Cathexis Theatre Presents…
Side Effects
Book & Lyrics by Erin Hutchison
Music by Michelle Glen
Cast
Haven: Cassidy Galba
Harbour/Magnolia: Sadie Granigan-Lema
Sage/Citizen 7: Pauline Miki
Pearl/Citizen 6: Mera Martens
Dr. Valen/The Mayor: Erwin Veugelers
Rose/Citizen 2: Bree Bouzetos
Herb/Citizen 4: David Froland
Artistic Team
Book & Lyrics/Director/Sound Design: Erin Hutchison
Co-Musical Director/Composer: Michelle Glen
Co-Musical Director: Annie Randell
Co-Producer: Andrew Despres
Co-Producer/Show Photographer: Emily Marisabel
Dramaturg: Mera Martens
Choreographer: Jenn Bilyk
Stage Manager/Technician: Nathan Behnke
Costume/Props/Projectio/Set Designer: Caitlan Arguaeta
Lighting Designer: Payal Jotania
Poster Design: Kaitlynn Copithorne
Rehearsal and Performance Pianist: Erika Holba
Scientific Script Consultant: Kirstin Veugelers
Puppetry Consultant: Heather Cornick
The Cast
Cassidy Galba
Haven
Cassidy Galba (she/her) is an Edmonton based actor, singer and self-proclaimed strong mover going into her second year of the MacEwan BFA Musical Theatre Program. She is beyond excited to be making her fringe debut with Cathexis Theatre alongside this talented crew of artists! Select credits include: Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Roxie in Chicago (Salisbury Composite), Veruca in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Maria in the Sound of Music, Susan in Narnia (Festival Players), Natalie in Next to Normal (Miles From Broadway). Cassidy will also be playing Betty Schaefer in Miles From Broadway’s production of Sunset Boulevard this fall!
Sadie Granigan-Lema
Harbour/Magnolia
Sadie Granigan-Lema is an Edmonton based performer who trained at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. She is so excited to be working with Cathexis theatre for the first time! She made her Fringe debut last year in the Sterling-nominated ‘Last Perfect Game: The Jerry Stephenson Story’ (High Fives At Zero). She has also played countless local venues, such as the Aviary and the Buckingham, with her band Sadie and The Book Club. When not performing, she can be found crocheting, talking to magpies, and working at Plaza Bowling. She’d like to give a big shoutout to her husband, Alex, for being her biggest supporter during this wonderful process (and for always doing the dishes).
Pauline Miki
Sage/Citizen 7
Pauline Miki (she/her/siya) is an Alberta-based actor, voice artist, producer, and multidisciplinary creator. She made her professional stage debut as #11 in The Wolves at the Citadel Theatre with The Maggie Tree. Her select theatre credits include The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Mothers, and the Alberta touring production of Working It Out. With Cathexis Theatre, she has appeared in Wild Moose Chase, Scamway, and Regression, and returns this year in Side Effects! Her screen credits include the award-winning Nader’s Girl, which premiered in Hollywood in July, as well as Enough, GOA: Last Resort, and USA Network’s Anna Pigeon. Beyond performing, Pauline has worked as a casting assistant for The Amazing Race Canada Seasons 10, 11, and 12. She is passionate about bold, emotionally grounded storytelling and amplifying underrepresented voices across stage and screen.
Mera Martens
Pearl/Citizen 6
Mera Martens has the pleasure of playing Pearl in this year's show by Cathexis Theatre. This is their fourth show with Cathexis Theatre, and fifth show in the Edmonton Fringe. Her previous credits include Fiorella in both productions of Scamway (Cathexis), Esther and The Mayor in Regression (Cathexis), and Queen Glorie in Monique the Unique Unicorn (Scrap Magic Theatre). When they are not onstage, you can find her enjoying video games, TTRPGs, and petting stray cats. They hope you enjoy the show!
