Oliver!
February 18-28, 2027 The Orange Hub Theatre Book, Music and Lyrics by Lionel BartFreely adapted from Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist Directed by Kim Mattice WanatMusic Directed by Elaine DunbarPresented in partnership with The Edmonton Christmas Market About The Show When young Oliver Twist dares to ask for more, he is sent on an extraordinary journey through the streets of Victorian London. There he encounters the quick-witted Artful Dodger, the larger-than-life Fagin, the courageous Nancy and a vivid community of characters who will change his life forever. Surrounded by danger and uncertainty, Oliver continues to search for the one thing he has never known: a safe place to call home. Featuring “Food, Glorious Food,” “Where Is Love?,” “Consider Yourself,” “As Long as He Needs Me” and “You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two,” Lionel Bart’s Oliver! is one of musical theatre’s great adventures – spirited, sweeping and filled with humanity. NUOVA’s ambitious production brings professional artists, emerging performers and young artists from our Class Act program together on one stage. Following its Edmonton engagement, the production will travel to Grande Prairie for a special collaboration celebrating the Grande Prairie Boys’ Choir’s 25th anniversary. A timeless story, a new generation of artists and an unforgettable theatrical experience for the entire community. Consider yourself one of us! OLIVER! is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
White Christmas
December 17-30, 2026 Capitol Theatre at Fort Edmonton Park Music and Lyrics by Irving BerlinBook by David Ives and Paul BlakeOriginal stage production directed by Walter BobbieBased Upon the Paramount Pictures Film Written For the Screen byNorman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank Directed by Kim Mattice WanatMusic Directed by Simon AbbottChoreographed by Courtney ArsenaultPresented in partnership with The Edmonton Christmas Market About The Show Song-and-dance partners Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have travelled the world entertaining audiences. When they follow the talented Haynes sisters to a Vermont inn for Christmas, they discover that its owner, their beloved former commanding officer, is facing an uncertain future. There is only one thing to do: gather their friends, put on a spectacular show and create a little Christmas magic. Filled with romance, sparkling comedy and exhilarating dance, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas features an extraordinary collection of timeless songs, including “Blue Skies,” “Sisters,” “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep” and the beloved title song. Inside Fort Edmonton Park’s historic Capitol Theatre, NUOVA brings the warmth and glamour of a classic movie musical to life. Share it with the people you love and make White Christmas part of your holiday tradition. Fun for the entire family!
Fun Home
Music by Jeanine TesoriBook and lyrics by Lisa KronBased on the graphic memoir by Alison Bechdel Directed by Benjamin SmithMusic Directed by Simon AbbottPresented in partnership with The Fringe Theatre About the Show Cartoonist Alison Bechdel returns to the house where she grew up, searching through memory for a way to understand her brilliant, complicated and elusive father. Moving between Alison’s childhood, her university years and her adult life, Fun Home reveals a family held together by affection, secrecy and the stories its members tell themselves. What emerges is at once deeply personal and universally recognizable: a daughter’s attempt to see her parents clearly—and, in doing so, better understand herself. Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Fun Home is a compassionate and profoundly moving theatrical memoir, alive with humour, discovery and an unforgettable contemporary score. Recommended for mature audiences. The Company Meet the Cast Meet the artists bringing Alison Bechdel’s singular family story to the Westbury stage. Jaimi Reese Alison Jaimi is an actress, singer, improviser, drag king and nanny. She also enjoys running and playing Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop games. You can catch her in upcoming improv shows with Sorry Not Sorry, usually at Grindstone Theatre. Selected credits include White Christmas (NUOVA Vocal Arts); Bat Boy, Evil Dead, Cult Cycle, Imaginary Friend and Final Girl (Straight Edge Theatre); A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Julius Caesar and Macbeth (Malachite Theatre); and The Other Side of the Pole (Prime Stock Theatre). Julie Koebel Medium Alison Julie Koebel is a recent graduate of the University of Alberta’s BFA Acting program, and they are thrilled to join this production. Growing