Amber Milne, Holly Bryant and Crystal Gilbert practicing at rehearsal with members of the musical's band. (Image Credit: Alyssa Rudolph/ battlefordsNOW)

By Alyssa Rudolph

BATTLEFORDS COMMUNITY PLAYERS

For the love of theatre: ‘Bittergirl’ cast brings heartbreak and humour to the stage

Feb 23, 2026 | 5:44 PM

It’s all for the love of theatre.

That’s the opinion shared by the four-person musical cast of Bittergirl, who all said the long rehearsal hours are worth every minute once the curtain rises.

“It can be very stressful because we’ve got to learn all our lines and we’ve got to do this and that. But in the end, it’s something fun we get to do, and people very much enjoy it,” said Amber Milne, an actress in the musical.

Bittergirl follows three women navigating heartbreak after being left by their partners. Each character deals with the separation in their own way, until their paths collide.

“At one point, we come together, kind of meet each other and I want to say help, because sometimes that help is a little toxic. There’s a camaraderie and in the end we come out stronger and more empowered,” said Holly Bryant, another actress.

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While the four performers lead very different lives offstage, they share a deep passion for singing and acting under the lights.

For Tony Spina, the production marks his first experience in the theatre.

“I don’t consider myself an actor, I’m a vocalist,” he explained. “When I heard that they were doing a musical, that’s what interested me.”

Spina takes on three distinct roles: a businessman, an artist and a loving, dependable father; requiring quick character shifts throughout the show. His biggest challenges this season, however, haven’t been limited to the stage. A few months ago, he suffered a serious accident after falling from a ladder, breaking multiple ribs and puncturing his lungs.

The injury delayed some rehearsal time, but Spina has since recovered, and the cast remains on schedule for opening night.

Originally written as a play by three Canadian women, Bittergirl was later reimagined as a musical in 2025. Since the production is still evolving, the cast occasionally receives updated material.

“Sometimes we get new writing, like updates as to how things have changed, so it’s kind of a work in progress as well, it’s very fresh, it’s evolving,” said Crystal Gilbert, the third actress.

The performers agree the show is one of the most demanding they’ve tackled.

“It’s a very challenging play because the three of us are independent at different points, and then we speak each other’s lines together at some points,” Gilbert added.

In March, community members will have the opportunity to watch Bittergirl live with an opening night set for March 12.

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alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com