Some of Canada’s best theatrical talents are bringing their poignant and hilarious solo plays to television in The Singular Series. Produced in association with Bravo! NewStyleArtsChannel, this 13-part series premieres January 19 at 8pm ET with Frankie, a heartfelt comedic drama written and performed by Mary Ellen MacLean of Jest in Time. MacLean’s solo debut received wide acclaim on stages across Canada, including an exclusive engagement at Toronto’s Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Also, Mary Ellen can be seen in Daniel MacIvor’s new feature film, Wilby Wonderful.
“Canadian playwrights are now getting their work shown on the medium of television, thanks to Bravo!,” says MacLean, who plays eight characters at a high school reunion, facing memories of pivotal moments from their teenage years. “It’s really great to be part of this series because the performers are from across the country, and it’s exciting to see all the different styles and how people choose to share their writing. One-person plays also tend to be very personal, which makes them really appealing.”
Produced by Creative Atlantic Communications Ltd., The Singular Series was filmed before audiences at Halifax’s Neptune Studio Theatre and features original music by Juno-nominated songwriter Mike O’Neill. Executive producers are Janice Evans and Greg Jones, with producers Pamela Pinch and producer/director Mark Campbell.
Each one-hour episode contains a stage performance and candid backstage footage of accomplished actors and comedians from across the country. Their diverse character studies range from a man having his midlife crisis in the dentist’s chair to a drama queen with a penchant for tongues and trampolines. A diehard optimist wears a wedding dress to her first date with an Internet beau, while a pompous Shakespeare professor inflicts his failed actor fantasies on his classes.
January 19 – MARY ELLEN MACLEAN: Frankie (Halifax)
January 26 – MARTY BURT: Mad Dog Racing (Halifax)
February 2 – JACKIE TORRENS: Live! Nude! Animal! (Halifax)
February 9 – LESLIE SEILER: Trapped in Taffeta (Toronto)
February 16 – TJ DAWE: A Canadian Bartender at Butlin’s (Vancouver)
February 23 – SHOSHANA SPERLING: The Golden Mall (Toronto)
Remaining performances include the following: Alex Dallas in Drama Queen (Toronto); Shannan Calcutt in Burnt Tongue (Vancouver); James O’Reilly in Act of God (Toronto); Amy House in Bitter Rose, written by Catherine Banks (St. John’s); Keir Cutler in Teaching Shakespeare (Montreal); Chris Craddock in Moving Along (Edmonton); and Denise Clarke in So Low (Calgary).