How do you escape the hum-drum life on a chicory farm in 1955 rural Ontario and make a break for the bright lights of Hollywood?
Peggy Ann Douglas has a plan—and it revolves around ascending the tiers of “royalty” in the beauty pageant circuit.
That’s the premise behind the upcoming production Miss Caledonia at Gateway Theatre.
Second City performer and Canadian comedy award winner Melody A. Johnson takes to the stage solo to present a number of characters, bringing to life the struggles and achievements earned through the challenges of baton twirling and singing.
Helping things along are the original fiddle music stylings of Mary Fay Coady.
Performing Miss Caledonia at Gateway marks the first stop for Johnson on her B.C. tour with the show she wrote. She is one of Toronto’s top comedic performers and Gateway’s artistic director, Jovanni Sy, is a big fan of her work.
In a recent promotional video for Miss Caledonia on Gateway’s web site, Sy said Johnson is an extraordinary artist.
“That’s one of the reasons I am so excited to have this show,” he said. “I’ve been a huge fan of hers since her days at the Second City. She does wonderful comedy work and is a fantastic comedienne.”
Sy added he was amazed and inspired by her incredible versatility – whether it was a Second City revue, a new musical, or a classic drama, Johnson was always sure to be a highlight of the production.
“Miss Caledonia is Melody’s affectionate tribute to her mother that also happens to be a delightful showcase of her many talents,” Sy said. “She has toured this piece across Canada and we’re honoured to be presenting it here in Richmond.”
Miss Caledonia runs March 5 - 14 in Studio B.
For more information and tickets, visit gateway theatre.com.
