New theatre group’s first show, ‘Spring Awakening,’ set to open some eyes

Top Hat Productions to donate proceeds to the SPCA

Medicine Hat is about to get woke from its usual summer theatre slumber.

Top Hat Productions, a new theatre group in the city, presents “Spring Awakening” from July 5-14.

The group’s founder, Elaine Jeffery, says she’s been a part of all theatre groups in the city at different times and saw an avenue she could fit in to add to the city’s already substantial theatre scene.

“A lot of kids are away in fall, they leave Medicine Hat to go to university so a summer show is actually the only time they can do one,” she said, adding she’s utilized a lot of these people who would not normally be able to be in a theatre production because they’re away.

“There wasn’t anything wrong with what was already happening; I just thought I could add to it.”

She’s had a lot of help and inspiration from her children, David and Janine, and many others in the theatre community have also stepped up to help get this first production off the ground. She said on-stage and backstage people came to the production slowly but surely and it’s an amazing group that is putting together “a wow of a show.”

“Spring Awakening” is set in 1890s Germany but has a story and themes relevant to any time period, Jeffery says.

“I think that the time has come to discuss some of this stuff. This is about youth and sexuality and decisions and all of the conversations that are part of this show are even more pertinent now. I think it’s bringing stuff to light that people think if you just don’t talk about it it goes away. That’s really not the case.”

Jeffery describes the play as kids being kids, reacting with their peers and sharing their discoveries about their life and how their life is turning out and the different family dynamics that go on.

“It’s an emotional rollercoaster ride. I think people will be moved and will realize these are topics that need to be talked about and they are going to probably recognize some of their own issues.”

The play won eight Tony Awards in 2007, including best musical.

Top Hat is a non-profit organization and proceeds from this production will be donated to the Medicine Hat SPCA.

Shows are July 5, 6 and 8 and July 12-14 at the Medicine Hat College Eresman Theatre. The curtain rises at 8 p.m.

Top Hat advises the show contains mature themes and may not be suitable for young audiences.

Tickets are available at ticketmaster.ca and more information is available at tophatproductions.ca.