Birdie on the Wrong Bus by Ellen Chorley

Featuring: Mari Chartier | Directed by Andrew Ritchie, Set Design by Jaclyn Williams, Costume Design by Ellen Chorley, Lighting Design by Beth Dart. Photography by Dave DeGagne.

Birdie on the Wrong Bus by Ellen Chorley

Featuring: Mari Chartier | Directed by Andrew Ritchie, Set Design by Jaclyn Williams, Costume Design by Ellen Chorley, Lighting Design by Beth Dart. Photography by Dave DeGagne.

Birdie on the Wrong Bus by Ellen Chorley

Featuring: Mari Chartier & Ben Stevens | Directed by Andrew Ritchie, Set Design by Jaclyn Williams, Costume Design by Ellen Chorley, Lighting Design by Beth Dart. Photography by Dave DeGagne.

Birdie on the Wrong Bus by Ellen Chorley

Featuring: Mari Chartier & Ben Stevens | Directed by Andrew Ritchie, Set Design by Jaclyn Williams, Costume Design by Ellen Chorley, Lighting Design by Beth Dart. Photography by Dave DeGagne.

Birdie on the Wrong Bus by Ellen Chorley

Featuring: Lana Hughes | Directed by Andrew Ritchie, Set Design by Jaclyn Williams, Costume Design by Ellen Chorley, Lighting Design by Beth Dart. Photography by Dave DeGagne.

Birdie on the Wrong Bus by Ellen Chorley

Featuring: Mari Chartier | Directed by Andrew Ritchie, Set Design by Jaclyn Williams, Costume Design by Ellen Chorley, Lighting Design by Beth Dart. Photography by Dave DeGagne.

Birdie on the Wrong Bus by Ellen Chorley

Featuring: Mari Chartier, Lana Hughes & Ben Stevens | Directed by Andrew Ritchie, Set Design by Jaclyn Williams, Costume Design by Ellen Chorley, Lighting Design by Beth Dart. Photography by Dave DeGagne.

Birdie on the Wrong Bus by Ellen Chorley

Featuring: Mari Chartier | Directed by Andrew Ritchie, Set Design by Jaclyn Williams, Costume Design by Ellen Chorley, Lighting Design by Beth Dart. Photography by Dave DeGagne.

SELECTED PRESS

“Ritchie, a young up-and-comer among directors, took his cast on a nocturnal field trip through Birdie’s route. The theatrical result is a love letter to Edmonton…celebrating the little-known places in Edmonton, the places that aren’t West Edmonton Mall.” - Liz Nicholls, Edmonton Journal (Read the full preview here)

“it’s super important for kids to see things that they can identify with…see a play that’s very similar to their own experiences.” - Vue Weekly (Read the full preview here)

“I want people to see their city with new eyes. It’s a good thing for Edmonton kids to see a show about Edmonton, and go ‘hey! I know that place! “- Liz Nicholls, Edmonton Journal (Read the full preview here)

"A child friendly celebration of Edmonton. This show is a great example of that [children practicing empathy] because all of the places that Birdie goes to are places that kids in Edmonton can go to too" - Jenna Marynowski, After the House Lights (Read the full review here)

Birdie on the Wrong Bus by Ellen Chorley

Promise Productions | Snow Globe Festival of Children’s Theatre | Edmonton Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts | Edmonton Public School Tour | 2012-2015

Ever since she can remember, everyone has called fourth-grader Louise Reiner the nickname “Birdie,” because every time something goes wrong, Birdie makes a squeaking noise just like a bird! So when Birdie gets a failing grade on her “Why I Love Edmonton” assignment and then accidentally hops on the wrong bus home, you can imagine the high notes Birdie is squealing from the back of the bus bound to Fort Road!

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM
Birdie: Mari Chariter
Ensemble: Lana Hughes
Ensemble: Ben Stevens

Director: Andrew Ritchie
Set Designer: Jaclyn Williams
Lighting Designer: Beth Dart
Costume Designer: Ellen Chorley
Stage Manager: Al Gadowsky
Sound Designer: Andrew Ritchie

AWARDS

Nominated for Outstanding New Play - Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Award, 2015
Nominated for Outstanding TYA Artistic Achievement - Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Award, 2015