
You're Invited To The Best Slumber Party Ever!
You're Invited To The Best Slumber Party Ever!
“Annette is a Bimbo!”
May 25 - June 2, 2023 | The Shu-Box, Riddell Centre
Presented as Part of RISER Regina 2023
Nancy Parker and her friends are all experiencing a bit of a crisis. Whether it be crushes, or not fitting in, or worries about the future, they are all desperately trying to find themselves and, in their opinion, failing miserably at it.
On the night of Nancy’s 16th birthday, she receives an (unbeknownst to her) magical record, and accidentally summons Annette, a magical drag queen. Annette has made it her job to help teens in distress, and she can’t leave until she has put all their troubles right. Throughout the night, Annette and her friends learn to push back against the patriarchy and break free from the labels and expectations that society has placed upon them.
Part pyjama party, part drag show, and part record hop, “Annette is a Bimbo!” is a campy musical guide to youth and romance for everyone who got picked up early, who lied about their crush, or who never got invited. Welcome to the best slumber party ever!
We are grateful for the support of Canada Council for the Arts & SK Arts.
RISER is supported by the Government of Canada, RBC Foundation, and a community of Senior Partners. RISER Regina is presented by On Cue Performance Hub & Why Not Theatre.


















































Reviews
“Carson Walliser is a marvel as Annette. It’s an astonishing performance in a company of wonderful big hearted characters. The whole company is a delight. [The Director] keeps the company engaged in the material with fine playful staging and an authentic connection to the themes in the play.”
- Jennifer Brewin, Artistic Director | Globe Theatre
“I loved this show’s unapologetic joy. It was a contagiously Pride-ful show-and-tell for Queer culture, a celebration with just enough lament to bring out both essential flavours. The deliberate campiness, lovingly and energetically embraced by the ensemble, was impossible to resist from the moment I walked into the performance space. Carson Walliser was both mesmerizing and poignant as Annette, elevating an already brightly lit piece of theatre to sheer incandescence. For all of its apparent camp, “Annette Is a Bimbo!” is an important work, not because it cries out for a more compassionate and inclusive world, but because it dares to assume we’re already and irrevocably headed in that direction.”
- Mark Claxton, Executive Director | Saskatchewan Association of Theatre Professionals
““Annette is a Bimbo!” delivers a powerful reflection on the complex journey of Queer adolescence, unmasking the raw and messy aspects of those formative years in an ideal world of unapologetic Queer joy. Through its respectful portrayal of consent, growth, and the exploration of Queer pop culture, the play offers an empowering and celebratory experience that invites audiences to embrace their own confidence and authenticity.”
- Carla Harris, Artist & Community Activist
“Although the cast is relatively large, the characters are fully realized individuals. The play doesn’t rely on types; the characters are unique and particular but still somehow familiar, like friends. Every one of them is helped by the magical “Teen Idol” aspirant Annette – and every one of them helps / supports her in turn as she comes to her own realization that social constructions and expectations have injured and limited her as well. The dialogue is funny, the humour gentle and kind. “Annette is a Bimbo!” is positive, hopeful, welcoming, safe – and above all, very, very joyful.
- Leanne Groeneveld, Dramaturge
Showtimes
Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 7:30pm
Friday, May 26, 2023 at 7:30pm
Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 7:30pm
Monday, May 29, 2023 at 2:00pm
Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 7:30pm
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 7:30pm
Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 7:30pm
Friday, June 2, 2023 at 7:30pm

"I love sleepovers." | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"Hey, guys what are you talking about?" | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"I found it in that big sale the library had like two months ago. It just said 'Party Record'." | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"Pineapple Princess!" | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"We're going to tear you apart!" | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"Oh my god, that was a wonderful number!" | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"It's automatic!" | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"It’s just so easy!" | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"But like tell us what happened!" | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"Oh my god, the power went out!" | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"What's the straight guy's version of Seventeen?" | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"Too young for marriage and too old for games..." | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"You better lay all your love on him!" | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"Wear it at the soda shop, wear it at the record hop" | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"I’m going to kill you!" | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"I think we're alone now" | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"Why didn't I know?" | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"It’s my note." | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"Change 'small crush' to 'everlasting devotion'-" | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"I'm never like this around other boys." | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"Why didn't you tell me?" | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"I think that it's time that I should just let you go" | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"You're sad you missed your moment? Well guess what, it's the sequel." | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"Can I give you some big sister advice?" | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"Do you know? I'll never let you go" | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)

