Molly Wilson is grateful for her time at Grant MacEwan University.
While in the theatre arts program at the Edmonton post-secondary school, the Chilliwack resident not only sharpened her musical theatre skills, but she also learned how to create her own work.
That proved handy after graduation, as well as when the world shut down two years ago because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In March 2020, Wilson was ending a group comedy tour around B.C., called I Am Woman, Hear Me Laugh! to showcase scenes from her production Molly’s Comedy Cabaret when gigs instantly dried up.
And when no dates were booked for months on end, Wilson turned the camera on to film Molly’s Cozy Comedy Cabaret series and its online spinoffs, The Search of the Christmas Penguin and Molly’s Creepy Comedy Cabaret.
“That was all I was able to do,” she remembered, adding, “Not being able to work is very hard. As a creative person, you want to get out there… but COVID has been very hard on all performers.”
Still, with provincial health restrictions now easing, Wilson said she’s eager to return to the stage and the spotlight.
On April 23, she’ll be at Coquitlam’s Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way) for her first in-person event in more than two years.
Described as a musical variety show, Molly’s Comedy Cabaret “is like you’ve made a new best friend and that best friend is me,” Wilson said.
“I talk about life as a single gal and its ups and downs. I talk about the entertainment industry. I sing songs. It’s all very zany and fun.”
“Our goal has always been, ‘How can we have the most fun in an hour-and-a-half?’” she said. “We need to laugh, especially now, and we need to come together and sing some good songs.”
Performing runs in Wilson’s blood.
Her mother is an accomplished pianist, while her dad was involved in community theatre in Chilliwack. Wilson started working with them in 2015, including at monthly shows at the XY nightclub and the Seven Dining Lounge; both Vancouver venues are now shuttered.
Now, with both parents retired, the couple plan to accompany Wilson on her upcoming tours (for the Coquitlam show, the role of “Dad: the stage manager” will be played by her brother, Josh, a professional improv comedian).
For tickets to see Molly’s Comedy Cabaret, you can visit the Evergreen Cultural Centre's website or call the box office at 604-927-6555.