Erwin Veugelers
Dr. Valen/The Mayor
In younger years abroad, Erwin dabbled in music, acting, singing and songwriting. Since moving to Edmonton, he has been singing with I Coristi Chamber Choir. Recently he appeared in the play Caught at the University of Alberta, in the musical Amélie with Elope Musical Theatre, as well as in Guys and Dolls with Foote in the Door, in Trial by Jury with Pop Goes the Opera and in A Party to Murder at the Walterdale Theatre. In between he spends time with his family, and his guitar and accordion. He is predominantly made of cheese.
Bree Bouzetos
Rose/Citizen 2
Bree Bouzetos (She/They) is a queer
actress, singer, and musician based in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton, Alberta). They are so thrilled to be making their Fringe debut with Cathexis Theatre! Previous theatre credits include: String - Proofreader Gal/Chorus (Citadel Young Performing Company), Into The Woods - Witch, and Mustard - Sadie (Lillian Osborne) along with lots of gigs as a solo musician. She writes and produces her own music as “alter-ego” Fairyling having two songs currently released available wherever you listen to music with much more on the way soon! They would like to thank their little bunny friends for being great puppet inspiration, and their family for being so very awesome sauce. She hopes you enjoy the show and yearn to protect the puffs!
David Froland
Herb/Citizen 4
David is an Edmonton-area artist and educator. A graduate of MacEwan’s Theatre Arts program, this is his third production with Cathexis Theatre, having previously appeared in Wild Moo’s Chase and Regression. Other favorite stage credits include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Pal Joey, Peter Pan, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and Pedestrians (MacEwan), as well as Company and High Fidelity (Leduc Drama Society). Offstage, David built the high school theatre program at Ohpaho Secondary School, directing their inaugural production of Hadestown: Teen Edition and their follow-up, Anything Goes. When not on stage or in the classroom, he loves spending time with his family and two wonderful kids. Lead with kindness.
Cathexis Theatre Title Sponsor
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Artistic Team
Erin Hutchison
Playwright/Lyricist, Director, Sound Designer
Erin is an Edmonton-based Director, Playwright, Actor, Clown and the Artistic Director of Cathexis Theatre. Erin is a graduate of MacEwan's Music Theatre Performance program and has written and directed seven musicals under her theatre company. She is so thankful for everyone who has offered a helping hand throughout her theatrical ventures and is honoured to work on this wacky show with these incredible people. She would like to thank you for supporting live theatre, championing new works, and joining us in exploring this complex story.
Michelle Glen
Co-Musical Director Composer/Pianist
Michelle is an Edmonton based composer, songwriter and sound designer. Originally from Grimshaw, Alberta, she received her Bachelor of Music at the University of Alberta in 2019. Michelle is passionate about narrative musical works and enjoys exploring the crossover of storytelling and music through theatre, film and video games. She has composed works for chamber ensembles, choral ensembles, opera, solo instruments and electronics. Michelle is passionate about bringing important topics to light through collaborative works and hopes to inspire audiences in thought provoking ways. She is thrilled to have been involved in the creative process for Wild Moo’s Chase as well as Scamway and is excited to return to the Fringe Festival this summer.
Andrew Despres
Co- Producer
This is Andrew's fourth foray into producing and he is so excited to be doing it with Cathexis Theatre! Andrew is a Theatre Arts MacEwan graduate from all the way back in 2007. Notable shows that Andrew has performed in include Crazy For You (2004, 2007, 2008), The Full Monty (2007), I Love You...You're Perfect...Now Change (2010), The Big Bright (2019). Andrew is a full time IT Professional in his regular day to day life and the Owner of Techead Solutions, a local IT Consulting company.
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Emily Marisabel
Co-Producer/Show Photographer
Emily is a Sterling nominated Alberta-based theatre artist who has directed and produced for several theatres across Canada. She is also the founder and artistic director of Light in the Dark Theatre, a company dedicated to telling stories of hope and healing. In 2018, Emily was awarded the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Emerging Artist Award for her work with Light in the Dark Theatre and her practice of utilizing live theatre to incite positive change and build community. Emily is currently an MFA Directing Candidate at the University of Alberta and has been awarded the 2025 Canada Graduate Scholarship (SSHRC) for her research in developing trauma-informed rehearsal practices and establishing new ways of creating care-forward spaces for theatre audiences and artists.
