The Farnsworth Invention set to launch at Keyano Theatre

Keyano Theatre Company and TELUS proudly present The Farnsworth Invention – a play by the award winning Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing, A Few Good Men, The Social Network). A pulse-pounding theatrical thrill ride, the play captures the drama and intensity of two luminaries racing against time, and each other, to invent the first working television. The year is 1929, and either Philo Farnsworth or David Sarnoff will cross the finish line first, launching one of the most influential inventions in history. 

Splitting his time between Keyano Theatre Company and the Kay Meek Centre in West Vancouver, Claude Giroux directs this sensational ensemble effort.

“The play is truly fueled by the energy of the 21-member cast,” says Claude Giroux, who also serves as artistic director of the company.  “The story promises to be an unforgettable live theatre experience.”

Keyano Theatre Company exists to promote and nurture theatre activity and development in our community.  During the six week production process for The Farnsworth Invention, definitive growth has occurred with all members of the cast, comprised of local volunteer actors: students, parents, friends, neighbors and community leaders.

Key players in The Farnsworth Invention include some key players in Wood Buffalo.  Russell Thomas returns to the Keyano Theatre main stage after a 6 year hiatus in the lead role of RCA President, David Sarnoff. Working by day as the Director of Marketing and Communications for Keyano College, he also serves as a Councillor for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Michael Beamish, Student Recruitment Coordinator at Keyano College, is also the award winning founder and producer of local theatre company, Eye Flower Productions.  He is playing the lead role of inventor Philo Farnsworth.

A talented and ambitious artistic team has been working tirelessly to bring this production to life including Stephanie Link, stage manager; Kalon McClarty, lighting and sound designer; Tiffany Bishop, costume designer; and Jennifer Goodman, set designer.

The set designer’s job is to create the onstage environment required to tell the story. The set may be recognizable to some, as it is the same two-tiered structure that was used in the hit musical production of Chicago in February.

“We are using the same basic set platforms and staircases, but we have created a whole new look that will be completely fresh to the audience,” said Goodman. “The crew at Keyano Theatre has also been creating a multitude of custom set and prop pieces that are going to make this production extra special and take us back to that exciting period.”

The Farnsworth Invention will debut at a special Preview performance on April 26 at 8 pm, featuring an exciting announcement and presentation from TELUS, title sponsor of the 4-Play Drama Series.

The Farnsworth Invention opens Friday, April 27 at 8 pm with a special post-show champagne reception catered by the Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre. The play also runs April 28, May 2,3,4,5 at 8 pm.

Tickets available at the Keyano Box Office, call 780-791-4990 or visit keyano.ca/theatre.

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Link to online news release

Link to The Farnsworth Invention webpage

Attached is a PDF news release and show poster.

For more information, please contact:

Misty Oakes

Marketing Coordinator, Arts & Special Events
Keyano Theatre & Arts CentreKeyano College
Office: 780-791-4995Fax: 780-791-4914Cell: 780-531-1263misty.oakes@keyano.ca8115 Franklin Avenue, Fort McMurray, AB, T9H 2H7