A new chapter has begun for Saskatchewan Express and if you are a performer, you need to be a part of it.
Danny Balkwill, who performed with Saskatchewan Express in 1995 and 鈥�96 is returning home as artistic director. Carol Gay Bell, who founded the group and was the artistic director for 36 years is mentoring Balkwill and will remain on as general manager. Balkwill brings a wealth of experience and ideas to the organization and his first show with Express will be the December 2017 production.
In the meantime, Saskatchewan Express is looking for a cast of talented young singers and dancers to take on a nationwide tour through song and dance as they present Oh! Canada. This upbeat, engaging show features just the right amount of nostalgia and patriotism while showcasing many of the musical talents Canada has produced over the years up to the present day. This show will be a hit for audiences across the province and beyond while paying tribute to Canada鈥檚 150th birthday.
Through Saskatchewan Express, many performers have gained the skills and confidence to pursue careers in the performing arts. They have cruised through the Panama Canal, to the Hawaiian Islands and the Greek Islands. They have sung and danced at Tokyo Disney and Florida鈥檚 Disney World. They have toured North America, played Broadway, Los Angeles, Toronto, Germany and the Middle East in theatrical productions. They have made movies and recordings and have been featured in television series.
They come from every small town and large centre in Saskatchewan and all received the same valuable training and performance opportunities. Yorkton local, Ashley Arnett appeared as Bebe in A Chorus Line in 2016 and appeared in Snow White in 2015.
Also in A Chorus Line was fellow former Express member, Matt Alfano from Regina, who will star as Tony Manero in the Stratford production of Saturday Night Fever this year.
Devra Straker of Saltcoats starred in A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline at the Globe Theatre and In Ring of Fire this past year. In 2015, Jason Huska of Prince Albert toured North American in The Wizard of Oz and appeared in the TV show, Suits. He also starred at the Globe Theatre in Regina in All Shook Up.
International fame has found former Saskatchewan Express dancer, JT Papandreos as he won gold in Poland at the IDO World Dance Championship and trains and performs with the Conteur Dance company in Toronto. Ellen Kolenick, known professionally as Ellie Thorn, released a single in support of Syrian refugees, which garnered national praise.
Performers in Saskatchewan Express have the opportunity to enhance performing skills, travel the province and beyond, meeting new people and seeing new places. Through the years, the troupe has travelled from coast to coast in Canada, from Vancouver to Cape Breton and it has represented the city of Regina, the province of Saskatchewan and Canada at national and international events.
Auditions for the 2017 Oh! Canada summer tour will be held in Regina Feb. 4 and 5. Vocalists and dancers, female and male, are encouraged to audition and can book an audition time by phoning Saskatchewan Express at 306-522-3403 or email [email protected].
If you would like to have Oh! Canada as a part of your Canada 150 celebrations, call now. Space is filling quickly. Please call 306-522-3403 or email [email protected]. Audition packages and booking forms can be found at www.saskatchewanexpress.com.
