Frank Moher: The Early Life and Theatrical Career of a Canadian Playwright

The journey of Frank Moher into the world of professional theatre began with a spark of inspiration in his youth. Born in 1955 in Edmonton, Alberta, Moher grew up in a household attuned to storytelling, as his father worked as a journalist and sportswriter. This early exposure to narrative and communication laid the groundwork for a prolific career in playwriting and stage production.

Moher's passion for the stage was ignited at the age of 12 when he performed in the musical Jackpot at Walterdale. He later described this experience as "electrifying," a pivotal moment that solidified his interest in live performance. While he spent a portion of his formative years living in Connecticut and New York, he eventually returned to Alberta to pursue his creative ambitions.

Early Successes in Calgary

Moher's transition from performer to writer happened rapidly. While attending Bishop Grandin High School in Calgary, he produced his first play, Damn You, Shakespeare, at just 15 years old. The work earned second place in the Alberta Playwriting Competition, signaling his natural aptitude for the craft.

By 1974, Moher achieved his first professional milestone with the premiere of Pause at Calgary's 49th Street Theatre. The play was a critical success, winning the Alberta Adult Playwriting Contest in the same year it debuted.

University Years and Professional Growth

Following high school, Moher enrolled at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. It was during his second year of study that he encountered The Broken Globe by Henry Kreisel. Moher adapted the work into a play, which first appeared in a university workshop before its official premiere at Theatre 3 in Edmonton in February 1976.

The success of The Broken Globe extended beyond the stage; in March 1976, the production was adapted for local television and aired on CBXT.

Collaborations and Musical Theatre

Moher's versatility as a writer led to several commissions for musical theatre. While working at Theatre 3, he was tasked with creating a children's play for the Christmas season. Partnering with composer Lawrence Reese, he produced The Grimm Brothers' Road Show. Despite the production, Moher remained critical of the source material, noting that the Brothers Grimm fairy tales were often "too moralistic and often quite frightening."

Moher and Reese later collaborated again on a production of Doctor Dolittle at the Northern Light Theatre. This production was well-received by audiences and enjoyed a long run. In the late 1980s, Moher transitioned to a new chapter of his life, settling on Gabriola Island in British Columbia.

Key Facts

• Born: 1955 in Edmonton, Alberta.
• First Play: Damn You, Shakespeare, written at age 15.
• First Published Play: Pause (1974), winner of the Alberta Adult Playwriting Contest.
• Notable Adaptation: The Broken Globe, based on the work of Henry Kreisel.
• Key Collaborator: Composer Lawrence Reese.
• Final Residence: Moved to Gabriola Island, British Columbia, in the late 1980s.

Work Title	Year/Period	Venue/Medium	Notable Achievement
Damn You, Shakespeare	Age 15	Bishop Grandin High School	2nd Place, Alberta Playwriting Competition
Pause	1974	49th Street Theatre	Winner, Alberta Adult Playwriting Contest
The Broken Globe	1976	Theatre 3 / CBXT TV	Adapted from Henry Kreisel
The Grimm Brothers' Road Show	Post-1976	Theatre 3	Children's Christmas Musical
Doctor Dolittle	Later Career	Northern Light Theatre	Long-running successful production

Frequently Asked Questions

What inspired Frank Moher to pursue theatre?

Moher attributed his interest in stage performance to the "electrifying experience" of performing in the musical Jackpot at Walterdale when he was 12 years old.

Which of Moher's early plays won a major contest?

His first published play, Pause, won the Alberta Adult Playwriting Contest in 1974.

How did The Broken Globe reach a wider audience?

After premiering at Theatre 3 in Edmonton, The Broken Globe was adapted for local television and broadcast on CBXT in March 1976.

Who was Frank Moher's primary musical collaborator?

Moher collaborated with composer Lawrence Reese on both The Grimm Brothers' Road Show and Doctor Dolittle.

What were Moher's views on the Brothers Grimm fairy tales?

Moher expressed dissatisfaction with the tales, describing them as being too moralistic and frequently frightening.