In the realm of Canadian musical theatre, Astrid Van Wieren is a revered and familiar name. With an illustrious career spanning productions that include the global phenomenon Come From Away on Broadway, Van Wieren continues to captivate audiences with her versatility and talent. And she is stepping into the spotlight anew in the world premiere of the new musical Inge(new) – In search of a musical, presented by Theatre Myth Collective and directed by Evan Tsitsias with Assistant Directors Zita Nyarady and Chang Nai Wen.
In this thought-provoking new play, which co-stars Mairi Babb, Cory O’Brien and Elora Joy Sarmiento, Bridget (Babb) faces a dilemma. During an audition on her 40th birthday, she finds that there are no suitable roles for her. Joined by three fellow auditionees, she embarks on a surreal journey where past and present intertwine in a metatheatrical realm that is reminiscent of No Exit and Six Characters in Search of an Author. The production cleverly tackles ageism, misogyny, gender roles, and internal programming – all while deconstructing musical theatre conventions and experimenting with form. Audiences can expect a delightful blend of comedy and musical-theatre elements.
For Van Wieren, the allure of Inge(new) – In search of a musical lies in the collaboration and creative energy of the team behind it. Director “Evan T. is a great friend – whenever we get together, I feel such a sense of mischief and possibility. He’s so wonderfully collaborative, hardworking, and fun,” she shares. “It’s wonderful to be part of putting it fresh-baked in front of an audience! I love new work!”
The enigmatic title of the musical sparks immediate curiosity . . . so Van Wieren sheds an enigmatically small bit of light on the production and her character. “I want audiences to come to Inge(new) wide open, and to enjoy the quirkiness and the energy and the maze of this piece,” she explains. “We’re two days into rehearsal as I answer this, and I already adore the ‘onion’ of Evan’s play – the layers and levels! I feel like there is just so much to explore with Gertrude. So many different ways she can be played! And I’m enjoying the stellar cast and the thoughtfulness and attention everyone is bringing to the project.”
Van Wieren is more expansive in reflecting on her career. “I’m not sure what the first thing/moment was that sparked my interest in performance . . . maybe school trips to Stratford or episodes of Charlie’s Angels, or both. But I have always loved art, theatre, dance, and film. High brow, low brow… Stories.” she reflects. “Sitting in the dark watching the magic and being transported to another place and time is only topped by getting to be in front of the lights!” Her early forays into singing, dancing and telling jokes set her on a path driven by that “wonderful challenge of solving the puzzle or the problem of how best to tell a story”.
Having embraced many debut projects in her career (including the aforementioned Come From Away) Van Wieren cherishes the opportunity to contribute to the birth of new stories. “I love a blank page, fresh snow – however you want to describe it. I enjoy the electricity, joy, and challenge that new work demands,” she explains. “There’s no role to reinvent: just pure invention and collaboration. There’s also that delicious risk as you put this ‘new baby’ on its feet. And the wonderful and sometimes scary surprises. I love when that last ‘cast member’ shows up… the audience. It’s their need to understand the story that pulls out of you those final touches and details that complete the storytelling. And that audience continually stays in silent dialogue with you.” She smiles widely, “Thrilling!”
Reflecting on her body of work, Van Wieren highlights some of her favourite roles and experiences. “Playing (and originating) Beulah and others in Come From Away still feels like a wonderful dream. To journey with a story so long, through its many iterations and different cities – and to end up on Broadway?! Come on! My Broadway debut, even!” she marvels. “That show truly was – and still is(!) – the theatrical gift that keeps on giving. Alongside the joy and honour of playing that wonderful track for so long, I made incredible friends, soaked up some amazing adventures, and had people share their hearts with me in truly profound ways. And this summer, the adventure continues, as I will be playing Diane in an all-new production of Come From Away in Gander, Newfoundland. And we’re already sold out!”
Other “shiny memories” include playing Germaine in Belles Soeurs: The Musical, a piece full of incredible women and an experience that was truly thrilling: “I was so challenged, and – I rarely would say this – I feel I met that challenge and certainly adored that entire company!” Another highlight was “playing Baal in BAAL – A Rock n Roll Play at Buddies years ago. I got to play a badass rock star. The BAAL creative team are currently working on a follow-up (not really a sequel) titled After/BAAL, revisiting some of those characters in the future.” Having worked on it in Banff last March, she pronounces it “another career/life highlight.” Finally, her performance in the drama This Wide Night earned her a Dora Award for Outstanding performance in a leading role.
Having experienced how every career brings inevitable ups and downs, Van Wieren approaches each experience as an opportunity for growth: “Every character one plays teaches you something, leaves a little something. And whenever I have been gifted an original character – Holly in Myth of the Ostrich or Grandma in The Way Back to Thursday or you name it, I just feel so damn lucky!” So Van Wieren eagerly anticipates the surprises that await her in Inge(new) – In search of a musical: “It’s still too early in the rehearsal process to know what the biggest surprise is – or will be – but I know that I’m looking forward to getting in the room to keep exploring.”
Speaking from her wealth of experience, she closes our conversation with parting words for aspiring artists: “Be yourself. You are always enough. Find a way to enjoy auditioning. You get to do what you love – even for a moment. Book the room – even if you don’t book the job. You do this by being yourself and being prepared. And be kind.” And Gertrude, her character in Inge(new) – In search of a musical, then adds her own sage advice: “Find your light. (Or someone else’s.) Make ’em laugh. Unless it’s a tragedy . . . then make ’em cry. Don’t let wardrobe give you someone else’s character shoes. Time can be cruel. Don’t YOU be.”
As Van Wieren sets out on another chapter of her accomplished career in Inge(new) – In search of a musical, she proves again – with her talent, daring, and infectious passion for storytelling – that the magic of theatre lies in the hands of those like her who bring it to life.
Inge(new) – In search of a musical is on stage at Red Sandcastle Theatre until June 4th, 2023. Reserve tickets on ticketscene.ca.
© Arpita Ghosal, SesayArts Magazine, 2023