"Dear Diary, this year has been wild and it's just day one- night one actually." | Photo by Don Hall (for RISER Regina 2023)


























Cast
Annette……………………Carson Walliser
Nancy……………………Angeline Lypka
Hayley……………………Rachel Walliser
Julia…………………….Julianne Biegler
Annie……………………Megan Holt
Bobby……………………Kevin Nguyen
Barbara……………………Jane Neumier
Walt……………………George Grassick

Creative Team
Playwright……………………Carson Walliser
Director……………………Landon Walliser
Stage Manager……………………Kahlan Oosterveld
Dramaturge……………………Leanne Groeneveld
Costume Designers……………………Carson Walliser
……………………Des’ree Gray
Set Designer……………………Carson Walliser
Lighting Designer……………………William Hales
Sound Designer……………………Kahlan Oosterveld
Intimacy Director……………………Rachel Walliser
Dance Captain…………………….Julianne Biegler







-
Carson Walliser
Carson is a graduate of the Theatre Program at the University of Regina with a major in Acting and from MacEwan University’s Musical Theatre Acting Program. Past acting credits include: Ernst in Spring Awakening, Deputy Danforth in The Crucible, and a company member in The Laramie Project. In 2017 he and a group of colleagues founded The Women's Company. Carson designed the company’s first production, Love, Loss, and What I Wore, which premiered at the Regina Fringe Festival, to wide acclaim. In 2018, the production toured in Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Alberta and won several Broadway World awards including Best Design of a Play. Recently Carson has acted in the Globe Theatre’s Art Out Loud Festival, pitched to Netflix for their Original Canadian content division, and just recently finished his term as the Costume Coordinator at the Stratford Festival.
-
Angeline Lypka
Growing up, Angeline was heavily involved in Free My Muse Theatre Company and Sacred Heart High School's drama club before taking an acting hiatus after graduation. Baby-stepping her way back into theatre, Angeline took part in Love, Loss, and What I Wore and The Man in the Brown Suit with The Women's Company of Regina. She is honoured to be a part of Carson Walliser's production, and is so excited to learn, perform, and grow with this amazing opportunity!
-
Rachel Walliser
Rachel Walliser (she/her) is a theatre artist, playwright, and vintage wares seller originally from Swift Current, Saskatchewan. This past June, she finished her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Performance with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of Regina. Last May, Rachel’s play Breaking the Curse was produced and filmed by 25th Street Theatre & Ferré Play Theatre in Saskatoon. In 2020, Rachel began training to become an Intimacy Director under Janine Waddell at Theatrical Intimacy Laboratory (Alberta), as well as Theatrical Intimacy Education (USA). When not working, Rachel likes to spend her time collaging, reading, and eating bagels with her polydactyl cat, Goodie Hamstring.
-
Kevin Nguyen
Kevin Nguyen is a Vietnamese-Canadian artist based in Vancouver, BC. After falling in love with acting in high school, Kevin decided to further his training at Studio 58’s theatre program. He has co-created and appeared in works such as Away with Home (Miscellaneous Productions), The Bright Young Things (Risky Nights, Studio 58), Everybody (Studio 58), The Rocky Horror Show (Studio 58), Blue Stockings (Studio 58), and East Van Panto: The Little Mermaid (Theatre Replacement). Kevin was part of the 2022 Riotous Youth ensemble at Bard on the Beach and was the 2022 recipient of the United Players Andrée Karas scholarship award. He is also a playwright, having co-written The Banyan Tree, an original short play which featured at Studio’s Six of One play festival.
-
Julianne Biegler
Julianne is thrilled to be a part of this production. She is originally from Vancouver Island and is currently attending Capilano University’s musical theatre program located in North Vancouver, entering into her third year. Her most recent part was a Kit Kat Klub girl in a production of Cabaret at Capilano University. In her spare time she likes to enjoy the outdoors, whether it be hiking or gardening as well as spending time with family and friends. She is excited to work with the other artists and hopes you all enjoy the show.
