It’s fall, glorious fall—the busiest time in the arts calendar, and local theatre companies, large and small, established and emerging, professional, indy, community and student, present a wide variety of opportunities for every pocket book.
Don’t let anyone tell you Victoria is a cultural backwater—there are almost fifty productions this season. Our ticket prices continue to be some of the lowest in the nation with many opportunities to attend low-cost previews, pay-what-you-can and by-donation events. The quality of productions and performances is consistently high, no matter the company.
On another note, dear reader, I hit “pause” after almost a decade of following and writing about a community I love more than words could ever convey. Stay tuned for more news about the next chapter and thank you for reading. This website began as a way of aggregating various posts on Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms and grew, like Topsy, to become what it is today. It has been my privilege and pleasure to be involved in the theatre community–first as an audience member, then volunteer, and finally, writer and reviewer. My tentative attempts at playwrighting and performance have been encouraged too and I am deeply grateful.
September
Fish Saw by Sachie Mikawa a multimedia solo theatre show-
Japan/USA/Argentina Collaboration
September 8
Intrepid Theatre Club
Japanese performer/composer Sachie Mikawa, often seen as Egg in The Birdmann shows at Victoria Fringe Festival, is bringing her enchanting solo theatre show about an unlikely friendship that withstood a natural disaster.
“Beautiful, funny, tragic” -Apt613
Through the eyes of a talking Fish, a magical encounter of two girls across time and oceans tells a story of an eccentric family and their giant house by the sea. Miyazaki meets Garcia Marquez in this one-woman multimedia show created by Japanese performer/composer, Sachie Mikawa and Argentine-based director, George Lewis. The show features original stop-motion animation and musical score.
“Idiosyncratic Genius” – The Scotsman
Winner Outstanding Technical Achievement, Londong Fringe Festival
In 2011, Japan had its largest earthquake and subsequent tsunami triggered by the quakes. The tallest waves got up to 40 meters (130ft). It caused over 15,800 deaths and 2,500 people are still missing. The closest city to the epicenter was Sendai, Sachie’s hometown. Her mother lived in a town by the sea just south of Sendai. When Sachie first got news of the tsunami, her first thought was she had lost her mother. In fact it was three days later Sachie learned her mother was alive. Fish Saw is the story about Sachie’s mother, who is The Little Girl With Glasses, and her family and their house by the sea.
Pack Animals by Scantily Glad Productions
September 9
Victoria Event Centre
Scantily Glad Theatre makes their West Coast debut with their brand-new sketch comedy, PACK ANIMALS.
Ever been to summer camp? Took a shit in the woods and wiped using pages from your guidebook? Speared the patriarchy on a hot dog stick and toasted it over a roaring fire? JOIN US on an adventure through the untamed forest of dating, sex, bushcraft…and campfire songs!
From the creators of: SCUM: a manifesto & A Woman’s Guide to Peeing Outside
A Doll’s House, Part 2 By Lucas Hnath, Canadian premier
Belfry Theatre
September 16 – October 14 2018
A culture-defining drama revisited.
In 1879, when Nora left her husband and children at the end of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, her door slam reverberated around the world, creating a storm of controversy; much of it focussed on Ibsen’s clarion call for gender equality.
Hnath’s stunning new drama begins with a knock on that same door 15 years later, as Nora returns with an urgent request, confronting husband, daughter and the woman who raised her children.
Layered and very current, A Doll’s House, Part 2 was nominated for the 2017 Tony Award – Best Play.
The Ghost Nightmare
ASLSQ Entertainment
Victoria Event Centre
September 22nd
Part of an evening of entertainment that includes the comedy/drama, a deaf movie and afterparty.
“The Ghost Nightmare” is a Comedy / drama with sarcasm throughout. The story is about Cathy, who is obsessed with her hands and how they allow her to communicate with the world and make up her strong identity. When she falls asleep she meets 2 ghosts, John, the ghost leader, he’s cool, wise and a sarcastic character, and Dora his assistant, she is a joker and a trickster. The ghosts poke fun and play many tricks on Cathy. They make Cathy question who she is, her identity becomes unclear, she becomes confused with the 2 ghosts presence. Cathy begins to question whether this is a dream or reality!
