NOVEMBER 20, 2020 - JANUARY 2, 2021 - A HOLIDAY MUSICAL! - Occasional Notes ...
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A HOLIDAY MUSICAL!
NOVEMBER 20, 2020 - JANUARY 2, 2021
occasional notes productions
MESSAGES CREATOR NOTES
A MESSAGE FROM BARB MITCHELL
The Candy Cane Kids concept was written by the kid in me and the memories of my childhood at
Shari Wattling Christmas. It was never about gifts and presents, when I was a kid, it was more. It was the taste of the
sugar cookies that my mom made. It was the smell of the lopsided Christmas tree that was trying
to hold up all the lights, tinsel, angel hair and popsicle stick ornaments - a complete fire hazard. It
Hello and welcome to the first production in Lunchbox Theatre’s 45th season, THE PINK UNICORN.
was dancing with cousins while my Grandma played Winter Wonderland on the old untuned farm
This is my first season as Artistic Producer, and I am so excited to begin sharing the wonderful line-up
piano. The feelings surrounding Christmas have now sadly changed. Families are stressed to find the
of plays that are in store. There will be comedy, drama, and music – sometimes all at once. We will look
perfect gift on the “list” (something that was NOT talked about in the 60’s), and trying to find the time
at our lives today, and times past, and journey to places that are both familiar and unknown. But that’s
for Christmas - to relax and enjoy the simple things. Can’t we revisit this way of celebrating? Candy
what I have always loved about Lunchbox – that in the span of a single hour so much can happen!
Cane Kids might be a start. It is about music, singing, dancing, and cookies. The music is sentimental,
traditional, lively and fun. It is pushing back the coffee table to make room for dancing, popping corn
I first read Elise Forier Edie’s THE PINK UNICORN a few months ago and it has been with me ever since.
and having fun in the living room with family.
On one hand, it is about faith, diversity, gender and sexual identity. Yet at its core, this play is about a
woman on a very personal journey about change, sharing her fears and prejudices as she stumbles
This year during COVID, our live Candy Cane Kids show featured on Calgary stages came to a
along her way. Without a map, she leads from her heart onto a path outside her comfort zone, and
screeching halt. What happens when live shows are cancelled and everything is on hold? Well, you
takes us along with uncommon candor. She isn’t perfect, but she reminds us that we are all works in
dig deep and get creative. You call your dedicated, talented business partner Laurie Parente on the
progress. And that’s what connects us and makes us human.
phone and say “we should produce a movie!” She says “SURE!...it’s August...but SURE!” Then, you call
your talented musician brother Bobby Stagg and say “you and I should write and produce all our
As we embark on this season, I also want to say thank you to our audiences, donors and corporate
own Christmas music” and he says “SURE!” Then, you contact the talented singers, dancers, directors,
sponsors for your support. It’s because of you we are able to bring these stories and artists to our stage.
producers, film crew, technicians, set designers, costumers - people who we know and love - and ask
them if they would like to be apart of our first venture in the movie world. They all say “SURE”! And of
I hope you will join us throughout the season as we celebrate 45 years of Lunchbox Theatre together.
course our friend JP Thibodeau generously offers StoryBook Theatre‘s stage, lighting, and sound to
support our project in a Alberta Health and Safety (AHS) approved space.
