UM alumnus tells story of Newfoundland through touring musical

A Newfoundland-focused musical is making its way across Canada thanks to the vision of a UM alumnus.

Walter Schroeder [B.Comm./1964 and B.Comm.(Hons.)/1968], executive producer of No Change in the Weather – A Newfoundland Musical – currently running in Winnipeg at the Seven Oaks Performing Arts Centre – found his inspiration for the show after over 30 years of travelling to Newfoundland and Labrador for business.

He was influenced by the resourcefulness, generosity and sincerity of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

“Newfoundland and Labrador folk music is both melodic and tells amazing stories,” said Schroeder. “From the experience I had gained from other musicals, an idea arose to tell the true story of Newfoundland and Labrador in a musical.”

No Change in the Weather focuses on the current financial hardships of Newfoundland and Labrador, including the province’s debt load, declining economy, and a structural deficit of over one billion dollars annually.

“As the characters in the show reveal, there is hope, there is a solution, a chance to rewrite history, and a chance to bring a change in the weather at last,” said Schroeder.

No Change in the Weather runs in Winnipeg at the Seven Oaks Performing Arts Centre until September 14, after which it will continue to tour across the country.