PREVIEW
The Storyteller
Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m.
The Grindstone Comedy Theatre and Bistro
10019 – 81 Ave.
Tickets: $15 Visit www.grindstonetheatre.ca
Scotland, a land of myths, legends and tall tales, has inspired writers, artists and poets for centuries. In the 21st century, they continue to fuel storytellers and improvisers.
In the 20th century, the art of live storytelling lay dormant. However lately, it has exploded as a fresh discipline, a new path for writers, actors and comics to polish their material.
Drawing upon his Scottish heritage, former St. Albert actor Matt Alden teams up with Tad Hargrave for the debut of The Storyteller, an evening of improvised tales inspired by Gaelic folklore.
The improvised performance is a one-off taking place at The Grindstone Comedy Theatre on Wednesday, Feb. 20.
“Tad and I have worked together for many years. We’ve done a lot of long-form improv. One series we did was called Cliffhanger where the action started and ended with a cliffhanger,” Alden said.
“The Storyteller is a bit different. Tad is the Scottish storyteller and he goes from one story to the other, and I’m a younger apprentice storyteller learning all about them.”
He explains that the classic yarns cover a large territory from Scottish history, mythology and children’s fables to war stories, heroic deeds and whisky-soaked anecdotes.
To create a successful improv spiked with humour, the emphasis is on a high degree of authenticity. However, if Alden’s past shows are any indicator, the evening will be spontaneous and loose.
The regional celebrity stresses the one-hour show will be presented with a low-key, familial spirit buoyed by intimate, yet crackling fireside storytelling similar to ones the duo enjoyed while growing up.
“We’re even having music. We’re going to mix it up with an Irish accordion player. Her name is Kristy Nanise.”
Alden’s credentials are impeccable. As a professionally trained actor and improv comedian, he has performed at Rapid Fire Theatre, Grindstone Theatre, Edmonton Fringe and various improv festivals.
Adapting his writing and theatrical skills to film, the St. Albert Children’s Theatre alumnus has also carved out a successful career in two of Mosaic Entertainment’s nationally broadcast television series: Caution: May Contain Nuts and Tiny Plastic Men.
In fact, just this week the 2019 Canadian Screen Awards announced their nominees and Alden is nominated for Caution: May Contain Nuts in two categories: Best Writing in a Sketch Comedy, and Best Sketch Comedy Show and Ensemble Performance.
“It’s very exciting for all of us at Mosaic,” he said of the nomination and weeklong awards events and galas running from March 24 to 31.
Another Alden-driven improv at Grindstone Theatre is Kanuck’s Cantina: An Improvised Star Wars Saga running bimonthly. The next performance is Tuesday, Feb. 19.
Imperials, rebels, smugglers, lasers, droids and drones all collide on Planet Yeg. Taking place in a timeline shortly before Star Wars episode 4, this cast features none of your favourite characters. These are the untold stories.
Some of the region’s luminaries starring in this space adventure are St. Albert’s Tristan Ham, Donovan Werkun, Chantal Perron, Brooklyn Paige, Mark Meer, Jesse Gervais and C.K. Dhaiwal. Showtime is 9 p.m.
