King's Players bring Firebringer to Kenny Theatre stage

The King’s Players Theatre Company invites audiences to journey back to the dawn of time with their presentation of Firebringer, a quirky, comedic musical set in the Stone Age. This lively production will take the stage at the Joanne and Peter Kenny Theatre from January 31 to February 2, 2025.

With its catchy songs, sharp humour, and themes of discovery and connection, Firebringer tells the story of a tribe of early humans as they encounter fire and explore their relationships with one another and their world. Director Tai Novak, a third-year Psychology student, says the humour is timeless and the setting is a very new and intriguing set for a musical. “I think audiences will be swept back in time through the costumes, props and set,” says Novak.

Beyond entertaining audiences, Firebringer has created meaningful opportunities for King’s students to engage in campus life and enrich their university experience. Novak estimates that approximately 30 students are involved in the production, both onstage and behind the scenes.

E, a fourth-year Social Justice and Peace Studies student who plays the character Tiblyn, has long dreamed of participating in a King’s Players production.

“I was super excited to audition for Firebringer because it was a musical I had watched in high school at least twice,” says E. They were a theatre-kid in high school and performed on their semester abroad, making them realize who much they missed performing.

E says being a part of the Firebringer production “helped with my confidence and helped me take a break from my very busy year to do something I enjoy.”

Haven Raeburn-Gibson, third-year Disability Studies and Psychology student, plays Molag, the elder of the tribe and the narrator of the show. Raeburn-Gibson has been involved in theatre in the community and in her church.

“Theatre has been my happy place for over 10 years. I was ecstatic to learn that King's had a theatre club when I first arrived,” says Raeburn-Gibson.

Raeburn-Gibson calls being cast in Firebringer “an amazing and uplifting experience.” She says this has given her the chance to meet many new people who have worked to make the show the best it can be. At the same time, those people have helped her break out of what she calls her “shy shell” and comfort zone.

“Musical theatre has always been an emotional escape for me, and I feel so lucky and happy to be part of the production of Firebringer,” she adds.

While the spotlight shines on the actors, many others are working diligently behind the scenes to bring the production to life.

Jolin Payne ’23 is the production’s the Stage Manager. A huge fan of the theatre and especially musical theatre, Payne jumped at the chance to become involved with the King’s Players when she discovered it during her undergrad.

“King’s Players productions are such a special blend of community and talent, bringing together incredible people not just from King’s but from all the affiliates,” says Payne.

“My participation with King’s Players has enhanced my time at King’s—and even now, my life post-grad—immensely!” says Payne. She met most of her friends at King’s through the Soph program and the King’s Players. “Without these two communities, my university experience would have been completely different. I gained a sense of belonging, purpose, and confidence, which made my years at King’s some of the best of my life. The friendships I made through the shows are lifelong, and being a part of this community gave me memories I’ll always treasure,” she adds.  

Having stage-managed the 2023 production of Carrie: The Musical, Payne was excited to return for another opportunity—especially under the direction of her friend Novak. Now finishing her first year of teacher’s college at Western University, Payne cherishes the chance to reconnect with the King’s community through Firebringer.

“I’ve met an entirely new group of talented, kind, and passionate people. King’s has always felt like a second home, and this production gives me the chance to stay connected to the place and community I hold so close to my heart,” says Payne.

Tickets for Firebringer are available through Eventbrite or the link in the King’s Players’ Instagram bio.