Five stage productions to see in Saskatoon in September

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Music, theatre and comedy shows in Saskatoon this month bring a variety of entertainment to audiences of all ages.

Here are five productions to check out in September:

RELIVE THE MUSIC: ’50S AND ’60S ROCK ‘N ROLL SHOW

Experience the unique Relive the Music: ’50s and ’60s Rock ‘n’ Roll Show for one night.

The jukebox musical concert features bands, singers and dancers tributing some of the stars of the 1950s and ’60s, including Tina Turner, Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, Patsy Cline, Sonny and Cher, and Paul Anka. Let the show take you through music history and memories, with some trivia along the way.

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Creator, producer, promoter and drummer Steve Marshall said he’s excited to perform at TCU Place again with his family.

“There’s something about having 103 standing ovations in a row so far in Canada and U.S.A. that makes it easier to do the gruelling road tours,” he said.

Relive the Music is at TCU Place Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $55 to $75, available at tcutickets.ca.

SASKATOON INTERNATIONAL BURLESQUE FESTIVAL

The Saskatoon International Burlesque Festival features two showcase performances and a day of professional development workshops.

The unique shows feature burlesque performers from around the world. Artists include Maverick, Miss Violet DeVille, Vivian Brass, Deja Louve, MC Le Tabby Lexington and headliner Tristan Ginger.

“I can’t wait to see the bold, creative performances at this year’s Saskatoon International Burlesque Festival. Burlesque is all about mixing humour, allure and art, and Saskatoon is ready to show off its naughty and daring side,” said social media coordinator Jolomi Gagar.

The festival runs Sept. 19-22 at the Broadway Theatre and Free Flow Dance Centre. The mature content is recommended for ages 19 and up. Show tickets are $35 to $50 and workshop tickets are $20 to $30, available at saskatooninternationalburlesquefesrival.com.

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BRUCE MCCULLOCH: TALES OF BRAVERY AND STUPIDITY

Canadian comedian, writer and producer Bruce McCulloch presents his one-man show, Tales of Bravery and Stupidity.

Moving between funny, relatable and surprisingly touching, the show shares musings about McCulloh’s world views and a window into his family. Through music, standup and storytelling, he looks at his own struggle against internal pessimism to see the beauty and joy in life.

“Bruce McCulloch played a major role in the development of my appreciation for dark comedy as a teenager and adult. He is one of Canada’s most prolific sketch comedians to ever grace our stage,” Broadway Theatre executive director Lenore Maier said.

“I can say without fear of contradiction that the Kids in the Hall were one of the most important corrupting agents on my young mind and I’m bowled over anew every time we get to host Bruce at the Broadway. I could have done so many lucrative things with my life; instead I pursued the arts and I’m pretty sure I can pin at least a bit of that on Bruce,” film programmer Skot Hamilton added.

The show runs at the Broadway Theatre Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. It contains adult content and is recommended for ages 18 and up. Tickets are $32.50 to $50, available at broadwaytheatre.ca.

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PERSEPHONE THEATRE: NATIVE GARDENS

Persephone Theatre presents the opening show for the 2024-25 season, Native Gardens, a comedy about learning to love your neighbours by Karen Zacarìas.

When Pablo and his pregnant wife Tania move into a historic neighbourhood with dreams of a garden filled with native plants, they get into a battle over property lines with their new neighbours Virginia and Frank, who are striving for first place from the Horticultural Society for their cultivated flower beds.

“I’m so excited to start our 50th season with a fantastic comedy! I love that the whole play takes place outside in the yards of these two couples. That comes with fun challenges for the set designer and production team, like doing garden transformations in front of the audience,” artistic director Heather Cant said.

“We’ve all had neighbours, and why and how those over-the-fence relationships can sometimes be challenging makes for a hilarious and heartfelt story I think everyone will be able to relate to.”

Native Gardens runs Sept. 25 to Oct. 6 at Persephone Theatre. The show is recommended for ages 12 and up. Tickets are $34 to $62, available at persephonetheatre.org.

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MINI FRIDGE THEATRE: IT’S MURDER IN THE WINGS

Mini Fridge Theatre presents It’s Murder in the Wings, a mystery comedy by Pat Cook.

Just before their publishing company’s business-saving contract-signing party, Maddie discovers her boss has met with an untimely death. The staff works to keep the murder hidden until notorious author Lionel Upshaw signs with them. This becomes more difficult when both the boss’s fiancée and a television crew arrive. Then there’s the fact that someone at the party is also the murderer.

“It’s been great working on this show — largest I’ve ever directed, 13 cast members. Especially enjoying the hard work of the nine women in the cast (seven of which are new to our stage), which are quickly becoming an efficient ensemble. It’s a joy to watch,” director Terry Schroell said.

The dinner theatre show runs Sept. 26 to Oct. 12 at St. John’s Anglican Hall. Tickets are $75, available at minifridgetheatre.ca.

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