The Moose Jaw Cultural Centre’s (MJCC) new marketing and community outreach co-ordinator, Tim Lenko, is excited about the upcoming Potted Potter, an unauthorized 70-minute parody of the seven Harry Potter books.
Potted Potter is a comedy in which two Olivier Award-nominated actors, Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, summarize the entire plots of J.K. Rowling’s massively popular series about teenage witches and wizards.
The show has played to sold-out international audiences for years. The London Guardian said the play was a blissfully funny, crowd-pleasing winner in every way.
Potted Potter comes to the MJCC on Oct. 7 and 8, with tickets on sale now through Sasktix.
“It’s a live comedy play that takes all seven books in 70 hilarious minutes. It’s just a two-man act and it’s quite funny. It’s also an unauthorized production that has nothing to do with the Rowling empire, so none of this goes to her,” Lenko explained.
Rowling has raised eyebrows and courted controversy over the years since she finished the Harry Potter series by making repeated retroactive changes to the lore of the books, wading into political discussions using her beloved characters, and getting into Twitter fights.
“This is a playful, off-the-wall, zany, fun ride through the Potter story,” Lenko said. “It’s family-friendly and good for Potterheads of all ages.”
Teenage fans will have the chance to participate in the production by producing Potterverse fan art and fan fiction. The MJCC is partnering with the Palliser Regional Library network for contest open to students 12 to 17.
The contest opens Sept 6. All submissions must be submitted to a Palliser Regional Library branch by Friday, Sept 23 to be considered.
Submissions will then be curated for a display in the MJCC art gallery, which will be available for viewing during the Potted Potter performances.
Refreshing the MJCC
“We’ve been using August to sort of regroup, we have a refreshed team of staff here and so we’re figuring out new workflows and new ways to operate and develop goals and strategies together,” said Sarah Simison, the new executive director of the MJCC.
Wanda Reid has joined the MJCC team as a financial clerk and data analyst. The goal is to build on the regular performances in the Mae Wilson Theatre to create a true community cultural centre — Simison’s vision is a building full of local artists, art workshops, creative community groups, and classes.
“The previous director did a great job of getting programs running in the Mae Wilson Theatre,” Simison said. “We’ve got great relationships with promoters and musicians and artists to be able to do that. But the rest of the building has been largely underutilized.”
The Wakamow Aboriginal Community Association (WACA) will move in to the MJCC on Sept. 1. They will join the Mud Pie Girls, Kathy Verbeke and Dorothy Yakiwchuk, and the Saskatchewan Festival of Words as the only permanent tenants in the enormous building.
“That’s our first step in community outreach and expansion,” Simison said. “We’re hoping to get some artists in residence operating out of here, develop some studio spaces and get more theatre events.
“We have a lot of goals and we’re all really excited.”
Upcoming shows
Other shows coming up include a series of Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC) concerts. Lenko noted now is the perfect time for an OSAC membership that will get Moose Javians full access to those.
- The Johnny Reid “Love Someone” National Tour on Sept. 20 is sold out
- Kim Mitchell is in town on Sept. 29
- Potted Potter on Oct. 7 and 8
- Relive the Music will bring ‘50s and ‘60s rock and roll on Oct. 9
- Nova Scotian hip-hop artist Classified, one of Canada’s biggest acts, will be at the Mae Wilson on Oct. 21 with special guest Reeny Smith
Tickets and further information are available at www.moosejawculture.ca.
