Cast and crew rehearse for ACT’s bold and darkly comedic production of Blood Ties, making its Windsor debut this weekend at the University of Windsor’s Hatch Studio Theatre. The Canadian musical thriller features a talented team of UWindsor alumni both on and off stage. (DAVID CHEYO PHOTOGRAPHY/University of Windsor)
By Sarah Hébert
Blood Ties, a bold and darkly comedic Canadian musical will be making its Windsor debut this Friday—July19—at the Hatch Studio Theatre in the Jackman Dramatic Art Centre at the University of Windsor.
Featuring UWindsor Alumni both on stage and behind the scenes, this fully staged production delivers a wickedly hilarious musical thriller about friendship, trauma—and cleaning up blood before a wedding.
“Blood Ties is exactly the kind of bold, original work that the ACT New Works program was created to support,” said Moya McAlister, Executive Director of Arts Collective Theatre (ACT).
Champion homegrown talent, McAlister notes that ACT offers paid, meaningful roles to emerging and established artists right here in Windsor-Essex County.
“It’s not only about developing new Canadian musicals—it’s about creating professional opportunities for local artists and ensuring that graduates from the University of Windsor’s drama and music programs don’t have to leave town to do the work they love.”
With more than 15 years of industry experience, University of Windsor Alumna Marcela Garzaro (BFA 2011) takes on the role of Sheila, the anxious bride-to-be.
For Garzaro, returning to Windsor to work with local talent has been a rewarding experience.
“Working on Blood Ties is truly a special experience for me,” she shared.
“I get to return home, and work alongside an amazing group of theatre artists who all have diverse and unique backgrounds that enrich this story.”
“And with amazing direction from Bryan Hindle, we've had the opportunity to explore this world with fun, lightness, grace, safety and forgiveness, with the goal of creating a show we're all proud of.”
Playing Conrad—the bride’s uncle-by-marriage who becomes increasingly entangled in the mystery—is Alumnus Martin Ouellette (BA 2012), who called his first production with ACT “refreshing and inspiring.”
Musical Director and Alumnus Ian McGregor Smith (BMus 1988) echoed the sentiment of returning to creative roots, while applauding the artistic excellence behind the production.
“The music and the script are excellent—new and fresh—giving this very talented cast and I an opportunity to dig deep to deliver an awesome musical theatre experience for audience members.”
Blood Ties runs July 19–27, with a special post-show talkback on July 26, offering audiences a chance to engage directly with the writers, cast, and director.