Band Age
C103 (8529 Gateway Blvd.) August 16, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24
An interview with Toni Maggio.
Band Age at Edmonton Fringe Festival. Photo credit: Ryan Manickchand of rmedia photography
Describe your show in five words.
Zany seniors armed with instruments.
Okay, now that we’re intrigued… what’s the longer description?
Band Age is a comedy full of hijinks, charm and almost-music. The show follows a seniors’ band through it’s ups and downs, starts and stops, misadventures and flying hearing aids!
The show is about a seniors band – what’s different about a senior’s band vs. a non-seniors band?
As anyone who’s spent any time around seniors’ groups will know, they love to talk! Rehearsals for a seniors’ band are more like a comedy of errors, with all the interruptions and miscommunications. Everyone has an opinion, and they all feel the need to share it. They’ve had more experience than younger bands, and thus more stories to tell.
The show’s playwright is a seniors band veteran. Is anything in the show inspired by real life events?
Absolutely. Vivian Mayne is an experienced musician who has done countless gigs with several different seniors bands. This play is an amalgamation of those experiences.
Anything else you want audiences to know about the show?
Band Age is the type of show that will have you walking out of the theatre with a smile. It’s a light hearted look at the different personalities found in seniors’ groups, and the need they all share for companionship in their later years. The band isn’t just a way to express themselves, it’s a way to socialize and feel close to other people. It’s a funny show for all ages, in a relatable way. Anyone who has ever had an encounter with a senior will enjoy this show.
Bonus question: Any names you want to drop who have been involved in your show (Edmonton arts people or otherwise)?
Our cast has been around in more ways than one! Quite a few members are a part of the Leduc Drama Society, and a few more are a part of the GeriActors. These are seasoned performers who know their way around a stage.
As for myself (the director), I am a graduate of the Second City Conservatory program in Toronto, so I like to think I’m adding my own flair for comedy into the production.
The 33rd Edmonton International Fringe is August 14 – 24. Get your tickets at tickets.fringetheatre.ca.