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Julie Lumsden is a Métis actor hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, known for her “marvelous voice” and giving “smart, sensitive” performances (CBC Winnipeg). In May 2015, she graduated with a Bachelor of Music Performance degree from the Desautels Faculty of Music at the University of Manitoba, where she studied under the incomparable Donna Fletcher. Some highlights of recent years include playing Minnie in "The Flats" (Prairie Theatre Exchange), Veronica Sawyer in "Heathers: The Musical" (Winnipeg Studio Theatre), Miss Spider in "James and the Giant Peach" (Manitoba Theatre for Young People), Eponine in Les Miserables (Rainbow Stage), Beth in "Little Women" (Dry Cold Productions), and Cinderella in "Into The Woods" (District Theatre Collective).
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An excerpt of a scene from the first act of Riel's Heart of the North. Lyrics by Dr. Suzanne Steele; music by Neil Weisensel.
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Josette (a young Métis woman who has become Riel's companion) sings of her desire for Riel, while missing him when he is away at meetings. He tries to reassure her but is interrupted by the Black Goose of Fate, with whom he is involved in a life-or-death game of cribbage. Performers: Sarah Jo Kirsch, soprano; Simon Miron, baritone; and James McLennan, tenor.
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In this excerpt (sung in the Indigenous language Saulteaux by Julie Lumsden, soprano) Marie Serpente, a healer, sings "What strange mending is this, of the violence of men" as she sews up men injured in a boxing match. Composed by Neil Weisensel; lyrics by Dr. Suzanne Steele. Saulteaux translation by Donna Beach and Debra Beach Ducharme.
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In this excerpt, the Englishman (a rich bourgeois exiled by his family), who has hired Riel and his companion Josette as hunting guides, sings of his desire for the beautiful, strong and smart Josette while Riel is away.
Performers are James McLennan, tenor; Melissa St. Goddard, fiddle. Composed by Neil Weisensel; lyrics by Suzanne M. Steele.
