Legally Lemoine: Two Comedies in Search of Justice at the Edmonton Fringe Festival

Stacey Grubb, Jillian Gamez and Marissa Tordoff. Photo credit: Russ Hewitt Photography
Stacey Grubb, Jillian Gamez and Marissa Tordoff. Photo credit: Russ Hewitt Photography

Legally Lemoine: Two Comedies in Search of Justice performed by the Novus Actors
Double bill of A Widow’s Crimes and A Second Round of Seconds, both by Stewart Lemoine
August 12 – 17, 20 at Venue #12: Varscona Theatre


An interview with Stacey Grubb.

Describe your show in five words.

Oysters. Pearls. Lovers. Mystery. Serendipity

Okay, now that we’re intrigued… what’s the longer description?

This year we are performing two one-acts written by Stewart Lemoine. A Widow’s Crimes weaves intrigue, deception and romance at a Balkan spa in the 1920s. A Second Round of Seconds is a contemporary piece where rogue participants cause havoc at a speed dating event.

This year you are performing Stewart Lemoine’s A Widow’s Crimes and A Second Round of Seconds. Why did you choose these two plays to tackle?

This is our second year working with Stewart Lemoine and Jeff Haslam at Teatro La Quindicina. We submitted a list of company members to them and then Stewart and Jeff chose A Widow’s Crimes for the group to perform. Stewart also decided that this year he would write a one-act specifically for the Novus Actors. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to premiere A Second Round of Seconds – a brand new piece by Stewart Lemoine. Not many people have such an honour. We are extremely grateful for this privilege and hope that we do justice to the piece!

Both A Widow’s Crimes and A Second Round of Seconds involve romance. What other similarities do these plays share, and what about seeing them in a double bill will be great for audiences?

Both of the plays we are performing deal with evolution of new romances as well as old relationships that experience challenges. However, they are not just about romance. They explore the whole gamut of the human experience. And, you get to see it twice! The plays also offer an interesting contrast in styles that we think will be great for audiences. A Widow’s Crimes has formal language and vintage costumes whereas A Second Round of Seconds is a contemporary piece. It has been fun exploring such different worlds in rehearsals.

Proceeds from Legally Lemoine: Two Comedies in Search of Justice benefit a local nonprofit. Can you tell us about the nonprofit the show benefits this year and why you chose them?

This is our second year partnering with Teatro La Quindicina. It has been a great mutually beneficial relationship. The company members of the Novus Actors – who are all practising lawyers – have had the opportunity to work with consummate theatre professionals and Stewart and Jeff have been very generous in sharing their time and talents with us. We are thrilled to be able to support Teatro again this year and believe that supporting local artists helps to make our city a creative, artistic and fun place to be.

Anything else you want audiences to know about the show?

We are performing in the brand new Varscona Theatre. We have drinks, nibs, comfortable, non-squeaky chairs and air conditioning!! If you haven’t had a chance to check out this gorgeous new theatre, here’s your chance!

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