The Penelopiad

Sept. 13 – 22, BackStage Stage @ Persephone Theatre

Thirteen is lucky when it comes to a brand-new theatre collective in Saskatoon. Ferre Play Theatre is comprised of 13 powerhouse women staging 13 performances of The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood. The story focuses on Penelope, wife of Odysseus, as she shares the stories of the Odyssey, her life and death as a legend of Greek mythology. Yvette Nolan directs this cast in a piece by one of Canada’s most beloved feminist authors. Tickets are being sold on a pay-what-you-can format, ranging from $10 – $50.

Saskatoon International Burlesque Festival

Oct. 3 – 6, Broadway Theatre

Shows $30 & Workshops $20 – $30

It’s all about the art of the tease for a brand-new festival in Saskatoon. The Saskatoon International Burlesque Festival is a celebration of the sultry variety show and will include music, comedy and striptease. Frisky Friday and Sexy Saturday will feature performers from across Canada and the United States, including Chicago contortionist Dahlia Fatale and Vancouver temptress Ava Lure. The weekend wraps up with what organizers are calling “Sunday school,” a day full of burlesque workshops for every skill level. Beginners are welcome!

Elton John

Oct. 1 & 2, SaskTel Centre $68 – $1,475

After more than 50 years, Elton John is parking the tour bus and retiring from life on the road. This three-year farewell includes more than 300 shows worldwide. The Oscar, Grammy and Tony award winner is a hot ticket in our city, selling out shows in 2008 and 2011. His performances are packed full of hits – including Tiny Dancer, Benny and the Jets, I’m Still Standing and Rocket Man – that will have you singing along. This could be your last chance to see this living legend.

Jeremy Dutcher with the SSO

Nov. 9, TCU Place $53 – $73

Hot off his win at the 2019 Juno Awards for Indigenous Album of the Year, and a year after winning the Polaris Music Prize, Jeremy Dutcher is touring the world. The trained tenor is making a stop in Saskatoon for a show with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra (SSO). Dutcher is cutting a new path on the country’s classical music scene by blending traditional opera with his Indigenous roots to create an entirely new sound. He’s one of the most talked about vocalists in Canada right now as he uses his performances to also spark discussions about Indigenous rights and reconciliation. This is sure to be a poignant and provocative night.

Waitress

Dec. 4 & 5, TCU Place $56 – $122

It was a smash hit on Broadway and now a little slice of New York theatre is coming to Saskatoon. Waitress is a musical that combines the pop music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles with a story by Jessie Nelson. The Tony-nominated show follows waitress and expert pie-maker Jenna as she dreams of a way to leave behind her small town and abusive marriage. You’ll be swept away in the music and the fight for a fresh start.

(Britainy Zapshalla is a freelance journalist and arts publicist in Saskatoon. Visit her website at britspicks.com.)

-Britainy Zapshalla