Edmonton’s theatre community is grieving the loss of one of its own after a well-known actor died during a weekend performance at the Citadel Theatre.
Popular stage actor Julien Arnold, 60, “died suddenly” while performing in the Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol” at the Edmonton theatre on Nov. 24, the second night for the annual Christmas play.
“Last night, I witnessed my dear friend Julien Arnold give his whole heart during his final performance,” play director Lianna Makuch said in a Nov. 25 Facebook post.
“Julien was a generous and magnetic performer—a true artist deeply cherished by the theatre community he loved so much. It was a privilege to direct you in this production, Julien, and an even greater privilege to call you my friend beyond the rehearsal hall.”
The Citadel Theatre has dedicated the rest of the season’s run of “A Christmas Carol” to Arnold’s memory. Arnold was playing Marley, Mr. Fezziwig, and Banjo, and was also a part of the ensemble, according to the theatre website.
The play is scheduled to run until Dec. 24, but the theatre said the show’s schedule will be modified slightly to give performers and staff time to deal with the loss of their castmate. Those with tickets impacted by scheduling changes will be contacted, the theatre said.
The theatre’s Facebook page described Arnold as a “beloved actor” and a “cherished member of the Edmonton theatre community.”
“Julien was a gifted performer whose charisma and talent graced our stage in countless productions, including A Christmas Carol,” the theatre said. “His presence brought joy, heart and depth to every role, and his artistic contributions—and big hugs—will be deeply missed.”
Arnold, who grew up in Edmonton, appeared in most of the theatres in the city during his 30 years on the stage, according to an online profile. He was especially known for his comedic roles, but was also respected as a teacher and director.
Arnold was a founding member of Free Will Players, a not-for-profit, professional theatre company that produces the Freewill Shakespeare Festival every summer in Edmonton. He regularly appeared in summer productions of Shakespeare’s plays such as The Merchant of Venice.
He was a regular face in the cast of “A Christmas Carol” at the Citadel Theatre, playing Bob Cratchit for several years. He also played Scrooge in 2017. Other Citadel credits include “Sense and Sensibility,” “Evangeline,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Spamalot,” and “Travels with My Aunt.”
Arnold graced the stage at a number of Edmonton theatres including Varscona Theatre, Workshop West Theatre, and Teatro La Quindicina, where he performed in a number of comedies.
The Varscona Theatre group described Arnold as a “pillar” of the city’s theatre community.
“His warmth, humour, and boundless talent left an indelible mark on every stage he graced, including the Varscona Theatre,” the theatre’s Facebook post said.
“Julien brought depth and humanity to every role. His decades-long partnerships with Teatro La Quindicina and Shadow Theatre gave rise to countless unforgettable performances on our stage. We are so lucky to have witnessed his immense creativity and brilliance as often as we did.”
A memorial service is planned to celebrate the actor’s life, but a date has yet to be confirmed, according to an online obituary. The cause of the actor’s death has not been released.
A GoFundMe campaign to support Arnold’s family has been set up by the Citadel Theatre. It had raised nearly $50,000 by the morning of Nov. 27.
