Halifax’s award-winning theatre company KAZAN CO-OP continues its 2015 season with Stacey and Liz – an intimate evening of theatre in two acts.

Act one features New Glasgow-born, California-based soprano Stacey Fraser in the Canadian premiere of Concerto Suite from Frida by Roberto Xavier Rodriguez, tracing the life of Frida Kahlo.

Act two features Elizabeth Richardson in her show Going On, counterpointing her struggles as a young actress on tour with Peter O’Toole in the 70s with her later challenges as a Buddhist on a three-year meditation retreat.

“These are true stories, told by two talented performers, about artists who lived a century apart” says Kathryn MacLellan, artistic producer of KAZAN. “Going On is modern story, and Frida is about an eternally modern woman – someone unafraid to cross boundaries to define herself.”

Accompanied by celebrated musician Holly Arsenault on piano, Ms. Fraser’s piece follows the chronology of Kahlo`s life and loves at the turn of the century, in a contemporary style that crosses from theatre to opera. Ms. Richardson returns to Halifax to perform Going On fresh off performances in both Mexico and Stratford.

Acclaimed director Linda Moore, recent Merritt winner for best direction in KAZAN’s production of His Greatness, rejoins KAZAN to direct both solo performances in The Waiting Room.

Stacey Fraser says: “My career has taken me from theatre to opera, from La MaMa Experimental Theatre in New York to the Vancouver Symphony. Concerto Suite from Frida holds all that crazy eclecticism together – it’s modern, zany, and wonderful. I’m thrilled and grateful KAZAN has brought this to Halifax.”

Liz Richardson says: “Going On is autobiographical, filled with ups and downs. And as both an actress and a Buddhist, I’ve had my share of both. I can’t imagine a better – or more terrifying – place to perform this piece than at The Waiting Room. My thanks go to Kathryn and Janet.”

Stacey and Liz also features work by Janet MacLellan (set and costume design), Stephanie MacDonald (stage management), Leigh Ann Vardy (lighting design), Holly Arsenault (musical direction and accompaniment), Garrett Barker (projection), Louisa Adamson (production management), Heather MacLellan (marketing), and Kathryn MacLellan (production and choreography).

Stacey and Liz opens Wednesday, July 15 and runs to Sunday, July 19 at The Waiting Room, 6040 Almon Street. Pay-what-you-can preview Tuesday, July 14. Show begins at 7:30PM (doors open at 6:45PM). Runtime: 1 hour and 40 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. Frida is English-language. For tickets: tickethalifax.com (search “Kazan”), The Coast office (2309 Maynard St), or at the door. Regular: $30, student/artist: $20. Six performances only; early bookings encouraged to avoid disappointment. Seating capacity limited to 45. For information: 902-429-1610

KAZAN is grateful to BMO Financial Group and Harvey and Marie Crowell for their support.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Heather MacLellan
902-830-5488
heatheremaclellan@hotmail.com

Kathryn MacLellan
902-209-6108
kathrynmaclellan@hotmail.com