Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Inspired by the incredible true tale of the first woman to ride a bike around the world in 1895, this cycle of songs and stories explores the early connections between bicycles, advertising, and women’s liberation.
Award winning author, singer/songwriter, and theatre-maker Evalyn Parry takes audiences on a musical journey from the dawn of the bicycle in the 19th century to her own experiences riding a bike through the streets of Toronto and Montreal. Parry’s co-star is a vintage bicycle – suspended on a mechanic’s stand and outfitted with microphones and sound equipment. The bike is played by percussionist Brad Hart who conjures an astonishing array of sounds to score Parry’s songs and monologues. SPIN is staged by award-winning director Ruth Madoc-Jones with video and production design by acclaimed designer Beth Kates.
AN EXCEPTIONAL HOMECOMING PERFORMANCE
After three years on the road Evalyn Parry’s SPIN returns to its birthplace for a limited run in the Buddies in Bad Times mainstage season. SPIN originally premiered at Buddies in 2011 and has been on tour ever since, playing to packed houses and rave reviews across North America. This November, Toronto audiences will experience a wholly transformed production. Parry’s performance will be enhanced by a new string section made up of Don Kerr, Kathleen Kajioka, and Anne Lindsay. This exciting musical addition is arranged by Michel Holt, in collaboration with Don Kerr and Evalyn Parry.
“One of the great things about touring a work over several years is that it has a chance to grow and change.” says Parry, “I’m excited to bring SPIN back to Buddies with not only new musical arrangements, but also an entirely new ending, informed by what has happened as this show has gone out into the world.”
MULTI-FACETED TORONTO ARTIST SHARES A MOMENTOUS STORY
Written and performed by critically-acclaimed artist Evalyn Parry, SPIN follows the path of revolutionary entrepreneur Annie Londonderry. It combines personal and political histories to create an intelligent look at the bicycle’s impact on everything from early feminist movements, to advertising, and Parry’s own life. SPIN is a tour-de-force performance that celebrates the bicycle as muse, musical instrument and agent of social change.
SPIN’s song-cycle highlights Parry’s unique talents as vocalist and raconteur. Parry is well known for her signature musical style which blends traditional folk-music and contemporary experimentation. She has created seven original performance works and released four CDs in the last decade. Parry is also no stranger to the theatre or the Buddies stage – directing countless Young Creators Unit shows and developing new work with Independent Aunties as part of Buddies’ Artist Residency Program. Audiences will remember Parry for her work on such shows as Breakfast, Clean Irene & Dirty Maxine and Obaaberima.
Parry’s outspoken, personal, and political performances are inspired by a strong commitment to social activism. One part documentary and another part musical exploration, SPIN cleverly peels back layers of history to reveal a very contemporary theme of liberation. At the heart of SPIN’s narrative is the inextricable link between cycling culture and social advocacy. With civic interests currently on the forefront of Torontonian’s minds, audiences will find SPIN’s political voice is as relevant as ever.
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre & Outspoke Productions present
SPIN
written & performed by Evalyn Parry
directed by Ruth Madoc-Jones
live music by Brad Hart,
production design Beth Kates
Opening Night: November 19 | Closes November 23
Runs Weds-Sat 8pm, Sat & Sun 2:30pm.
Tickets: PWYC - $25 until November 18 | Regular Price PWYC - $37
Box Office 416-975-8555 or buddiesinbadtimes.com
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander Street, Toronto ON
Photo: Evalyn Perry in SPIN. ©2011 Jeremy Mimnagh.
2014-10-17
Toronto: Evalyn Perry's "SPIN" returns to Buddies in Bad Times Theatre November 19-23