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.

Catalyst Theatre
Formation1977
TypeTheatre group
PurposeOriginal works
Location
Artistic director(s)
Jonathan Christenson
Websitehttp://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.

Hunchback (2011)[7]

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
LUCILLE LORTEL AWARDS
Year Production Category Result
2015 Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of

Edgar Allan Poe

 Outstanding Musical Nominated
Nevermore - Laura Krewski Outstanding Choreographer Nominated
Nevermore - Bretta Gerecke Outstanding Costume Design Nominated
ELIZABETH STERLING HAYNES AWARDS[13]
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
Betty Mitchell Awards
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
Other National & International Awards
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
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References
  1. The Catalyst Theatre Archived 2009-03-14 at the Wayback Machine
  2. "Vigilante". www.catalysttheatre.ca. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
  3. "Catalyst Theatre | The Soul Collector". www.catalysttheatre.ca. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
  4. "Submit to the emotional Whisper". Edmonton Sun. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
  5. "UofA Studio Theatre: whisper". www.mailoutinteractive.com. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
  6. "whisper - Vue Weekly". Vue Weekly. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
  7. "CATALYST THEATRE | Hunchback". www.catalysttheatre.ca. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
  8. "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.
  9. "Cast Recording Will Capture Edgar Allan Poe Musical Nevermore". Playbill. Retrieved 2015-11-09.
  10. "Nevermore – The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe". Broadway.com. Retrieved 2015-11-09.
  11. "CATALYST THEATRE | Frankenstein". www.catalysttheatre.ca. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
  12. "CATALYST THEATRE | Elephant Wake". www.catalysttheatre.ca. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
  13. "THE ELIZABETH STERLING HAYNES AWARDS". www.sterlingawards.com. Retrieved 2015-11-09.

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