By Sabrina Cataldo for the Cathedral Village Voice

“Go Greendale Go!” The cheer echoed throughout the Westminster United Church gym on Oct. 5, the first time the cast and crew of the Saskatchewan Public Interest Theatre (SPIT!) production of Greendale met. To say they were excited to get started on the show is an understatement. After all, presentations of this rock opera are rare: Neil Young himself wrote and toured it 2003-04, and, since then, SPIT! is only the second theatre company he has approved to stage it.

Greendale will be presented at The Exchange on Jan. 9, 10 & 11, 2027, with proceeds supporting youth climate justice activities in Saskatchewan. 

The show tells the story of the Green family, who hold onto love and loyalty through turbulent times. Cathedral-area writer and journalist Trish Elliott adapted the script for present-day Saskatchewan. “Themes that address addictions, environmental collapse, corporate media, state surveillance, and internet-driven hate were forward-thinking in 2003, and more relevant than ever in 2026,” says Elliott, who is directing the show with the assistance of well-known Regina theatre artist Kris Alvarez. Marshall Burns and the Beautiful Band will also feature prominently in the production. 

“Despite some dark moments, the opera ends on an inspiring note of hope and solidarity. We hope the play will spark important conversations in Saskatchewan and provide moral support for young people seeking climate justice in a place that’s not always friendly to the concept,” Elliott explains.

“I feel this is a really important work to share,” says Zoȅ James, who will play Sun Green, a farm kid who transforms into an environmental activist. “As a young person in this current time, I really relate to the young people in the opera, navigating feelings about the Earth, how we’re treating it, dark feelings.”  

SPIT! presented a preview of the show at the 2026 Cathedral Village Arts Festival (CVAF) to a packed crowd at the Artesian. The audience response prompted the festival to step up and support the full production in January as well. “The CVAF believes that ‘creativity is work’ and we see how hard the Greendale team has been working to put this show on,” says Festival Director Don Young. “My advice to those who like live theatre: do not miss this show!”

The production team is looking for donations from community organizations, businesses and the public to help fund costumes, sets, equipment and snacks for the cast and crew. And there are still roles available for chorus members, background actors, backstage crew and front-of-house volunteers during the show’s run. “No experience is necessary. It’s a great opportunity to learn and be part of a production,” says Elliott. If you’re interested in supporting or being a part of Greendale, email SPIT! at contact@spit306.com.  

Tickets go on sale Nov. 1 through The Exchange. Be sure to follow Saskatchewan Public Interest Theatre’s Facebook and Instagram pages for updates on the show, including cast announcements.

Reprinted from the Cathedral Village Voice November-December 2026 issue.