Three months from beginning to end, we have the Candy Cane Kids - A Holiday Musical as a video-
on-demand experience! Lots of nerves, sweat, late nights and planning, but we did it. Using Zoom,
recorded choreography sessions, millions of emails, safe trips to Eastern Canada, private recording
sessions, lip syncing, gobs of hand sanitizers, masks, a whole lot of positivity. You name it, we did it. We
created a magical show that we are SO proud of for families to safely enjoy this holiday season
Shari Wattling
Artistic Producer
CAST & CREATIVE TEAM
Barb Mitchell.........................Screenwriter/Composer/ Quinn Lazenby..................................Ensemble/Dancer
Lyricist/Producer/Costume Bri Zubick..............................................Ensemble/Dancer
Creator/Music Director Evelyn Frechette............................Ensemble/Dancer
Laurie Parente .................... Business Director/Stage Jocelyn Mah........................................Ensemble/Dancer
Manager/Producer/ Financial Robyn Harris.......................................Ensemble/Dancer
Producer/ Production Manager/ Sas Harris...............................................................Announcer
Production Coordinator Skylar Desjardins............................................Set Design/
Bobby Stagg........................................Composer/Lyricist/ Lighting Director
Arranger/Performer/ Catherine Handford...................Costume Designer
Liaison to Music Production Sandy Stewart................................Costume Designer
Team/Background Vocals / Amanda Tozser...........................................Makeup Artist
Music Director Adam Lalonde.......................................Sound Engineer
Karen Cork...................................................................... Director Jason Lang.......................Guitar/Background Vocals
Griffin Cork.............................................Assistant Director Rick Haworth...................................................Pedal Steele
Kayla MacKenzie........................Choreographer/Lead Steve Casey......................................................Film Director/
Performer CameraCrew Lead/
Jeff Follis.......................................................Lead Performer Community Productions
Keirstyn Secord.......................................Lead Performer Tyler Hamende.........................................Second Shooter
2Photography Ochoa Photography 3
BIOGRAPHIES BIOGRAPHIES
BARB MITCHELL His first solo album was titled “Mean Business” Professional Dance Training Program. Her warriors from around the world - and is the
Screenwriter/Composer/ and he is the composer of the music for the plethora of experience in the fine arts combines creator and host of “The Brave Space” (@
Lyricist/Producer/ popular Canadian musical “ZooStreet”. He studio recording, creative directing, production, thebravespacepodcast) - a podcast embracing
Costume Creator/Music produced the music for the musical “If The Shoe modelling, film, commercial(s), voiceover work, the brave in vulnerability by having unfiltered
Director Fits” and co-wrote and produced the music for songwriting, dance, voice and performance(s) conversations about all things related to mental
the holiday musical “Candy Cane Kids”. both concert and theatre. Her most recent health, healing, and growth. Presently, Kiki is in
Barb Mitchell studied at performance credits include: Broadway Dreams the process of publishing a children’s book to
University of Alberta, Mount (Calgary/New York City) and The Hunchback empower youth on their self-discovery journeys.
Royal University and is an of Notre Dame, (Cappuccino Musical Theatre); Kiki sends her endless love and gratitude to her
Associate teacher with the GRIFFIN CORK Kayla was 2020’s C.A.T. Award recipient for Best family, friends, and the Queen (her “dogter”
Royal Conservatory of Canada and Conservatory Assistant Director Leading Actress in a Musical for her role as Harls Barkley/Harley) for their unwavering
Canada. She is and experienced professional Esmeralda. You can also find Kayla MacKenzie support and special thanks to the cast and crew
Griffin Cork is an Alberta-
musician skilled in piano, composition, string on iTunes and Spotify to listen to her first EP, who made this movie a magical reality. Be kind,
arrangements, vocal arrangements, playwright, based actor and producer Human, that she released in 2018. Follow Kayla spread joy, and go bravely!
performing arts, creative direction, and corporate from Calgary who has been for upcoming shows and news on Instagram @
event. She is President/Founder of ZooStreet working professionally in kaylamackenzie
Inc. and Occasional Notes Productions. the film, television, voice
and theatre industries QUINN LAZENBY
for over 13 years. Recent acting credits include Ensemble/Dancer
Heartland (CBC), Father of Nations (Thousand JEFF FOLLIS
Quinn Lazenby is thrilled
LAURIE PARENTE Year Films/WarChest Films), Off The Edge Lead Performer
to be part of Candy Cane
Business Director/Stage (WILD TV), Abracadavers, Hug-O-Gram (TELUS Jeff Follis is so excited to be Christmas. His recent TV
Manager/Producer/ Optik TV), Studio 315 (Shaw TV) and John, 316 working yet again with the credits include Soon All
Financial Producer/ (Hot Shots Films). Griffin has a few directing Team of Occasional Notes. Your Memories Will Be
Production Manager/ credits under his belt, including the co-direction Under several guises, Jeff With Me, lead dancer in
of the recent TELUS Optik series Summer’s has performed throughout Evil Times Are Behind,
Production Coordinator
Monster. He is a Producer with Numera Films western Canada. Since and Venture Communication’s Bottle Depot
Laurie Parente has a and Thousand Year Films, and in addition to finishing his studies at Commercial. Quinn hopes this delightful short
degree from the University various features and short films, he was also Sheridan he has toured with the acapella film helps spread joy over the holidays.