-
Megan Holt
Megan is a graduate of MacEwan University’s Theatre Arts program and is currently in her third year of the University of Alberta's Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting. Although Megan is attending school in Edmonton, she is from Vancouver Island, where she first nurtured her love of performance in the local community theatre. Megan has a passion for music, dance, and participating in the development of new work with emerging artists. Some of her favourite past roles include Penelope Pennywise in Urinetown and Sister Mary Ignatius in Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You.
-
Jane Neumier
Jane is an actor, writer, and multi-disciplinary theatre artist who grew up and currently resides in Langenburg, SK. She studied acting at the University of Regina and is a graduate of George Brown Theatre School in Toronto. Favourite previous work includes Love, Loss, and What I Wore (The Women’s Company), The Learned Ladies, and Metamorphosis (George Brown). Jane is excited to be working as a part of the arts community in Saskatchewan. She would like to thank her family and partner for their support and love.
-
Kahlan Oosterveld
Kahlan is an emerging Stage Manager based in Edmonton, Alberta. She graduated from Macewan University’s Theatre Production program in 2020 and has been making her way up to Equity status ever since. Select past credits include; Apprentice Stage Manager for Tosca, Orphée+, Stabat Mater (Edmonton Opera), Stage Managing Passeport (L’Uni Théâtre), Kiss Me, Kate! (Foote in the Door Productions), and Brigadoon (ELOPE Musical Theatre). Kahlan is so excited to be Stage Managing “Annette is a Bimbo!” and can’t wait for you to see it. Enjoy the show!
-
Landon Walliser
Landon Walliser is a producer and director currently based in Regina, SK. He has recently been found working as the Artistic Directing Intern at Regina’s Globe Theatre, while also working as the co-founder and Creative Administrator of On Cue Performance Hub and as the Producer for The Women’s Company. He also serves as the Treasurer of the Saskatchewan Playwrights’ Centre.
He is a multi-award-winning artist, receiving two of the three BroadwayWorld Awards for The Women’s Company’s Edmonton production of Love, Loss, and What I Wore (Best Play & Best Touring Production), a Best of Venue Award from the Hamilton Fringe Festival, and a Young Man of the Year Award from Queen City Pride recognizing his contributions to the LGBTQ+ community in southern Saskatchewan in 2012.
In 2022, he was selected as one of CBC Saskatchewan's Future 40, an award recognizing young Saskatchewanians who are making a difference in their communities. They represent Saskatchewan's best and brightest young leaders, thinkers, builders and change-makers.
-
William Hales
William Hales is a tenured Lecturer for the University of Regina Theatre Department. He teaches technical direction, stage and production management, lighting, audio and rigging. Bill works with The Only Animal Theatre in Vancouver and designed the lighting for The Only Animal's NiX, winning a Betty Mitchell award for outstanding lighting design in Calgary. Designed the set and lighting for The Only Animal’s Nothing But Sky, which won a Jessie Richardson Award in Vancouver for Excellence in Design in 2014. His latest lighting design was for the Canadian premiere of Slime and was nominated for a Jessie Richardson award.
-
Des'ree Gray
Des'ree Gray is a Toronto based Costume Designer with experience in film and theatre. She is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University's Production Design Program and takes pride in her abilities in all stages of the design process.
Work: Assistant Costume Designer for Otîhêw (Shakespeare in the Ruff); Assistant Costume Designer for Little Women (Stratford Festival); Assistant Costume Designer for 1851: Spirit & Voice (SoulPepper Theatre); Designer for Designing The Revolution (Theatre Passe Muraille); Costume Designer for Chloe=Catalyst (Culchaworks Art Collective); Key Makeup Artist for The Barber of Seville (UofT Opera); Head of Wardrobe and Makeup for Transform T.O (ARCA Productions)
Online:
Instagram @desreegraydesigns
Website www.desreegraydesigns.ca
Music



