalyst Theatre | The Soul Collector". www.catalysttheatre.ca. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
- "Submit to the emotional Whisper". Edmonton Sun. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
- "UofA Studio Theatre: whisper". www.mailoutinteractive.com. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
- "whisper - Vue Weekly". Vue Weekly. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
- "CATALYST THEATRE | Hunchback". www.catalysttheatre.ca. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
- "Nevermore - The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe (Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording) [2 CD set]". Broadway Records. Retrieved 2015-11-09.
- "Cast Recording Will Capture Edgar Allan Poe Musical Nevermore". Playbill. Retrieved 2015-11-09.
- "Nevermore – The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe". Broadway.com. Retrieved 2015-11-09.
- "CATALYST THEATRE | Frankenstein". www.catalysttheatre.ca. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
- "CATALYST THEATRE | Elephant Wake". www.catalysttheatre.ca. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
- "THE ELIZABETH STERLING HAYNES AWARDS". www.sterlingawards.com. Retrieved 2015-11-09.
