With a flash of lightning and a clap of thunder, the stormy tale of The Song of the Say-Sayer, by Daniel Danis, rolls into the David Spinks Theatre in the new year.

Appearing Jan. 20-22 at 8 p.m. nightly (with a 2 p.m. matinee on Jan. 22), TheatreXtra's third production of the season explores the trauma and tribulations of four extraordinary orphaned siblings.

"I'd describe this play as a psychological thriller combined with a magical bedtime story," says Genevieve Pare, drama major and director. "It's a dramatic play, but magical and fantastical things are woven into the story."

As audiences have come to expect with TheatreXtra, creativity takes centre stage with a minimized use of sets and props.

"This play engages the imagination; the kind of imagination we had as children. At certain points, it is up to the audience to use their own imagination to create their own interpretation," Pare adds. "I was introduced to the script by one of my professors. I thought it would make a great show for TheatreXtra because it was about the characters and story rather than about props and set. It's written in a style I've never experienced."

Featuring a live percussion ensemble, the whimsy of The Song of the Say-Sayer leaves an indelible impression on audiences.

Tickets are available at the University Box Office (403-329-2616) beginning Jan. 10. Regular hours for the box office are Monday through Friday 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $11 regular, $7 for students and seniors.

For a look at the full issue of the December Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.