of Calgary and studied with the Royal an Executive Producer on the Abracadavers group, Hoja as a lead vocalist. He has worked
Conservatory of Music. Laurie has worked as a series in co-production with The Calgary Film periodically with Occasional Notes on several
church musician and as an accompanist. Laurie Centre, The Nation Screen Institute, TELUS, and projects including the live version of Candy
enjoys contemporary music and is deeply STORYHIVE. Abracadavers took home Best Web Cane Kids. He’d like to thank Barb And Laurie for
influenced by her classical roots. Series at the 2019 AMPIA Rosie Awards. Griffin their support and the constant supply of candy.
was recently named one of the Lieutenant Best wishes.
Laurie is the practical side of Occasional Notes
and loves to make sure that all of the details of
Governor of Alberta’s Emerging Artists in 2020.
He was named one of the Alberta Foundation
JOIN US ON
an event are presented to perfection. for the Arts’ Top 25 Young Artists in 2017, and
an Arts Champion of Calgary in 2012. Griffin has KEIRSTYN SECORD
SOCIAL MEDIA
a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Lead Performer
Alberta
BOBBY STAGG Kiki Secord is thrilled to
/occasionalnotes
Composer/Lyricist/ be back performing with
Arranger/Performer/ Occasional Notes and
Liaison to Music KAYLA MACKENZIE reprising her role as “Cookie”
Choreographer/Lead in the heart-warming show @occasionalnotes
Production Team/
Performer that is Candy Cane Kids. A
Background Vocals /Music seasoned performing artist,
Director Kayla MacKenzie is an Kiki is incredibly passionate about creating @occasionalnotes
artistic chameleon who magical moments on both screen and stage for
Originally from Edmonton,
has been training in various audiences of all ages. Her affinity for storytelling
but a long time Quebec resident, Bobby
disciplines of the Fine Arts started at a young age and she has spent the
Stagg is a musician, songwriter, producer, and
across North America. past two decades honing her craft in theatre, TAG YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA
educator. A graduate of McGill and Grant
Her experience choreographing started at radio, and film. POSTS WITH
MacEwan Universities, Bobby has recorded and
the University of Calgary where she studied
toured with a veritable who’s who of Canadian
music and dance and transferred into years When she is not performing, Kiki spends her time
and Quebec musical artists over the past 30 plus #OCCASIONALNOTES
of contract work with various projects/studios working to #SmashTheStigma surrounding
years, and has taught high school music for the
across Canada. Currently, Kayla is teaching mental health through her writing and
past 22 years.
the Musical Theatre program at Absolute advocacy work. She is the founder of “Dancing #CANDYCANEKIDS2020
Dance Inc. and Diva Hip Hop at Decidedly Jazz With Darkness” (@dancingwithdarknessofficial)
Danceworks, where she also trains in DJD’s - an online community of mental health
4 5
BIOGRAPHIES
BIOGRAPHIES BIOGRAPHIES
BRI ZUBICK ROBYN HARRIS SANDY STEWART JASON LANG
Ensemble/Dancer Ensemble/Dancer Costume Designer Lang Guitar/Background
Performing has always Robyn Harris has been Passionate creators who Vocals
been Bri Zubick’s dream! dancing for the last 22 revel in the tradition of Jason Lang has had an
She grew up dancing years in Calgary, Vancouver, design are invited to share illustrious career writing,
at a competitive studio Chicago, and Australia. in the joy of Sandy Stewart’s recording and touring all
in BC where her love of She has been a part of sewing classes. Sandy offers over the world with many
performing pushed her the Professional Training individualized instruction artists including Corey
to pursue a professional Program at Decidedly Jazz for students with all levels Hart, Roch Voisine, Isabelle Boulay, Amanda
a career in dance. She has performed in Los Danceworks for the past three seasons, and of experience. She empowers you to express Marshall, France D’Amour, Veronic DiCaire,
Angeles, Toronto, New York, and now Calgary! is thrilled to make her debut with occasional your creativity at her fully-equipped and The McGarrigle Sisters, Luce Dufault, Richard
She is thrilled to be working with Occasional notes! bespoke studio in northwest Calgary. Whether Seguin, and many more. His main place of work
Notes and cannot wait for the future! you are a beginner or interested in fashion “Studio 3” is just north of Montreal.
design and pattern drafting, Sandy’s wealth of
experience and love for sewing is unparalleled.
