We all love seeing beautiful costumes on stage, but most of us don’t know about the world of the seamstresses and costume designers who make them a reality. That’s where SEW comes in! A new musical that’ll have you in stitches, SEW takes us behind the scenes of a theatre’s costume shop! I got to ask director Damon Bradley Jang, and co-writers Chantal Forde and Joy Samanski some questions about this exciting premiere!

Could you please introduce yourself to my readers and tell us a bit about your role with SEW?

My name is Joy Samanski. I am the producer, and production designer and co playwright. I wrote down these stories to reflect on the seamstreses, tailors and  clients I had worked with  in my career of 46 years.

Im a Chantal Forde I’m a writer, director, and educator in the GTA and was brought onto the project as a co-writer to make some alterations (sewing pun intended) as the piece moved from a first reading to a public staging. You might have recently seen my work at Fringe last year in “Boy Boy and The Magic Drum”

My name is Damon Bradley Jang and im directing the show. I’m originally from Vancouver, now living in Toronto. I’m an CAEA Actor/ Director as well as an arts educator, marketing professional, and Set Decorator. In Toronto, I was the associate director on Cockroach at Tarragon Theatre, The creative director for The Burton Experiance (featuring Beetlejuice), The Alice (in wonderland)  and Tinseltown (featuring Buddy the Elf and The Grinch) themed theatrical cocktail bar  and upcoming will have a show on a 2nd Canadian Fringe tour coming to Fringe.

SEW is based off of real events, that’s so cool! What was the inspirtaion to make it into a play? 

Joy: In August of 2023 I started thinking again of writing a play called SEW…something that had floated in and out of my imagination .for 25 years. At first it was a personal project. I chose 4 costumes in my personal stock of costumes. And wrote down the names of 4 seamstresses….even though I probably worked with at least 50 over time. Then I started thinking about the clients. Celebrities and non celebrities..society matron…artists. etc I had made costumes for and came up with 8  characters…I reflected on the tight budgets..stuck zippers..late nights….and painful alterations at midnight…also parenting my daughter Millie in between all of this…burning pots. While focusing on my latest masterpiece…

I’m so excited to get to see Devin Darlin on stage! What was it like assembling this cast?

JOY: I started casting this over a year ago. I knew so clear who these characters were and I brought on people with all levels of experiance. If I liked them I hired them. We had changeovers of cast members with people booking other things and being busy but we finally landed on the final cast in February. Devine was the final piece of the puzzle.

DAMON: I actually stepped into the role as the 3rd director, with the show completely cast and the design already done, with a major venue change from a Church performance space to Passe Muraille. Over the few months I’ve worked carefully with these artists all of whome come with various levels of experiance to try to create a cohesive production so not one performer outshines anyone else. For a few of actors it’s their first time working with professionals in their field so we as the creative team try to be as patient as we navigate how we run our room. Devine has been a thrill to work with. It’s like getting to direct a Ruesical, but shes actually acting! We have a few surprises and a production number in the show that Devine Darlin fans will definitely not want to miss.

What’s been your favourite part about working on SEW so far?

Chantal: Getting the tea on iconic Toronto people and events of the 80’s and 90’s! It’s the most fun kind of history lesson.

JOY: I just love seeing my visions come to life. I picked a lot of the music, and I picked musical numbers I really liked. Damon, Chantal and Ashley (choreographer) have done a fantastic job to make everything flow together. Now I have SEW. a Costumers Comedy …and venue..a cast and crew… which are fabulous…Oh MY GOD. WHAT HAS THIS 72 year old done? I hope u enjoy it !…enjoy the Sew.

Damon: I’ve definitely loved collaborating with my creative team. There is a shared bond we all share now working on this project none of us will soon forget.

What do you hope folks will take away from SEW?

Chantal: Under the guise of a farcical romp, SEW has heart. I hope that people walk away with renewed vigor to go after their dreams – no matter how big the challenge may seam (last sewing pun – until you see the show!)

JOY: This was all just for fun…but then became more..actors were interested and a writer..then I started designing and making more and more costumes..before I knew it..it was becoming a real production 

Damon: at the heart of this quirky Canadian story, with its abstract designs, variety of musical numbers and styles and a few surprises, they will see the universal message that it’s never too late for a dream differed. The life you have may not be the one you need. And sometimes, all it takes is a change in attitude, with a bit of style and flair, that can give you not only what you want, but also what you need. 

I want to thank Damon, Chantal, and Joy for taking the time to answer my questions! SEW runs at Theatre Passe Muraille from June 11-14. For more information and tickets, visit: https://ca.patronbase.com/_TheatrePasseMuraille/Productions/SEW/Performances

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