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Nathan Behnke
Stage Manager/ Technician
Nathan Behnke (he/him) is a Theatre Technician based in Edmonton, Alberta. He has a degree in Theatre Production from MacEwan, where he specialized in prop-making, scenic painting & costume-making. He has a passion for the creation and production of art, and is constantly finding new ways to explore that passion. Notable shows include: Sunday In The Park With George (Paint Lead), Legally Blonde: The Musical (Costume Lead), The Tempest (Props/Paint Tech) & The Wake of Leroy McGuinness (Live Foley/Shadow Puppeteer).
This is Nathan’s third year being involved with the Edmonton Fringe Festival and he is delving headfirst into the role of Stage Manager for his first year with Cathexis Theatre. He’s been able to learn a lot about stage management and the artistic process as a whole, and has enjoyed getting to work with this talented and creative group. Artist Note: “This show was so much fun to work on, and I can’t wait for you to see all our hard work come to life. Please continue to support independent artists and all that the Fringe has to offer!”
Jennifer Bilyk
Choreographer
Jennifer started dancing at a young age at L.A Dance Academy in Leduc, and continued her dance journey at Dance FX in Wetaskiwin, where she immediately fell in love with the art form and performing. Her love of performance led her to musical theatre, a passion that she took from the age of 6 through to university. Jennifer graduated from Macewan’s Theatre Arts program in 2013 alongside Erin. Since then, Jennifer has gratefully choreographed for Cathexis consistently, including Grave Digger, Murder Mime The Musical, The Big Bright, Wild Moos Chase, SCAMWAY! (2023, 2025), and recently choreographed Leduc Drama Society’s production of Spongebob The Musical this past spring. Jennifer is excited to be back with Cathexis for this Fringe season.
Caitlan Argueta
Costume, Props and Set Designer
Caitlan Argueta is thrilled to be a part of Side Effects! Based in Amiskwaciwâskahikan, colloquially known as Edmonton. They hold a BFA in Theatre Production from MacEwan University. Previous credits include [title of show] (MacEwan University, 2023), Regression (Cathexis Theatre, 2024), and Ecos (Diaspora Diaries Collective, 2026)
Payal Jotania
Lighting Designer
Payal Jotania is Theatre Designer and a visual artist, located in Edmonton She received her MFA in Theatre Design from University of Alberta in 2025 and her BArch
in Architecture from University of Mumbai in 2018. As an Indian origin artist, she embarked on her creative journey following her deep
rooted love and fascination for the culture and her formal training in Architecture. With a diverse portfolio spanning film, theatre and television, Payal has worked on
notable projects such as Sooryavanshi, Mission Mangal as a set and props designer. She brings a unique architectural lens to her work in Canadian theatre and live
storytelling. She is interested in the integration of texture and color. She enjoys the abstract and experimental nature of theatre. Her recent credits include Cyrano de
Bergerac(The Citadel Theatre), The Exiles(Theatre Prospero), Wildcat
(Workshopwest), A Christmas Carol (The Citadel Theatre-Upcoming)
Insta: @ar.payal_jotania
Website: payaljotaniadesign.com
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Erika Holba
Rehearsal and Performance Pianist
Erika is thrilled to be playing along in her very first ever Fringe show. She is an avid theatre goer and performer; she has most recently been seen onstage in The Cat and the Canary (Paper Crown Theatre) and The Mousetrap (Walterdale Theatre). She is finally putting that music degree to use and was recently dabbling in some composition and musical direction for The Castle Spectre (Paper Crown Theatre). Thanks to a chance meeting in a bar, she is rocking the keys in front of an audience for the first time in about 10 years! Thanks to Erin for taking a chance, Michelle for writing some amazing music that has been a joy to learn and to the rest of the cast and crew for all of the support and fun we had along the way. Now strap in, don’t forget your PPE, and enjoy the show!
Heather Cornick
Puppetry Consultant
For over three decades Heather has worked on hundreds of productions in theatre, film, television, circus, concerts, corporate events, cruise ships, dance, and opera as a designer, technician, instructor, stage manager, event planner, props builder, puppeteer, carpenter, and clown. Born in Northern Ontario on the traditional territory of the anishinaabeg peoples, she has generations of cultural roots in ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland) and is currently based in amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton, AB).