Starry Starry Skies Fall Fundraiser
Original Works featuring Fifth Street
Intrepid Theatre Club
September 22nd
‘Original Works’ is a musical theatre fundraiser, raising money to put Starry Starry Skies first musical theatre production in the summer of 2019!
We are focusing on all original musical theatre songs written by our own team!
‘Original Works’ will showcase songs from:
Una & Mirren – a musical war drama set during the wars between Scotland and England in the late 13th century, England being led by the great King Edward the First, AKA Edward Longshanks, AKA The Hammer of the Scots. the title characters are Scottish lovers separated by this conflict, as Una is kidnapped and forced into servitude by English soldiers. Mirren is forced to join the conflict on with his fellow Scots, and try to rescue his love.
Little Bird – a musical coming of age story set in the mid-1960’s. It follows Robin, a teenage girl nicknamed ‘Little Bird’ by her parents, who feels stifled by her home life and decides to run away. On her own in the outside world, she falls in love and comes into her own as a woman.
Divine Providence – a musical comedy that takes place in Providence, Rhode Island, in the summer of 1884. It is the story of Charles ‘Old Hoss’ Radbourn, who that summer set a major league baseball record of 59 wins against 12 losses that has yet to be surpassed. His record-breaking pitching is only part of the story, as that year he met, and fell in love with, Carrie Stanhope, owner of the classiest whorehouse in all of Rhode Island. Carrie was initially wary of Old Hoss, choosing instead to spend time with a rival player, Mike ‘King’ Kelly. However, over the course of the summer, the dour, determined Radbourn was able to win her heart, with his dogged talent, and unwavering grit.
I Stand Accused – a musical drama set in 18th century England, telling the story of St. John, a man with a wife and a family, accused of a terrible crime that he did not commit. St. John and his family are put to the test, but ultimately find salvation in each other and their own resolve.
Tickets sold at the door, house opens at 6:30pm, and we accept cash and credit.
Come out to support Starry Starry Skies, and the talented people of Victoria BC!
FRANKENSTEIN – -by David Elendune
Theatre Inconnu
September 25 – October 13
Theatre Inconnu is proud to continue what we hope becomes a tradition of presenting a worthy local play each season. This year it is our privilege to introduce you to David Elendune’s powerful adaptation of this horror classic. Frankenstein was the 2017 winner of the Classical Theatre Company’s Playwrighting Competition. Staying true to the essence of the original classic by Mary Shelley, David explores the humanity of the characters, and how this is tested through the moral dilemmas they face during the course of the action. This tale presents a once “unthinkable” concept that many could argue is becoming less of an “if” than a “when.” What defines life? What is the value of life? Does anyone have the moral authority over the creation or destruction of what constitutes existence? These are heady questions, but they can also be the stuff of nightmares, and as a prelude to the Halloween season Frankenstein delivers!
Blithe Spirit a comedy by Noël Coward, directed by Toshik Bukowiecki
Langham Court Theatre
September 26-October 13, 2018A
“Surely even an ectoplasmic manifestation has the right to expect a little of the milk of human kindness.”
Socialite and novelist Charles invites the eccentric medium, Madame Arcati, to his house as literary research. But when the séance backfires, Charles’ marriage is suddenly in jeopardy, as he is haunted by the temperamental ghost of his first wife. While Charles aims to get rid of the ghost, she is hard at work trying to get rid of his new wife! Laughter meets the supernatural in this magical comedy of manners.
SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES. Early Bird Discount before General Ticket Sales on Tue, September 4
October
WHoS William Head on Stage
The Crossroads: A Prison Cabaret
October 5-November 3
An original musical satire with an ensemble of professional theatre artists and 40 volunteers from the community of incarcerated male residents at William Head Federal Penitentiary.