up on the traditional, unceded territories of the Katzie, Kwantlen, Matsqui and Seyome First Nations, they received a Diploma in Theatre for the Stage from Douglas College. Julie is inspired by nature, community and finding joy in the little things. Selected credits include Antigone (Bleviss Laboratory Theatre); The Laramie Project, [BLANK] and Orlando (Studio Theatre); Titanic: The Musical and A Little Night Music (NUOVA Vocal Arts); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (University of Alberta); and The Ash Girl and Love/Sick (Douglas College). Aislyn Burdek Small Alison Aislyn is an 11-year-old actor and singer with a passion for musical theatre. She has been training vocally for three years and studies piano, continuing to grow and develop as a young performer. Aislyn loves being on stage and takes every opportunity she can to perform, including singing at local venues and open-mic events. Whether stepping into a character or sharing a song with an audience, she brings enthusiasm, creativity and a genuine love for the stage. Aislyn is always excited to learn, challenge herself and make new memories along the way. She is thrilled to be part of this production and grateful for the opportunity to share the stage with such a wonderful cast. Doug Mertz Bruce Doug Mertz has appeared on many local stages, most recently with Citadel Theatre in The Importance of Being Earnest and Clue, and with Thou Art Here Theatre in Civil Blood: A Treaty Story. He is involved in the creation of a new play about architect Arthur Erickson, The Light from Other Skies by Liam Monaghan, which will premiere in Lethbridge next spring before playing Edmonton and Vancouver. Doug is an Assistant Professor at MacEwan University, where he teaches acting, auditioning, speech, and dialects and accents in the Music Theatre Performance BFA program. Next up: The Extractionist at Studio Theatre, University of Alberta. Kim Mattice Wanat Helen Kim Mattice Wanat is the founder and Artistic & Managing Director of NUOVA Vocal Arts. An accomplished director, educator, producer and performer, she has spent more than two decades creating ambitious opportunities for emerging singers and theatre artists. Through NUOVA, Kim has helped generations of artists develop their craft through intensive training, mentorship and fully staged performance. She is delighted to return to the stage as Helen in Fun Home. Kijo Gatama Joan Kijo Gatama is a multidisciplinary artist based in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton), working across playwriting, acting, dance and artistic direction. A graduate of the University of Alberta’s BFA Acting program (2022), she specializes in performance theatre, Afrocentric dramaturgy and esoteric studies. Her practice is rooted in extensive interdisciplinary experience and community-forward work. Cooper Nash Rajotte Christian Fun Home marks Cooper’s debut with NUOVA Vocal Arts. He is also excited to join NUOVA’s Class Act Advanced Musical Theatre program for the 2026/27 season, culminating in Lionel Bart’s Oliver! in February 2027. Cooper’s Citadel Theatre Mainstage credits include The Sound of Music (Kurt von Trapp), the world premiere of Vinyl Café: The Musical (Sam) and The Wizard of Oz (Munchkin/Ozian). Citadel Performance Lab credits include Frozen Jr. (Hans), The Wizard of Oz Jr. (Tinman) and Newsies Jr. (Davey). He has also performed with St. Albert Children’s Theatre. Cooper works in film, television and voiceover and is represented by RJ Talent, with credits including Billy the Kid, Kongsuni & Friends and Tobot. Sasha Bayduza John Fun Home is Sasha’s debut performance with NUOVA Vocal Arts. He has studied for the past four years at the Citadel’s Foote Theatre School, including its Musical Theatre Ensemble and Performance Lab productions of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Frozen! Sasha is the youngest of four children. He is enrolled in Grade 5 and, in his spare time, enjoys playing soccer and video games and spending time with family and friends. Sable B. Boltz Bobby Jeremy / Mark Sable B. Boltz is a transgender, first-generation settler in Amiskwaciwâskahikan, originally from the traditional lands of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe (the San Francisco Bay Area), and a recent graduate of the University of Alberta’s BFA Acting program. Selected performance credits include Rodgers & Hammerstein’s ROBOCOP: The Musical (Cousins-In-Law Productions), Featuring Loretta (Soapbox Players), Fantasies in Trash: In 11 Movements (Coarse Arts Collective), antigone lives*, Tartuffe and Deserters (Studio Theatre). David Son Pete / Roy David is a Cambodian Canadian artist thrilled to be making his NUOVA Vocal Arts debut in Fun Home. He has been on and off