The Cultch to Present ARE WE COOL NOW?, 9/29-10/10

Are We Cool Now? is an indie rock road trip inspired by and featuring the songs of Vancouver's own indie rock darling, Dan Mangan. A couple sets out on a road trip, but getting away from it all causes them to reflect on their place in the world and with each other.

An innovative rock music/theatre fusion written by Amiel Gladstone (A Craigslist Cantata, Cinderella: An East Van Panto!), Are We Cool Now? is a unique and intimate musical exploration of contemporary relationships, full of humour, heartache and insight.

"It's an indie rock musical about life and love in your 20's and Dan Mangan's music provides the backdrop," says Gladstone. "I've always been curious about how to get the music we listen to every day on to the stage. Dan and I knew each other and I really liked his music. We looked for a narrative in Dan's music and found themes of love, longing, nostalgia and road trips and Are We Cool Now? was born."

Produced by Western Canada Theatre, Are We Cool Now? combines the talents of actor-musicians Penelope Corrin (Royal Canadian Air Farce, My Narrator) and Ben Elliott (The Comedy of Errors, Broken Sex Doll) and features Anton Lipovetsky (Broken Sex Doll, Elbow Room Cafe: The Musical) on guitar and bass, Said The Whale's Spencer Schoening on percussion, and music and lyrics - including one new song - by JUNO Award-winning Dan Mangan.

"I trusted Amiel to make theatre out of my sad songs because I saw A Craigslist Cantata and thought it was fantastic," says Mangan. "I haven't really been a part of the development process, so I have to say I'm pretty curious to see the result. Above all, I'm honoured that he trusts the work enough to believe it can transcend a narrative form."

Are We Cool Now? is written by Amiel Gladstone

Music and lyrics: Dan Mangan

Starring: Penelope Corrin and Ben Elliott

Director: Amiel Gladstone

Arranger and Music Director: Ben Elliott

Set and Lighting Designer: Lauchlin Johnston

Costume Designer: Cindy Wiebe

Musical Consultant: Veda Hille

Stage Manager: Lucy Pratt-Johnson