Mamahood: Bursting into Light Written & Performed by Nicolle Nattrass (BFA ’91)
Directed by TJ Dawe (BFA ’97)
Uvic Phoenix Theatre
October 10 – 20, 2018
Jessie Award-nominated playwright and actress – and mother – Nicolle Nattrass, courageously shares her ode to motherhood in this witty and profoundly moving one-woman play.
In turns both hilarious and heart-breaking, she chronicles her journey of becoming a new mother at the age of 40.
From initial idyllic dreams of motherhood and the pressure to choose a stylish diaper bag, to her real struggle to become the“perfect mom,” her years of sleep deprivation, and her own postpartum experience, Nicolle uses humour (and ’80s music) to present important realities that are rarely discussed.
“Nattrass is a big-hearted and fearlessly vulnerable performer” that will entertain everyone who has a mother – but Mamahood is especially “a gift” for “mothers who’ve believed themselves to be alone in falling short of ideals.” (Georgia Straight)
*The Spotlight on Alumni program invites our graduates to present their current work at the Phoenix Theatre.
Night Watch
St Luke’s Players
October 10th-21st
Is Elaine Wheeler really seeing dead people in the window across the way? No one believes her, including her husband, a psychiatrist, and her old friend and houseguest. Add an inquisitive and rather strange neighbour, and a nosy German maid and the suspense and mystery deepen towards a riveting and chilling climax.
Club 20, a 1920s themed fundraiser
Canadian College of Performing Arts
Union Club
October 12
Get a wiggle on! Don’t you hear that 20s trumpet? It’s time to get dolled up to join those bright young things and dance the night away.
The Canadian College of Performing Arts is hosting CLUB 20: a roaring 20s themed night out! The giggle water will be flowing at Victoria’s Union Club for one night only, Friday, October 12th.
So dust off your Charleston and shine those shoes, or live dangerously playin’ craps with Capone. There’s no prohibition here, folks. It’s going to be the bee’s knees, kids!
Rocky Horror Show
Atomic Vaudeville
Metro Studio Theatre
October 17-28
The Rocky Horror Show returns to the Metro Theatre this Halloween Season for another high-energy, audience participation, no-holds barred, performance to make you shiver with antici… pation.
Newly engaged sweethearts Brad and Janet become stranded with a flat tire during a storm – their only ray of light coming from the mansion of mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Griffin Leonard Lea). As their innocence is tested, they meet a houseful of wild characters. Directed by Britt Small, and featuring some of Victoria’s best performance and design talent, this show is a high energy cult-classic that has to be experienced.. No show on Hallowe’en.
Twelve Angry Jurors, written by Reginald Rose, directed by James Fagan Tait
Canadian College of Performing Arts Studio Ensemble
Performance Hall, 1701 Elgin Road
October 18 – 21
Faced with playing the executioner, they must first face themselves.
Twelve jurors. Twelve walks of life. Only one way to rule on this seemingly open-and-shut case. But a single dissenting voice of “not guilty” convinces them to look at their consciences and prejudices — again. Tempers flare and human nature is tested in this classic jury-room drama.
“It’s an all-but bullet-proof play.”-The Toronto Star
“Its inherent truths still pack a wallop”-The Globe and Mail
Atomic Vaudeville Cabaret #79 “Vampires Are Back!”
Victoria Event Centre. Shows at 7:30pm. Doors at 7:00
October 19/20/26/27/31
Atomic Vaudeville’s 79th cabaret in their celebrated series hits Victoria this October, and if you’ve ever wanted to see Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos in a bloodsucking extravaganza, this is not one to miss. Human greed, suffering, climate change and global poverty can’t get you down when you’re at a night of laughs and dance featuring some of the best talent that can still afford to pay rent in Victoria! Regular and VIP Tickets available at ticketrocket.co
Starry Starry Skies Fall Fundraiser
Spooky Spooky Skies
Intrepid Theatre Club
October 20
As autumn draws on and the nights get colder, a Halloween chill will fill the air, as our ‘Spooky Spooky Skies’ show graces the stage on Oct 20 at 7pm. Showcasing songs from: Phantom of the Opera, Sweeney Todd, Wicked, Dracula, Jekyll and Hyde, and Little Shop of Horrors.
