Citadel Theatre Brings Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Café to the Stage

The Citadel Theatre in Edmonton is set to premiere a stage adaptation of the beloved Canadian radio series, Vinyl Café: The Musical, based on the works of the late Stuart McLean. The production, which opens on November 8 and runs until December 7, aims to bring to life the cherished characters of McLean’s stories, a task that presents both excitement and pressure for the creative team.

Daryl Cloran, the theatre’s artistic director, emphasizes the significance of this adaptation. “This is the first time these people will be embodied,” Cloran says, referring to the iconic characters Dave and Morley. The connection many Canadians have with The Vinyl Café is profound, as the series has woven itself into the fabric of Canadian culture over the past two decades. Cloran acknowledges that “there is a lot of pressure” to honour the legacy of McLean, who passed away in 2017.

The original stories, which featured a blend of comedy and heartwarming narratives, have been adapted for the stage by Mexican-American writer Georgina Escobar. She collaborates with Jess Milton, who manages the rights to McLean’s works, ensuring that the new musical remains true to the essence of the original stories while presenting a fresh narrative. The adaptation features original music by the Canadian songwriting duo Colleen Dauncey and Akiva Romer-Segal, known for their engaging compositions.

With a production budget of $800,000, the cast includes Patricia Zentilli as Morley and Mike Nadajewsky as Dave. Cloran highlights the challenge of maintaining the nostalgic tone of McLean’s work while creating a modern, relevant experience for audiences. To achieve this, the new musical will not feature the beloved storyteller as a character and will exclude the famous theme song, Ry Cooder’s “Happy Meeting in Glory.”

The narrative focuses on two well-loved holiday stories: “Dave Cooks the Turkey” and “Rashida, Amir and the Great Gift-Giving.” Cloran promises a unique stage representation of a turkey, showcasing creativity in staging that aligns with the show’s whimsical spirit.

As the world premiere approaches, interest has surged from other theatres across Canada, with inquiries about future performances already coming in. Cloran reports that the initial ticket sales have been strong, leading to an additional week of performances being added to the schedule. There is also potential for an American version, considering the show’s past syndication on around 80 public radio stations in the United States.

“I’m thrilled for the potential of this,” Cloran states, reflecting on the excitement surrounding the production. He recognizes the responsibility that comes with adapting such a treasured series, but views it as an exciting opportunity to create something that resonates with audiences.

The production of Vinyl Café: The Musical represents not only a significant artistic endeavor for the Citadel Theatre but also a celebration of Canadian storytelling and community spirit. With its mix of nostalgia and contemporary relevance, it promises to be a memorable experience for both long-time fans of McLean’s work and new audiences alike.

Tickets for the show, starting at $45, are available through the Citadel Theatre’s website or by contacting the box office directly.