(L-R): Mishelle Cuttler, Christine Quintana, Anton Lipovetsky, Meaghan Chenosky, Claire Hesselgrave & Brian Cochrane. Photo credit: Beatty Oei Photography

Stationary: A recession-era musical

Book and Lyrics by Christine Quintana, Music by Mishelle Cuttler and Rap Lyrics by Brian Cochrane

“Hey, put up your hand if you’re thrilled to be an adult professional living in a basement suite and borrowing money from your parents!  They may be ‘first world problems,’ but they are my problems.”

Under the fluorescent lights of real life, obligations and social niceties loom large.  But in the world of day-dreams, all things are possible. STATIONARY: a recession-era musical explores the lives of 6 young people at a moment when big dreams meet reality checks. “The baby boom is just an echo now,” and STATIONARY gives voice to the generation left behind.

Saddled with crippling student loan debts, high cost of living and a recession-era economy, our young characters are just trying to get by in a “yoga and sushi-swilling succubus of a city.”  They’ve stepped out, bachelors degree in hand, to find out not everyone can be a winner.

Set in a corporate office, the narrative flips between dialogue and vivid musical sequences in which our talented singer-actors also double as musicians.  Using a delightful array of musical instruments to play a score ranging in influence from the Arcade Fire to Dr Dre, our young heroes sing of dreams gone by and the melancholic disappointment of adulthood.  But as the clock races towards 5 o’clock, they realize that “tomorrow is my best friend” and regardless of circumstance, the power for change and happiness rests within us all.  Real life is disappointing.  Singing about it definitely takes the edge off.

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The perennial question of how to get young people to go to the theatre has a relatively simple answer — put young people on stage and tell their stories.

The Vancouver Sun
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Stationary sings with wit and whimsy

The Georgia Straight
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'Stationary' is the musical rallying cry of our generation… 'Stationary: A Recession-Era Musical' is the millennial anthem that our generation both needs and deserves

Vancity Buzz
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In STATIONARY: a recession-era musical, writer Christine Quintana delivers a witty show about the career dissatisfactions of 20-somethings.

The Georgia StraightColin Thomas
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..these are smart, talented, young theatre-makers and when they get rocking, they really do rock… 'STATIONARY' has the power to move us.

Vancouver CourierJo Ledingham
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There is so much talent oozing from the stage

Gay Vancouver
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Their level of talent and expertise is truly impressive

Vancouver Observer
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Charming musical romp deals with issues that speak to the under-30s

Leader Post
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There are laughs and smiles and the odd tear galore to come from this original score and script… This show is fresh and witty and charming and worth every minute

Broken Leg Reviews

Production Details

2 Male

4 Female

3 Musicians (any gender)

75 minutes (no intermission)

Book and Lyrics by Christine Quintana, Music by Mishelle Cuttler, Rap Lyrics by Brian Cochrane

Production History

Premiered at the Neanderthal Festival in July of 2012. It has since played at Presentation House in April of 2013, Gabriola Island Theatre Festival in August of 2013, Talk is Free Theatre in Barrie Ontario in April 2015 and in the mainstage season at The Cultch in April 2015.

Awards

Winner of the 2015 Jessie Richardson Theatre Award – Outstanding Production Musical and Outstanding Sound Design and Composition (Mishelle Cuttler)
anton-lipovetsky-and-company-photo-by-luca-ragogna
cast-of-stationary-photo-by-luca-ragogna
full-cast-of-stationary-photo-by-luca-ragogna
Stationary Anton Lipovetsky and Cast(photo by Luca Ragogna)

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