SKYLAR She has travelled the world – from Paris to
EVELYN FRECHETTE DESJARDINS Portland to New York City – honing her craft and RICK HAWORTH
Ensemble/Dancer Set Design and Lighting developing world-class quality garments and Pedal Steele
Raised in Victoria BC, Director projects. Eager to share her knowledge, Sandy If you’re a fan of the Quebec
Evelyn Frechette has is generous with her time and attention and is music scene, chances are
Skylar Dejardins is a able to relate to students of all ages and levels
trained in many genres this man looks familiar.
freelance designer and of experience.
of dance including You’ve probably seen him
technician based in Calgary
Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and on stage with several stars
, AB. He has worked as a
Contemporary, since the of Quebec chanson such as
technician for Vertigo Theatre, the Jack Singer
young age of three. Her Paul Piché, Michel Rivard,
performance history includes performances
concert hall, the Calgary Stampede, Stage AMANDA TOZSER
West Theatre, Ghost River Theatre, Storybook Daniel Bélanger, and, most recently, Zachary
at community events around Victoria, such as Makeup Artist
Theatre, and the Scotiabank Saddledome in the Richard. You might even know his name, after
elementary school shows and fundraisers like Amanda Tozer is a hearing him emphatically introduced as: “À La
capacities of lighting technician, rigger, video
The Kids Run Victoria, as well as a dance tour formally trained artist and Guitare . . . Rick Haworth!”
technician, stage carpenter, scenic artist, scenic
in Cuba. Evelyn is currently training with the professional makeup artist.
carpenter, costumer and sound engineer. He
Decidedly Jazz Professional Training Program She is also a professional If, after all of that, you still don’t know who Rick
has worked in the past as production manager
and she is excited to continue her dreams of airbrush body artist and Haworth is, here’s a rundown on this most
for Handsome Alice Theatre and as the house
dancing professionally. permit makeup artist talented guy.
technician for both the Rocky Ridge and Seton
YMCA’s in Calgary. He has worked as an assistant for Calgary’s IATSE 212.
designer for Theatre Calgary under Cameron Amanda is the primary artist for Bluebird Rick Haworth is known for his guitar-playing,
JOCELYN MAH Porteous and with the Shakespeare Company Moving Arts and Living Statues Canada, as well songwriting, and production work. Being
under Patrick Duwors. In 2015 he presented an as the ambassador Artist for Don’s Hobby Shop fluently bilingual has allowed Rick to work
Ensemble/Dancer
improv-based technical theatre demonstration, Calgary. She is the feature artist for Kryvaline with a who’s who of Quebec’s artists. After a
Born and raised in Impulse, and Totem, an installation, as part Face & Body Makeup, as well as instructor and background as a country music pedal steel
Calgary, Jocelyn Mah is a of the Canadian contingency of the Prague mom of four daughters. guitarist, he started off in the Francophone
professional dancer and Quadrennial of Performance and Design. music world by playing with Michel Rivard as
choreographer. A graduate Independently, he has provided designs for over part of Rivard’s backup band, the “Flybin String
of The School of Toronto 40 productions throughout Alberta. He holds Ensemble.” The same members of this band
Dance Theatre, she has
ADAM LALONDE eventually ended up working with Paul Piché.
