What is bathtub gin? Sounds a little daunting and unsanitary to me. And the director of the show advised me to only have one glass… or two max if not driving. I’m a little scared. But intrigued.

So, this is what Wiki says: Bathtub gin refers to any style of homemade spirit made in amateur conditions. The term first appeared in 1930, in the prohibition-era United States, in reference to the poor-quality alcohol that was being made. Many other cocktails owe their life to bathtub gin, as they were also created in order to mask the awful taste.

Should I be worried? But my life motto is to try anything and everything once in my life. This is going to be my one time.. having bathtub gin. Bound to be a truly “Wild” party. If you’re brave like me, join me on this adventure. You may ask me now, “What is this “Wild Party” you keep on talking about? I’m now dying of curiosity and am almost jumping through my computer screen to shake some sense into you!” Ok, maybe you’re not thinking exactly that.. but I’ll fill you in anyhow.

The Wild Party is a broadway musical based on the gritty 1928 poem by Joseph Moncure March which ran on Broadway in 2000. It’s a risque,  skanky, boozcan piece. I love it already and now more excited than ever to watch it while sipping that gin that originates from the oh-so-alluring bathtub. Director and executive producer Chris Shyer is staying here with us at HotelC (and did you know he was Marcus: Anna’s second-in-command in charge of operations on the TV series V) and we got the honor and pleasure of having a chat with him.

H: Tell me a little bit more about the show.

Chris: It’s the first musical that I’ve directed. I’ve been in business since about 1985 and I had met Stellina Rusich my co-director in ‘88 at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. We were both from diverse backgrounds. Originally it was supposed to be held at Maxine’s Hideaway, which was a perfect fit for the cabaret and burlesque nature of this show, but unfortunately Maxine’s has been torn down. The current location is at ANZA club at 3 West 8th, Vancouver. ANZA originally a road house but we have outfitted the place to feel like a 20’s style speakeasy or cotton club. You not only get to watch the show, which is about 140 minutes long (we are trying to cut it down to 130 minutes), but you get to enjoy a pre-show and an after-show. The pre-show starts 1 hour before curtain. You will be able to try bathtub gin and other authentic drinks as well as join in on a Blackbottom dance off.

*I know, I know.. I’m learning new things in this interview too.. Blackbottom dancing is apparently a dance popular during the flapper era and includes “ Hopping down front then Doodle back, (Doodle means slide). Mooching to your left then Mooching to the right, Putting your hands on your hips and do the Mess Around, and Breaking a Leg until you’re near the ground (Break a Leg is a hobbling step)” Ahh.. yes, now I see. Not. I guess I have wait and see. ”

H: So what other forays have you taken into the entertainment industry other than directing risque musicals?

Chris: Well, I started out as a performer, in musical theatre, plays, films and TV. I went back to the theatre after TV and did Mama Mia on Broadway in New York as Sam Carmichael. I also worked on a short in the Crazy 8s Event with a one hour film called Stupid Chainsaw Tricks. I was the executive producer and director. Recently, I  worked on the show V as Marcus.

H: That show did really well! Do you think that they will be filming a new season soon?

Chris: I’m not sure but hopefully in mid June or July.

H: So after all the different areas of the entertainment world that you’ve experienced, where does your passion lie?

Chris: Well, that’s a very hard question. I’m going to have to think about it. I would have to say that directing has its highs and lows. It’s kind of like having to lead the ship. It’s great but at the same time, you have to make sure that everyone’s contributions are acknowledged, be compassionate but also not a softie. As a director you also have to lead by example, and a lot of things are easy to say but of course actions speak louder than words. Now after experiencing being a director, I look back on everything and think that as an actor, what a son-of-a-gun I was. It’s really opened my eyes and I’ve never had the same approach to acting since.

H: So as Pint Size Tall Theatre Society’s first production, did you face any major challenges?

Chris: Well, we were working with the Indie Policy which is a part of the Canadian Actors Equity and allows artist driven projects with lower budgets to work with the union. The actors receive a small salary but on the condition that the production agrees to promote them. So in this spirit, the actors were to write their own bios, and with 17 actors, finessing their bios, signing out drafts and printing, unfortunately, the programs were not available during the first week of the show.

Another forward move in media through the Indie Policy is the allowance of journalistic cameras behind the scenes of production. this is meant to get the word out and promote the film even before opening night. But of course there are always some problems with new elements and people who prefere the traditional way of doing things.

H: So how did the promotions go?

Chris: Great! We had a sold out opening night. Unfortunately, the great Vancouver weather may be giving us a hard time as everyone’s wanting to spend time outside in the sunshine. But I think we are doing very well with the show. Of course our audience is restricted because we are serving alcohol but we are planning to have a sober sunday without any alcohol on premises. In any case, it’s not just that attracting the crowds, it’s mainly the allure of what the show promises.

H: Speaking of the weather, how are you enjoying Vancouver?

Great. I have lived here before for about 6 years as well. I love the weather, West Coast and the outdoors. The mountains, fresh air and ocean. The vibe here is great. I’m living in Toronto right now and the feel is definitely different. I do love the friends and actors I have met here! I think that it feels like a “large town” with a lot of friendships and connections. When I’m here though, I’m mostly working, on set or directing and don’t have as much time to experience everything I would love to see.

So, me and the girls at HotelC are planning to head out to the show this month and have a little girls’ night out with some “Gin,Sin and Skin!” Exciting much? Updates to come on our adventure into the world of bathtubs full of gin and mooching, doodling and messing around to the Blackbottom dance!





Review: Debauchery’s delovely in carnal carnival The Wild Party