See what I'm currently up to and projects coming up soon!
Mari's Updates
When I Grow Up
I had the time of my life working with Sunbeam Theatre Co. on the cabaret concert "When I Grow Up" curated, directed and choreographed by Jaelynne Gervais. The show explored themes of girlhood, friendship, and coming of age. The high energy, dance heavy performance was a blast to be a part of. Premiered at Factory Theatre, August 2024.
The Great Kelleys
I had a great time working with the Alumnae Theatre's Fireworks Festival in their closing show "The Great Kelleys" written by Natalie Frijia. It was great to have the opportunity to work on a new script and originate a character. Keep an eye out for next steps on this project!
Next to Normal
I am so excited to share I will be playing the part of Natalie in Globe Production's upcoming musical, Next to Normal.
I literally couldn't resist the opportunity to dive into the world of Next to Normal, one of my all time favourite musicals. Playing this part has been a dream for a long time, and I am so excited to sink my teeth into this show.
Check out the link for more info!
Fixer: A New Musical
Upcoming Project!
I will be performing as lead character Laila, (aka the Fixer) in an upcoming new musical performing at Native Earth's Aki Studio in Toronto.
Show dates are July 20-24th 2022
"Laila, a high school problem solver has never met a situation she can't control. Anonymously, she rules over an empire of favours as the mysterious 'Fixer.' But when a student's murder draws her into an elaborate game of deception, she may finally meet her match."
X: 1969 Edinburgh Fringe 2022
During my master's program, a few of my peers and I co-created a workshop musical entitled, X:1969 The Musical. It tells the story of 6 of the women involved in the Manson Family Cult in the late 1960's, California. The music used to tell the story is from the catalog of Fleetwood Mac. We are so excited to be continuing to work on this project, and thrilled that it will premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this August, 2022.
I have been working on the script and story, as well as marketing the project and I can't want to show audiences what we've created! Check out all of our info, we are so grateful for everyone's support.
Teaching at 'Ensemble Kids'
I am thrilled to be teaching at the very performing arts school that sparked my love for musical theatre this January, 2022.
I will be teaching the 'Early Stages' class (ages 4-6) and the newly added 'Teen' class (ages 14-16)
Teen class will be focused on acting-through-song, performing and listening to each other on stage, and honing in on student's passion for performing arts.
In Early Stages, we will learn songs and dances to lots of Disney and musical theatre tunes! Students will learn to remember choreography and lyrics, and have fun while performing!
Send me or amanda@ensemblekids.com an email for more information!
RCS Showcase
Here is the link to my graduate performance showcase profile at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Or you can watch my material on the Reels section of this site!
Filmed in September 2021.
RCS Graduation
After a year abroad in Glasgow, I have returned home after completing my Master's Degree at RCS. From meeting my classmates in little zoom boxes to dancing hand in hand in celebration to the Scottish tune, Loch Lomond, needless to say this year was very eventful.
My year in Scotland taught me to be brave, take risks, and that I am capable of anything I put my mind to. I was able to use this year to build upon my foundations and challenge myself personally and professionally. My passions and my creativity blossomed and made me more aware of the artist that I want to be. I am so thankful for my time at RCS and for all the collaborations and memories I made during this amazing year.
Mari on the Moon
Written and Directed by Mari MacDonald
Vocalists: Aniqa Charania, Caroline Kriesen
Musical Director: Rory Anderson
Band: Evan Dim, Brodie Jarvie, David Kerr | Stage Manager: Babette Wickham-Riddick | Videographer: Rob Jones | Sound Designer: Neal Clark | Lighting Designer: Benny Goodman | Photographer: Stephanie Hunter | Supervisors: Gordon Adams, Jenna Watt, Gavin Whitworth
RCS Candid Cabaret
RCS has given me the opportunity to write, direct and perform my own, personal cabaret.
When assigned this task, I have to admit, I was scared. But after months of working, writing, composing, and rehearsing, my team and I created a show that I am so proud of.
We were told to write based on what we felt we needed to say to the world, and as a young woman who recently moved across the ocean during a pandemic, I wrote a story about leaving home on an adventure to the Moon.
Throughout the cabaret, I discuss the trials and tribulations of leaving home, growing up, connection to others, loneliness, and longing. But mostly, understanding the true importance of the notion of home, and what home means to me.
If you would like to view the cabaret, send me a message!