a BFA with distinction in Theatre design and Sound Engineer
recently completed her Technical Theatre from the University of Calgary Rick’s unique style carries over to acoustic
Master of Arts at The London Contemporary and has completed advanced multimedia and Adam Lalonde is a and electric guitar, and was influential to Paul
Dance School (London, UK). Her lively, Qlab training with Ghost River Theatre and ETC professional musician Piché’s work in the early 80’s when Piché started
musically-based choreography has been console training with ETC and CITT. He is an based in Hawkesbury to move away from an exclusively folk sound. As
presented at numerous festivals in Canada and Associate Member of the Associated Designers Ontario Canada. The first Piché said in the liner notes of his 1986 release,
internationally. of Canada and a caucus 2 and caucus 3 permit born son of Canadian Intégral:
with IATSE 212. Fiddle Sensation Bobby
Lalonde. He has toured and
recorded, all across North America, with such
acts as; CCMA winner YOAN, Canadian Celtic
greats The Glengarry Bhoys, Searson, Quebecois
country favourites Cindy Bédard and Phil G
Smith, and many more. He aspires to become
the Robin to Bobby Stagg’s musical Batman.
6 7
BIOGRAPHIES
The stork, extravagant by nature, had no choice
but to diver to an English Protestant family.
However, adolescents, whose penchant is for
the pleasures and vices of life, are driven to
CANDY CANE KIDS
associate with the “mauvais français.” One
Python, sprinkled with holy water, can cause one
SONG LIST
to have many wicked improvisations on one of
many guitars, with a loving gaze. It is not certain
that people like the new Piché, but it keeps
the laughter going and I am thankful for that.
He has definitely been a catalyst in the musical Track 1
evolution of the group. Rick, I have listened to Christmas Christmas
you play for many hours, and I am hypnotised
-- the music is my friend. Track 2
Jingle Bells
Written by
STEVE CASEY James Lord Pierpoint
Film Director/Camera
Crew Lead/Community Track 3
Productions Look at Us
Steve Casey is a We’re Christmas
videographer, film maker
and photographer based Track 4
in Calgary, Alberta. His Christmas Rockstar
videography portfolio includes commercials,
weddings, music videos, films and animations.
He can be found photographing weddings,
Track 5
products, food and lifestyle shoots. He loves to Christmas
give back to the community by supporting local Dance Medley
initiatives and charities. Steve’s warm smile and
genuinely giving nature easily make him an Track 6
incredible asset for any project. Wrap Up Christmas
Track 7
TYLER HAMENDE Baking Christmas
Second Shooter
Tyler Hamende is a Track 8
photographer and more Candy Canes
recently a film maker based
out of western Canada, who Track 8
loves travel, cars, and music. Christmas Cheer
He enjoys taking portraits
for musicians, models and
fashion. He also has many YouTube tutorials on
All songs were written by Barb Mitchell
photography and videography.
and Bobby Stagg unless otherwise
specified.
THANK YOU
Special thanks to Follow us on social media and be
JP Thibodeau of StoryBook Theatre the first to know when the
for his generosity. Candy Cane Kids soundtrack is
available for download
and streaming!
8
Photography Ochoa Photography 9
BIOGRAPHIES
A HOLIDAY MUSICAL!
SHOW FACTS
Candy Cane Kids was written and produced during
the Covid pandemic. Music was written, recorded
1
and engineered in Eastern and Western Canada
“Candy Cane Kids will appeal to communicating digitally, exchanging files, uploading
and downloading tracks. All performers were sent
the kid in all of us at Christmas. tracks, recorded themselves and sent practiced vocal
files back to the producers for any feedback. All
It is much like opening a box harmonies were added after by singers in their own
studios.
of Christmas candy! It is bright
colourful, nutty, traditional and Although we were restricted by COVID, the
2
production was filmed safely working closely with
sentimental. Our dream is for AHS at Beddington Theatre. All cast and crew were
masked and socially distanced during filming.
families to stay in the safety Testing, temperature checks, hand sanitizing, and
disinfectants were all closely adhered to during the
of their own homes over the filming.
holidays, and enjoy this candy Creating work opportunities is something we are most
coated Christmas show together” grateful for. Occasional Notes Productions created
3
over 35 jobs across Canada for musicians, performers,
cameramen, producers, directors, music engineers,
lighting professionals, set designer, costumers, hair
and make up artists, who all believed in the magic
we were creating. The set was full of smiles and good
spirit throughout the process. The entire show was
BARB MITCHELL
filmed in nine hours.
10 11
LIKED THE
SHOW?
Let us know! Share your experiences with
us on social media or send us an email.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
occasionalnotes.net
occasional notes productions
12
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