Purple Hat (Photo: Paul Kohler)
My turn! Unlike most people who submitted anecdotes to this cause, I have not been with the company for very long, only for a mere few months. But in that time, I feel like I have gotten to know the members of Eddie May and understood the appeal of the company for the performers and audience members alike. As publicist, I organized a number of fun promotional events, including a charity performance, an anniversary performance, and a Criminal Cocktail Hour, and I entered the company into the Ottawa Theatre Challenge, at which they were awarded the coveted Rubber Chicken Prize. Go team!
Ottawa Theatre Challenge (Photo: Andrew Alexander)
One of my favourite activities thus far has been putting together a photo-op for the actors, conducted by Andrew Alexander and featuring any and all past and present members of the company. We put all the costumes, hats, weapons, and accessories on display across a dozen tables. Eddie May has quite the wardrobe and arsenal! Two of our actors, Stewart Matthews and Natalie Joy Quesnel, brought with them their two beautiful daughters, one of them practically a new born. Now that’s dedication.
Eddie May Company (Photo: Andrew Alexander)
For the group shot, we had all 18 actors posed as if about to kill each other with various weapons. Of course Stewart and Natalie had to be in the shot, and of course the elder daughter wanted to be there with them. She didn’t seem very pleased with me when I tried to hold her back. So for another shot, we decided to incorporate the whole family, including Natalie’s mother, Brenda Joy Quesnel. I love this photo, not only because it showcases three generations of fabulous women, but also because it really captures the family aspect of Eddie May: people who have been working together and growing up together for years, playing stupid jokes on each other, and generally having a really great time. Here’s to another 25 years!
Family Portrait (Photo: Andrew Alexander)
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Eddie May Murder Mysteries celebrates 25 years with a bang! For this silver anniversary celebration, the company stages a murder mystery musical Eddie Get Your Gun, created by Noel Counsil and Dan Lalande, directed by Thea Nikolic. The show plays Saturday evenings through the summer at Scarlett’s Dinner Theatre in the Byward Market. For more information, please call 613 850 9700 or visit www.eddiemay.com
