NEVERMORE
Star Phoenix Names Nevermore a Highlight of 2011

2. La Maculee (sTain), March, La Troupe du Jour

We were thankful for surtitles (theatre subtitles) when this new, French-language work by Madeleine Blais-Dahlem came to Saskatoon. Set in 1920s Saskatchewan, the play featured a powerhouse performance by Saskatchewan-born actor Marie-Claire Marcotte in the role of a woman who struggles to maintain her Catholic faith and francophone culture. It was both achingly sad and sweetly funny on a simple stage that acted as a blank canvas for the talented cast.

3. Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, May, Live Five

This play, a combined effort between Thigh High Theatre and Strikes Twice Productions, came with its fair share of tacky, pink taffeta (not to mention horrendous bridesmaids hats). But, more importantly, it showcased some of the city's talented, young actresses in big roles. The production mixed recent U of S drama grads with current students in the hilarious Alan Ball comedy.

4. Amadeus, November, Greystone Theatre

The University of Saskatchewan's Greystone Theatre picked a gem of a play with Amadeus and the cast of student actors pulled off the opulent production with aplomb. Jacob Yaworski kept the monologue-heavy role of Salieri coasting and Paul Herrem played an effortless and effervescent Mozart. The production featured a unique use of projections and lighting to turn a simple set into a gilded palace and decadent costumes for a cast of 20 put together on the drama department's shoestring budget.

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