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The Incredible Adventures of Mary Jane Mosquito

Story, Music, and Lyrics by TOMSON HIGHWAY
Directed by JESSICA SCHACHT

From the renowned Canadian playwright Tomson Highway, comes a charming and whimsical musical cabaret that weaves music, song and Cree language into its storytelling.


May 7-12, 2024 • Outdoors in Esquimalt Gorge Park

Sponsored by Peninsula Co-op


This Production is Now Closed

About the Show

From the renowned Canadian playwright Tomson Highway, comes this heartwarming musical that celebrates diversity, perseverance, and the power of music. Follow the adventures of the charming and determined Mary Jane Mosquito from Petit Petit Le Paw, Manitoba. Born without wings, Mary Jane faces ridicule from her insect peers. Through her journey, Mary Jane finds her voice and discovers that her unique gift of singing is the key to overcoming obstacles and shining in the world. A powerful story that weaves music, song and Cree language into its storytelling. Back by Popular Demand. 

  • Age Recommendations: Ages 4-10+
  • Running Time: 45 Minutes with NO Intermission
  • Please Note: Seating for this production is unassigned and General Admission Only.
  • Have Questions about attending an outdoor performance? See Our FAQ Section at the bottom of this page. 

Tickets and Passes Now On Sale

Get Directions to Esquimalt Gorge Park

Frequently Asked Questions

Performance Schedule

  • Friday, May 10 – 7pm
  • Saturday, May 11 – 10am / 12:30pm / 3pm
  • Sunday, May 12 – 11am / 2pm

Are you a School Group? Visit our Educator Page to book tickets for our special day-time School Matinee program, or contact our Education Department for all the details.

 

 

*All Kaleidoscope productions are created, managed, presented, and performed by adult professionals. 

 

 

Cast and Creative Team

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Danica Charlie

Mary Jane Mosquito
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Jessica Schacht

Director
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Andrea Lemus

Choreographer
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Kelsey Cain

Kelsey Cain

Stage Manager
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Abby Corpus

Music Director
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Patricia Reilly

Set Designer
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Alice Hawes

Original Costume Designer

Aaron Smail

Original Sound Designer
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Lyle John

Original Language Keeper

Why We Chose This Story

At the heart of this enchanting tale lies the captivating journey of Mary Jane the Mosquito. Through Tomson Highway's masterful storytelling, we witness the struggles and triumphs of a seemingly insignificant creature, reminding us all of the power of resilience and self-discovery.


"The Incredible Adventures of Mary Jane Mosquito" stands as a powerful fusion of Indigenous language and culture and contemporary themes. Highway's seamless blend of music and storytelling creates a vibrant tapestry that celebrates the diversity of our world. It is a testament to the wisdom and traditions passed down through generations, inviting us to honour and embrace our own heritage while fostering a deeper understanding of others.


Underlying the visual splendour lies a universal message of self-acceptance and the celebration of individuality. This beautiful story reminds us to embrace our unique qualities and to pursue our dreams with unwavering determination.


First presented in 2021, we are delighted to bring this charming production back to Victoria and Vancouver audiences during our 50th Year of Theatre.


- Pat Rundell
Executive & Artistic Director

FAQ

As this is an outdoor production, only limited chairs will be available. Audiences are welcome (and encouraged) to bring their own lawn / beach style chairs, or picnic blankets.

The performance takes place in the field on the North-West side of the Gorge Park Pavilion, directly beside the far end of the park’s parking lot. Look for Kaleidoscope’s bright red tents and signage.

This is the same area that the Esquimalt Farmer’s market takes place in during summer months.

Esquimalt Gorge Park is located at 1070 Tillicum Rd. There is public parking in the parking low at the Gorge Park Pavilion off Tillicum Rd.

Bus Routes Nearby: 14, 26, 11.

We encourage families to carpool, bus, or bike if they are able to.

Yes! There are washrooms available in the park’s Nature Hut, at the entrance to the Pavilion, and Kaleidoscope provided accessible Portable Toilets located beside the performance area

There will be no Kaleidoscope operated concession for this performance. We encourage audiences to pack a picnic to enjoy in the park before or after the performance!

The guiding principle behind Kaleidoscope Theatre for Young People’s weather policy is: we want the show to go on in the safest way possible.

Performances take place outdoors under the open sky. Weather changes suddenly and without warning in and around Victoria. Kaleidoscope Theatre for Young People’s policy is to perform rain or shine – if there is an audience, the show will usually go on.

 

Light precipitation:

In the event of light precipitation, the performance will go on, unless it is deemed unsafe to do so by Kaleidoscope’s Stage Manager.

 

Heavy Downpour:

In the event of a heavy downpour before the show, the decision to proceed with or cancel the performance will be made and announced at the time of the scheduled start of the performance. The show will be held for 10 minutes to see if the downpour will pass.

If the downpour shows no sign of letting up, the performance may be cancelled

 

Downpour During Performance:

If a downpour begins during a performance, or if light precipitation turns into a heavy downpour, we may hold the show for up to 10 minutes to see if the shower will pass, provided it is safe to do so.

In the event that a hold is called, the decision will be communicated to the audience. The Stage Manager may interrupt the performance to do so.

In the event of a show being CANCELLED, either PRIOR to starting, or at any time BEFORE OR DURING a performance, all tickets from that performance will be honoured for a future performance of that same production. If you hold tickets for a cancelled performance, they may be used at any future performance of the same show. A Kaleidoscope Box Office representative will reach out to ticket holders directly in order to rebook. Should a cancellation take place on the final performance, ticket holders will be issued with a credit that can be used for the next Kaleidoscope mainstage production.  Thank you for your understanding… and ‘on with the show’!

We cap our audiences at a certain number to help reduce the impact we have on the park and to provide a more intimate theatre experience to our patrons.

While we love our furry friends, we do not allow dogs to attend our productions. This is for their safety as much as our audiences. Sometimes sound effects, applause, or the sudden movements of our actors can frighten dogs and animals. Registered guide and service dogs are allowed.