Port Coquitlam resident is co-producing a queer musical on Granville Island

A Port Coquitlam resident is co-producing a queer pop/rock musical with a newly formed theatre company.

Emily Matchette, a past student of Lindbjerg Academy of Performing Arts in Coquitlam, is launching The Girl Next Door — the third show for Painted Fern Productions that runs from May 5 to 21 at the Red Gate Revue Stage (1601 Johnston St., Vancouver) on Granville Island.

Centred on Violet (Katrina Teitz) and her boyfriend Greyson (Cole Smuland) as they move into their first apartment together, the plot thickens when Violet discovers a neighbour is her ex-girlfriend Jade. 

Meesh QX portrays Violet’s non-binary best friend, Ash.

Based on the lack of pan/bisexual representation in the media, the musical “amplifies queer voices and talent, and remains accessible to those unfamiliar with these communities,” according to a Painted Fern news release.

The Girl Next Door is directed by Sara Mayfield, a queer French-Canadian artist and a graduate of Capilano University’s musical theatre program, with music by Ava Maria Safai; the four-piece band is directed by Sean Baytun.

Tickets for The Girl Next Door are via paintedfernproductions.com.