Cinderella’s Ugly Stepsisters are back. This time, it’s their ball.
Compelling… bewitching… miraculous to witness…Happily ever after will never be quite the same.
Liane Faulder, the Edmonton Journal
ingenious, kooky, and fun
Liz Nicholls, 12thNight.ca
very funny … ridiculously clever and mind-blowing. But this show is more than just fun [it will] make you think a lot after.
Findster Finds
The Ugly Stepsisters cordially invite you back to the Palace, just like the good old days. Doesn’t everyone love a ball? The pageantry, the elegance, the romance… but their ball, their rules, and the world’s most infamous step-siblings are ready to dish the dirt. What scandals hide within the glittering facade? What was Cinderella really like? Are the stepsisters really vapid? Vindictive?… Victims?
The Spinsters is a seductive feast featuring mesmerizing movement, magical dresses, and stunning shadow puppetry. It’s a deliciously disruptive dark comedy for adults brought to life by some of the most innovative designers and creators from across Western Canada.
- Runtime: Approximately 75 minutes.
- Recommended for ages 14+.
- PLEASE NOTE: The Spinsters contains many mature themes. Read content descriptions HERE.
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The Spinsters team
EDMONTON January 2024 PLAYBILL and BIOS
Small Matters creates in an interdisciplinary, collaborative, and horizontal structure. We acknowledge this traditional crediting structure does not fully reflect the interdepartmental collaborative nature of our work.
Conceived, written & performed by Christine Lesiak & Tara Travis
Directed by Jan Selman
Movement and choreography by Ainsley Hillyard
Puppetry direction by Jeny Cassady
Dramaturged by Suzie Martin
Head concept & costume design by Adam Dickson with Ian Walker
Set and prop design by Ian Walker with Adam Dickson
Mechanical design and special effects by Ian Walker
Puppet and wig design by Dusty Hagerüd with Steven Snider
Lighting design by Nico Weismiller, adapted for Edmonton by Kat Evans & Simon Wicks
Original composition and sound design by Michael Caron | Additional music by Lindsey Walker
Production management and technical direction by Kat Evans
Stage management (B.C.) by Nico Dicecco
Stage management (Alberta) by Kat Evans
Assistant stage management (B.C.) by Claire Brown
Assistant stage management (Alberta) by Andrea Handal Rivera
Accessibility consultation (Alberta) Brooke Leifso
Graphic illustration Kurt Firla
Costume technical team:
- Chanelle Picazo – Dye House Designer/Sewer
- Kevin Kriesz – Mock-up Sewer/Corsetry
- Martha Pandelo Salgado– Sewer
- Valentine Valor – Sewer
- Renda Rico – Sewer
- Daian Tang Le – Sewing Assistant
- Nita Bowerman – Sewing Assistant
- Anna Pan – Sewing Assistant
With development contributions from:
Production assistance Carson Gervais
Creation workshop directors Suzie Martin & Jeny Cassady
Dramaturgy and mentorship support from David van Belle, through the Alberta Playwrights Network and RBC Playwrights Mentorship Program.
Character development support from Deanna Fleysher & Jan Henderson
Early movement consultation with Jake Hastey
The Spinsters premiered November 2023 at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, in Burnaby B.C. In Alberta, it was presented as a part of Edmonton Fringe Theatre’s Season, January 2024.
The Spinsters has been made possible with support from
