Spikey Loves the Fringe event set for July 11

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This article was published 07/07/2019 (1901 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Joy Winter-Schmidt loves the theatre.

So it’s fitting that she’s one of the key organizers of the Spikey Loves the Fringe event, which will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Thurs., July 11 at X-Cues Cafe & Lounge, which is located at 551 Sargent Ave. Tickets are $10, and doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

Billed as an evening of singing and celebration, the event is a fundraiser for Spikey Productions — a longtime project that is close to Winter-Schmidt’s heart. At the upcoming event, the St. Vital resident — who is Spikey Productions’ writer and former producer and director — will be officially handing the baton to director (choral and stage) Coral Militere, and producer and artistic director Kristina Cummins. Winter-Schmidt will stay on as a consultant.

“I will officially pass the torch on to these two very talented, passionate, brilliant and dedicated young ladies,” Winter-Schmidt said.

Winter-Schmidt said the goal of the upcoming event is to celebrate the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, of which she is a big fan.

“Spikey wants you to share the Fringe experience by giving you a taste of some musicals at this year’s Fringe,” said Winter-Schmidt, adding that several Spikey cast and alumni will be appearing in different Fringe productions this year.

As well as previewing several of this year’s Fringe shows — including The Beauty and the Lonely Beast, 35MM: A Musical Exhibition, Silence! The Musical (The Unauthorized Parody of the Silence of the Lambs), and Tell Me on a Sunday — songs from Spikey’s Points — featuring original music by Paulo Bergantim and Dave Schmidt — will also be showcased.

“Although Spikey won’t be at this year’s Fringe, watch for all upcoming productions on the Spikey’s Points Facebook page. This fall, all 24 songs will be re-recorded in Paulo’s studio, and proceeds from the CDs will be for a charity fundraiser.”

Winter-Schmidt said the event is aimed at adults who enjoy musical theatre, or who might want to sample a taste of it for the first time.

“It will be a fun evening with dinner, beverages, and a night out with friends — and there will be room to dance,” she said, noting her gratitude to Bergantim and X-Cues’ owner Sal Infantino.

“Thanks to Paulo for introducing me to Sal and X-Cues. Sal is a very generous and kind community-oriented man. We are grateful for his support.”

The Fringe also has a personal significance to Winter-Schmidt and her husband, Dave, who will celebrate their 31st wedding anniversary and 30th anniversary of attending the Fringe this month.    

Email Winter-Schmidt at jwinterschmidt@gmail.com or Militere at mitska32@gmail.com for more information.