Rosebud musicals shed light on the power of relationships

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the Rosebud School of Arts is embracing the theme with two musicals focusing on the ups and downs of relationships.
While the timing wasn’t deliberate, Cassandra Garbutt’s final project, May and Joe: A Rosebud-born Musical, and Caitlyn O’Connor’s final project, The Last Five Years, fit the bill.
May and Joe: A Rosebud-born Musical was originally written as a Christmas musical by Morris Ertman and Heather Pattengale in 2012. The story is described as a true love story about an ordinary couple who experience a miracle when May becomes pregnant – but it’s not Joe’s. It’s a story about faith, miracles and sacrifices to keep ones love alive.
Garbutt always knew she wanted to pursue a musical for her final project, as well as something that resonated with her faith and belief in God. It didn’t take long for the Rosebud student to fall in love with the script.
“I am incredibly passionate about musical theatre, it’s one of the reasons I am pursuing the arts, “ said Garbutt. “I feel like May and Joe is more than a romance, but I love how it is. It’s not really about them falling in love with each other in that sense of the word romance. But it’s actually about them already being in love and realizing that they do want to spend the rest of their lives with each other … even after the infatuation is gone.”
Unlike her peer, Caitlyn O’Connor’s intentions were not to choose a musical as her final project. Yet it was the music that captured her attention. The Last Five Years is a story that follows the relationship of Jamie and Cathy from their first date to their divorce. However, the timelines differ from each other. Jamie’s story is being told from beginning to end, while Cathy’s story moves backwards.
“It’s ultimately pretty heart-breaking; there are moments of joy for sure, there’re moments of comedy. But there’re also moments of sadness, anger and despair; it’s got all the colours that any relationship has,” said O’Connor.
“My heart went for the music and my intellectual side went for the – how do I put this – the show is really fascinating because you know what’s going to happen right off the bat. I think the story really reflects the human experience, and is very honest and very true. And that really attracted me to it.”
Acting opposite O’Connor is Travis Friesen who will reprise the role of Jamie, who he had portrayed in the same play 10 years ago. Yet Friesen isn’t the only one returning to a former role. Morris Ertman, who wrote May and Joe, will once again be directing the play.
Paul F. Muir, the education director at the Rosebud School of Arts, recognizes the opportunities the projects present, not only to the students but the community.
“I would say that musicals about relationships are extremely popular because the themes are something all of us can relate to,” Muir said.
“Of course relationships are often intensified as we approach special days like Valentine’s Day. I believe Cassie had a passion for the story of May and Joe ever since she read it … and Caitlyn has assembled a fantastic team for (her) show.”
The BMO Studio Stage in Rosebud will present May and Joe: A Rosebud-born Musical from Feb. 16-18 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door and can be reserved online at the May and Joe: A Rosebud-born Musical Facebook page or via e-mail mayandjoetickets@gmail.com.
The Akokiniskway Gallery will present The Last Five Years on Feb. 10 at 7 p.m., Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 cash or cheque at the door. The musical has a language warning and is rated 14A for language.
*With notes from Laureen F. Guenther*