Schitt’s Creek – The Complete Wigmore Masterworks!

So it’s been awhile since I posted a good old fashioned blog. The “Art at the End of the World” Podcast has been keeping me very busy. I have been trying to think of a way to celebrate my long history with the Netflix/CBC/Pop Network program, Schitt’s Creek.

After speaking to cast member Karen Robinson (Ronnie) on the most recent episode of #AATEOTW, I thought it would be fun to post all of the interviews I have done with the cast so far. Enjoy!

1. Karen Robinson (Ronnie): I first met Karen when I hosted the Season #4 fan event in 2018 at TIFF Bell Lightbox. I spent an hour on stage with Catherine O’Hara, Eugene & Dan Levy, and Annie Murphy. After it was over, we all headed out to a fancy restaurant and that’s when Karen and I had a chance to hang out. A year later we finally sat down for a long conversation. She’s such a wonderful actress. I think Ronnie and Moira together is always a good idea.

2. Noah Reid (Patrick): Shortly after I saw Noah perform in the Coal Mine Theatre production of Annie Baker’s “The Aliens”, and was hopeful that we would get a chance to chat. We did, and it was great. I think Noah’s presence has brought a lot to the show, and I know people are loving following Patrick’s relationship with David.

3. Dan Levy (David Rose): This was a big one. I started out thinking that Eugene and Catherine would be the real attraction to Schitt’s Creek, and no doubt they are both out-of-this-world fantastic, but there’s is no Schitt’s Creek without creator, show runner and actor, Dan Levy. Not only has he helped to put out a unique offering into the vast scripted television universe, but he’s created a character that is so of its moment, that its hard to imagine the world without David Rose to act as a filter for our times. We kind of covered it all here.

4. Annie Murphy (Alexis Rose): Out of the entire cast and crew that I have met over the years covering Schitt’s Creek, I think Annie and I found the best groove. During the fan launch event for season 4, we were seated beside each other at TIFF Bell Lightbox and watched the first two episodes. We were being offered wine, so obviously I had one (or two). I didn’t want to speak out of turn, but I made a few funny comments about the general vibe to Annie, and we were both chuckling under our breath. It was a good moment. I think the dynamic between Annie and Dan in season #5 is peak sibling hilarity.

5. Catherine O’Hara (Moira Rose): We recorded this interview in Season #2. People were still trying to understand the dynamic of the show, but if you could hang your hat on any one character at that earlier stages, it was Moira. Sweet lord! What a force of comedy. Catherine was exactly what I expected. Thoughtful, engaging, funny and open. What a star!

6. Schitt’s Creek Set Visit with Eugene Levy (Johnny), Annie Murphy, Dan Levy, Emily Hampshire (Stevie): I got a call from my pal Gab asking me if I would want to visit the Schitt’s Creek outdoor set, north of Toronto. Yes. I did want that. It was a beautiful day, and we watched as the Rose family shot some of the first scenes with Noah Reid’s Patrick. It was an afternoon of fun, but when it was all over, I had to cobble together the audio and make it into something for the radio. I’m not sure it worked that well, but at least I had a good time.

7. Eugene Levy (Johnny Rose): Needless to say, my first encounter with Eugene was a day I won’t forget. This is a good conversation about craft and relationships. Eugene shares insights on the thinking behind the show, Catherine O’Hara’s comedy genius, and pulls back the curtain on his collaboration with his son, Dan Levy. I was nervous to be sure, and am really glad we have had a chance to meet up a few other times because I didn’t have to look like such a fanboy as the years went on.