Nicola Elson builds queer positivity through The Sissy Duckling production

Photos by Jaime Vedres Photography.

With a focus on self-expression, gender roles, bullying, self-worth, love and acceptance, University of Lethbridge drama professor Nicola Elson is mounting a production that is taking its queer-positive message into theatres locally and internationally.

The Sissy Duckling is based on a children’s book of the same name by Tony Award-winning actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein. Iconically known for his writing work with Newsies and Kinky Boots, Nicola says she contacted Harvey to turn his script into a play after she discovered the book.

“The Sissy Duckling is about embracing who you are. I thought this was a great story and I took a chance and contacted Harvey’s agent. His team was so supportive, and they really wanted this messaging to come out in smaller communities,” Nicola says.

Nicola is the playwright, lyricist and director of the show and partnered with local theatre company Theatre Outré to produce it.

The story revolves around Elmer, a happy and zany duck that walks to the beat of his own drum but struggles to fit in with the other ducklings. Despite others calling him a sissy, Elmer proves that he is caring, smart and tough, showing that being different is a good thing.

Nicola adapted Harvey’s book for the stage, turning it into a musical and incorporating a variety of genres, creating transformable props with umbrellas and making it an all-ages show.

“I had never written a musical before, so I looked at the composition structure of different song genres, such as bluegrass, Broadway, rap and more. We got to have Harvey dramaturg the play for us, which was amazing.”

The Sissy Duckling originally premiered in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic at Casa, but was revived after Nicola was contacted by Musical Theatre International to license the show for worldwide use.

“The Fierstein team said they had big plans for the show by taking it to Musical Theatre International. They are a licensing agency for Broadway and Disney shows. I normally would never have a chance of being seen by them, but because I had Harvey’s name attached, they were interested,” Nicola adds.

“Now, The Sissy Duckling is something that anybody can do and perform anywhere. It is really exciting to have that opportunity.”

Coming off of a Western Canada tour with Theatre Outré, The Sissy Duckling has four upcoming performances in Lethbridge on April 11 and 12. With a revolving cast of Faculty of Fine Arts alumni and community members, the dynamic and timely production features live musical numbers, transformative props, shadow theatre and foley to create imaginative worlds seen through the eyes of a child duckling.

“It’s really important that we’re trying to reach people where queer positive messaging isn’t getting across to them. Many of the artists associated with this production identify as queer, so there’s a lot of personal meaning to them as well,” says Nicola.