Heathercornick.ca
Special Thanks
Kirstin Veugelers
Sam Heit
Emily Marisabel for her photography
Everyone who came to readings and helped develop this new musical
You, the audience. Without you this whole thing would be pointless
Thank you for joining us tonight.
We recognize that this production explores challenging themes that can deeply affect us. Processing difficult stories takes time, and you do not have to do it alone. If you find yourself needing support after leaving the theatre, please consider reaching out to these professional, confidential resources:
Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310
Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 686868
National Suicide Prevention Helpline Anywhere in Canada: 9-8-8
Take care of yourself and each other on your journey home tonight.
Learn More About Animal Testing and Supports for Lab Workers
To learn more about Justify click here
Please consider supporting Justify by sending a donation directly or you can provide cash donations in the jar at the front of the theatre.
Have a story to share about your experience working in animal testing? Share it here!
Saving Animals, Creating Families & Building Community
To place former research animals into loving homes and sanctuaries.
To advocate for the release of animals from scientific study and build a community that believes they can go from LAB to LOVE.
Do you work in a lab and need to report something while being discreet? Reach out to The Beagle Alliance confidentially.
Further Reading into the Practice of Animal Testing
Voracious Science and Vulnerable Animals: A Primate Scientist's Ethical Journey
John P. Gluck
Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research
Melanie D.G. Kaplan
Also check out the new book by the founder and CEO of Justify Lindsay Oliver:
Friends of Cathexis
Be Sure to catch these amazing show at Fringe this year!
Beerprov Reunion
Once upon a young beer-filled time, childhood friends had a dream - learn improv and perform at the Fringe together. And thus, in 2010, the original line up of BEERprov came together. Their show? Drinks with good friends and laughing together through short form improv games.
After becoming Go 4 Broke and performing together for a decade, life happened - a pandemic, parenthood, career advancements, and all of life’s messiness.
But now...after a 7 year hiatus, they’re back! And this reunion celebrates their early years as BEERprov.
Venue 06: The Gateway Theatre
8529 Gateway Blvd NW, Edmonton AB T6E 6P3
60 minutes
Get your tickets today with the link below!
https://tickets.fringetheatre.ca/event/601:7523/
Showtimes:
Aug 14 @ 7:30
Aug 16 @ 5:15
Aug 17 @ 9:45
Aug 19 @ 12:15
Aug 21 @ 11:15
Aug 23 @ 1:00
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Lucky
Ron Pearson stars as Lucky, a devilishly devious Casino owner, here to teach you how to beat the house and get rich. Get ready for an entertaining, hilarious, and mind-boggling foray into the perils and delights of risking it all to take it all. The Royal National Theatre in London called Ron "charming, engaging, and brilliant".
Venue 17: Grindstone Comedy Theatre and Bistro
10019 81 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 1W7
55 minutes
Get your tickets today with the link below!
https://tickets.fringetheatre.ca/event/601:7570/
Showtimes:
Aug 14 @ 2:15
Aug 16 @ 12:30
Aug 17 @ 9:45
Aug 18 @ 12:30
Aug 20 @ 5:45
Aug 21 @ 8:00
Aug 22 @ 2:15
Aug 23 @ 8:00
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Confirmed Bachelor
A fast-paced, original, regency-era romantic comedy. Miss Eliza is eyeing up the catch of the season and, despite her aunt's guidance that he tends to 'prefer the company of men' she is determined to marry Mr. Ringley. The following cross-dressing scheme leads to a wild journey of lies, mishaps, humor and maybe even love...
Confirmed Bachelor is playing at Venue 26 Sugar Swing Ballroom 10019 80 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 1T4
60 minutes
Get your tickets here! https://tickets.fringetheatre.ca/event/601:7493/
Showtimes:
Aug 14 @ 9:45
Aug 15 @ 3:45
Aug 16 @ 3:45
Aug 17 @ 4:30
Aug 18 @ 9:00
Aug 19 @ 12:30
Aug 22 @ 6:45
Aug 23 @ 6:45
