“100% this has been therapy for me.”

Moore is a fixture in the community theatre scene with groups like Saskatoon Summer Players but he’s always dreamed of starting his own company. Now, he’s taking the leap creating Luminaire Theatre Works, a move made possible because of his parents.

“They were huge arts supporters always cheering us on, both me and my sister. I lost my dad when I was 19 and my mom last year, both cancer, both very quick,” says Moore. “I talked to my mom about starting my own theatre company all the time. When she passed, I was able to pay off my school debt with some of the money left to me by both her and my dad and that made it possible to go for it.”

Introductions matter and Moore knew The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals would be perfect for Luminaire Theatre Works’ debut. Moore’s directing the show and playing piano in the pit band.

“It’s not Disney and it’s not a standard musical, this one is an indie cult classic. It has a huge following but will be brand new to many people in Saskatoon,” says Moore. “For me, with the stuff I’ve dealt with in the last year, all the grief, I needed a show that was silly with just a little bit of substance, 100% this has been therapy for me.”

“This musical is unapologetically silly.”

The musical follows Paul Matthews, a guy who can’t stand musicals but one day, he wakes up to find people in his town infectiously singing and dancing as an alien presence takes over. Paul and a small group of survivors have to fight their way out.

Actor John Cody plays Paul. He’s excited to help launch his friend’s new theatre company with a show like this.

“It’s a very serious time in our world right now and this musical is a really campy, even cheesy story, but that’s what makes it great,” says Cody. “Like the string of 90s movies that leaned into the gross or ridiculous, this musical is unapologetically silly.”

“It’s cliché and yet breaks all the clichés at the same time.”

Actor Kay Bettin has been a long-time fan of this musical and couldn’t wait to be a part of the show.

“I like that it’s cliché and yet breaks all the clichés at the same time,” says Bettin. “Each of the characters’ stories on their own could be considered a tragedy but, you put them all together and it’s hilarious.”

Moore says this production is proof of the wealth of theatre talent here in Saskatoon. The cast and crew are all doing it for the love of theatre and he can’t wait for opening night.

“I hope the audience is able to escape into a different world with us and have a good laugh,” says Moore. “I know my mom and dad would’ve been proud and thrilled about this show and the company. I’m excited for people to see it.”

The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals

April 24 – 27, 2025

Emrys Jones Theatre – University of Saskatchewan

Tickets $27 – $34

For more information and to purchase tickets follow this link.