WINNIPEG, Jan. 18, 2002 In a season all about longing, PTE Artistic Director Allen MacInnis is realizing a dream of his own. Prairie Theatre Exchange presents, under his direction, Joni Mitchell: River, a theatrical concert of songs by Canadian legend Joni Mitchell.
I am calling River a theatrical concert because it resembles a concert, which has no dialogue, and theatre because I am creating a kind of narrative with the songs, explains MacInnis. I have chosen songs to paint the arc of a love affair from the giddy beginnings to the petty doubts through the breakdown and finally the wisdom that comes with age. To contrast the very personal material, I have also selected other songs which express the more public view, Joni's observations about the state of the world and human development. While the concert includes songs that span Mitchells entire career, from her folk roots to jazz fusions, River is not a biography. It is inspired by the act-ability of her songs, says MacInnis. The cast of three actor-singers will play the songs, not just sing them. In that way, I hope to bring an audience to a thrilling interaction with Joni's profound and very human insights about love and the world. The actors will make the songs their own, like monologues, in a style of their own without trying to mimic Joni. Joni Mitchell: River will be performed by a stellar cast that includes Thom Allison (Side By Side By Sondheim), Andrea Menard (Godspell), and Corrine Koslo (Shaw Festival ensemble member) who makes her PTE debut. The cast will be accompanied by an all-Winnipeg band including Don Benedictson (bass), Greg Lowe (guitars), Daniel Roy (percussion) and Leonard Shaw (keyboards/saxophone). Allen MacInnis directs Joni Mitchell: River, with musical arrangements by Greg Lowe. Set and costume design by Diborah E. Judah, lighting design by Scott Henderson (Godspell, Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well), and vocal coaching by Donna Fletcher. Stage management by Margaret Brook assisted by Wanda Bretecher. Joni Mitchell: River performance schedule: Preview: Wednesday, January 30, 2002 Opening: Thursday, January 31, 2002 Runs: Until Sunday, February 17, 2002 Times: 8 pm Wednesday through Saturday, 7 pm Tuesday, & 7 pm Sunday, Feb. 10. Matinees: Sunday at 2 pm, plus Saturday, Feb. 2 at 3 pm Prices: Sunday to Thursday: $18.25 for Students; $20.25 for Seniors, $ 28.25 for Adults Friday and Saturday: $18.25 for Students; $22.25 for Seniors, $ 30.25 for Adults $10.00 curtain ticket 1/2 hour prior to each performance for students with valid ID. Subject to availability Tickets on sale at the PTE box office, 3rd Floor Portage Place, 204-942-5483. Sponsored by: Taylor McCaffrey Media Presenters: Q94 FM and Global TV Supported by: The Manitoba Arts Council, The Canada Council, The City of Winnipeg The Winnipeg Foundation, and The Prairie Theatre Exchange Foundation Trust For more information contact: Barbara Edie, Public Relations/Development Manager, at 204-925-5257; Fax 204-942-1774; e-mail: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
