“Menard is one of the most charismatic, engaging artists to walk the Spriet Stage, interacting with the audience with such inviting ease, honesty, joy and focus you almost feel compelled to respond. She will make you smile, laugh, cry and feel loved.”
”
Rubaboo
— A Metis Cabaret —
Written by Andrea Menard
Music by Andrea Menard and Robert Walsh
Photo by Dahlia Katz
Andrea Menard, World Premiere Production at the Grand Theatre, Set Design by Cimmeron Meyer, Costume Design by Samantha McCue, Lighting Design by Kimberly Purtell
Photo by Dahlia Katz
Robert Walsh, Andrea Menard, Karen Shepherd, Nathen Aswell, World Premiere Production at the Grand Theatre, Set Design by Cimmeron Meyer, Costume Design by Samantha McCue, Lighting Design by Kimberly Purtell
““There is a palpable sense of belonging from the moment the curtain rises. Menard welcomes the audience as if they are visiting her home.””
RUBABOO
— A Metis Cabaret —
World Premiere Production - Co-Produced with the Grand Theatre and Arts Club Theatre
Directed by Alanis King
Accompanied by an acoustic band lead by longtime collaborator and guitarist, Robert Walsh, Andrea describes Rubaboo as “a musical feast of my Métis culture that includes songs of reconciliation and resilience, songs of unity and love, drum songs, as well as stories that enlighten Canadians about our collective history. Can’t have a Métis rubaboo without all the flavours!"
“Expect your hearts to fill and your spirits to soar, as Andrea Menard uses her wisdom, warmth, and formidable voice to take us all on a very personal journey in the world premiere of Rubaboo. Andrea is a gentle force within our country, and it’s a real honour to have her with us.”
- Dennis Garnham
““...a large part of the performance is making sure the Métis perspective is given space.
But Rubaboo isn’t a didactic history lesson posing as family-friendly entertainment. There’s a great deal of delight and even whimsy to be found in these stories and songs...” ”
Rubaboo is currently seeking production partners in PACT houses across Canada for 2025/26.
We have all the information you need. Please reach out at the link below to gather more information.
Past Theatre Productions:
The Grand Theatre - London, ON - March 2023
Arts Club Theatre Company - Vancouver, BC - April 2023
Citadel Theatre - Edmonton, AB - February 2024
Photo by Nanc Price, Citadel Production 2024
Robert Walsh, Karen Shepherd, Nathen Aswell, Set Design by Cimmeron Meyer, Costume Design by Samantha McCue, Lighting Design by Kimberly Purtell
photo by Nanc Price Photography - Citadel Theatre production 2024
Andrea Menard, Set Design by Cimmeron Meyer, Costume Design by Samantha McCue, Lighting Design by Kimberly Purtell
Tickets:
Citadel Theatre - Edmonton
February 10 - March 3rd, 2024
““It is such a joyful show that it’s hard to believe it explains such deeply disturbing, painful truths, such as assimilation policies,.. and other government laws relating to hunting and fishing, rebellion, residential schools and the generational impacts of it all.
This Metis treasure accomplishes what she set out to do in such an extraordinarily beautiful way you can’t help but leave the theatre with a bounce in your step and a truth in your heart knowing, as Menard tells us at the close, “It doesn’t matter what you believe. . . . Your spark’s as bright as mine.””
The Reviews:
Review: Song, Dance, Storytelling and More Goes into the Citadel’s Rubaboo Stew - Tom Murray, Edmonton Journal - Feb. 16, 2024
Review: Rubaboo - a Rich Stew of Story & Song - Lucy Haines, InfoEdmonton - Feb. 18, 2024
Review: Rubaboo Delights Audiences at Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre - Sarah Dussome, Broadway World - Feb. 20, 2024
Review: Andrea Menard’s Rubaboo is an Inspiring Story that’s Overdue - Joe Belanger, The London Free Press, Mar. 23, 2023
The Cast:
Andrea Menard
writer - creator - performer
photo by Dahlia Katz (Grand Theatre production 2023)
Robert Walsh
musical director - co-writer - guitarist - arranger
photo by Nanc Price (Citadel production 2024)
Nathen Aswell
stick player
photo by Dahlia Katz (Grand Theatre production 2023)
Karen Shepherd
violinist (fiddle player)
photo by Nanc Price (Citadel production 2024)
The Design Team:
World Premiere Production at the Grand Theatre
Alanis King - Director
Set Design - Cimmeron Meyer
Costume Design - Samantha McCue
Lighting Design - Kimberly Purtell
Sound Design - Mary Jane Coomber
Photos by Dahlia Katz and Nanc Price
Photo by Dahlia Katz, Grand Theatre production 2023
Robert Walsh, Andrea Menard, Karen Shepherd, Nathen Aswell, Set Design by Cimmeron Meyer, Costume Design by Samantha McCue, Lighting Design by Kimberly Purtell
““From beginning to end, Rubaboo is a feast for the senses.””
““If you haven’t heard of her, prepare to hear a lot about her from anyone who is lucky enough to see her in action… Her warm, burnished alto at times recalls Linda Ronstadt or Patsy Cline and she can sing an a cappella tune with an instrumental purity that keeps the audience riveted and utterly silent. But she can also belt and wail a bluesy tune with roof-raising power”
”