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Here is a video clip of my friend Matt Olmstead “teaching” children about science. This is the way it was in the good old days. No beating around the bush. Focus on the children.

I met Matt through Queen’s Players. We were cast mates in my first show: Star Crossed Love Wars. He was Luke Skywalker, I was Hannibal Lector. Matt was a veteran on the production, and he really helped me figure things out. I was a late addition to the rehearsal process, (a cast member had to pull out) and on top of that, I had never even seen Players before. Matt was always supportive and encouraging of my work.

We even engineered a surprise switcheroo of our songs without telling the Musical Director (Chris Hicks), the band, or any of our cast mates. (Only our director, Kendahl knew. She said don’t eff it up.) I feigned an ankle injury on stage, he picked me up, carried me to safety and went on with the show - a la Rubberface. He sang my song with glory (Song for the Dumped by Ben Folds Five). Later in the show, I came out and sang his song (Keep Fishin’ by Weezer). Mid way through each song, we joined back in. I have photos somewhere, but they’re analogue… *shudder* (Once I buy a printer/scanner, I have some major archiving to do.)

Matt has also been prominent in his support of my musical endeavors. He bought a Jonny Atomic t-shirt back in the day, and it still gets regularly put through the wash cycle. (Sorry Matt, there aren’t any more - and you can’t have mine.) From what I hear: he likes that shirt. A lot.

Cheers to you, Mr. Olmstead. Thanks for the helping hand up.

Since Queen’s he has gone on to great success. His most publicized work is with Evil Dead the Musical, for which he worked as designer: puppetry, special effects, carpentry, set design, website - as well as actor. The show is about to remount in Toronto. If you’re a “Sam Raimi - closet-musical-theatre lover,” check it out.

I’m hoping to go this week and catch a preview performance. It will be great to see Matt again - and who knows who else I will know that is involved. Over the years, the various productions of Evil Dead have been a carousel of Players alumni.

En tout cas, la, Matt, I salute you.