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 The Velvet
Devil, written by Andrea Menard with music co-written with Robert Walsh, is
an original, one-woman play that premiered in the 2000-2001 season at
The Globe Theatre in Regina,
Saskatchewan. The pla y,
which is told through song
and
storytelling, is
about a Metis singer from the 1940’s struggling to come home.
The Velvet Devil is
a Metis story, a Saskatchewan story, a Canadian story and a human story told
in a way that has never been told before. The premiere production was
directed and dramaturged by Ruth Smillie. The play was then adapted for CBC
radio and dramaturged by Kelley Jo Burke. Larry Bauman, a director with
Westwind Pictures, will direct the film version of
the story in the upcoming year. The music from the play, which is a
nostalgic
mix of jazz, blues, and roots, was released in
September 2002. The CD was
produced and arranged by Anthony Rozankovic
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The play takes place at the Capitol Theatre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in
1941. Velvet Laurent, known as “The Velvet Devil - star of Vaudeville
stage”, is home for the first time since she ran away, and is performing for
her hometown crowd.
In an act of youthful independence, a gifted
Métis girl from Batoche rebelled against her mother’s dream by running away
to Toronto to become a star. She left without saying goodbye and has been
running ever since. Twelve years later, the death of her mother, Willy
Laurent, finally brings her home.
Under the weight of regret and unspoken
farewells, Velvet arranges a performance of The Velvet Devil to prove to
herself and her family that she had made the right choices. In the highly
emotional, yet animated re-telling of her story. The Velvet Devil
re-discovers the angel in Velvet Laurent. In a beautiful farewell to her
mother, she finally says goodbye.
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" She is technically and emotionally a great actress. If you have not
heard or seen this local actress, take notice."
"A talent like hers is not seen every day on the Saskatoon stage." - Nicole Lavergne-Smith, The Sheaf
"What is this girl doing in Saskatoon" - Planet S
"Andrea Menard is a young actress and singer based in Saskatoon, and
if you haven't heard of her, prepare to hear a lot about her from anyone
who is lucky enough to see her in action..."
"This is an enormously talented performer." - Steven Mazey, The Ottawa Citizen
"And to the enthralled audience it soon becomes clear that there are two
strong Metis women at the center of this drama - one real in the person of
the immensely talented Menard and the other in her alter ego - The Velvet
Devil... Menard is a captivating and significant talent both as an actress
and singer." - Eagle Feather News
"If you ever get a chance to see the The Velvet Devil, take up the
opportunity of seeing the dream of a Metis woman coming true." - Kathy Hodson-Smith, New Breed Magazine
"Sultry. Strong. Sexy. Sweet." - Derek
Turner, The Carillon |