Billy Bishop Goes to War by John Maclaughlin Gray
Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre
October 23 – November 4
Billy Bishop Goes to War is a Canadian musical, written by John MacLachlan Gray in collaboration with the actor Eric Peterson of Corner Gas fame. The story of irreverent hero and Canadian WWI flying ace Billy Bishop remains one of the most critically acclaimed Canadian plays of all time. Watch as the actor playing Billy fires on all guns at the 18 characters he must play while singing the haunting melodies played by his friend and accompanist the piano player.
Ghost Stories: Improvised Campfire Stories
Paper Street Theatre Co
Intrepid Theatre Club
October 24th-27th
An audience member, much like yourself, wanted to attend an improvised ghost stories show. Because, after all, ghosts aren’t real and the paranormal is just a myth. So they went to the show, expecting to have a good time but instead they were never seen alive again…
At Home with Marlene, a gala fundraiser for Target Theatre
Langham Court Theatre
October 26th
Show at 7:30PM: “Age on Wheels” by Target Theatre followed by “At Home with Marlene” after intermission
with Susan Wilkey as Marlene Dietrich.
The Mousetrap
Peninsula Players
October 26-28
Mary Winspear
Miss Maple invites a group of mystery writers to eerie Ravenswood Manor to impersonate their fictional characters. When a real murder takes place, she is outraged, offering an immense reward to the detective who can bring the culprit to justice. Much action ensues to a seat-grabbing climax.
Langham Court Reader’s Theatre
‘Sham’ and ‘The Boy Comes Home’
October 27th
A reading of two plays produced in the very first season of the Victoria Theatre Guild, the precursor to Langham Court Theatre.
Mustard By Kat Sandler
Belfry Theatre, co-production with the Arts Club Theatre, Vancouver
October 30-November 25, 2018
A surreal comedy about friends, real and imagined.
Thai is sixteen. Her father has left and her mother finds solace at the bottom of a wine glass. Mustard, her imaginary friend, is still living under her bed and he doesn’t want to leave her.
Sandler won the 2016 Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding New Play for this magical twisted fairy tale about love, desire and moving on.
November
Kansha by Hannah Bell
Intrepid Theatre YOU Show
Intrepid Theatre Club
November 2-3, 2018
Kensha is a devised theatre piece from Hannah Mariko Bell. An exploration of cultural appreciation through the lens of Japanese culture, specifically, the history of the Kimono. Various showtimes on November 2 & 3 at the Intrepid Theatre Club. Tickets by donation at the door.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tullane
Kaleidoscope Theatre for Young People
November 3/4
McPherson Playhouse
With his handmade silk suits, wide array of hats and tiny gold pocket watch, Edward Tulane is the most exceptional toy in Abilene’s room. He is adored and he is happy. But when Edward is thrown overboard on a cruise ship by mean boys, he begins a remarkable journey of discovery across Depression era America. Based on Newberry-winner Kate DiCamillo’s celebrated book and brought to life through imaginative storytelling and folk music, don’t miss this breathtaking story of finding friendship, finding yourself, and eventually finding your way home.
Goodnight, Mister Tom
a drama by David Wood, based on a book by Michelle Magorian, directed by Shauna Baird
Langham Court Theatre
November 7-24, 2018
“Give me a smile I can keep all the while in my heart while I’m away.”
Set during the dangerous build up to World War II, young William Beech is evacuated to the idyllic English countryside and forges a remarkable and heart warming friendship with the elderly recluse, Tom Oakley. All is perfect until William is suddenly summoned by his mother back to war-torn London. Winner of the 2013 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Entertainment, this wonderfully uplifting tale inspires audiences and brings generations together.
SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES. General Ticket Sales Monday, October 15
Grim and Fischer a Wonderheads production
Presented by Intrepid Theatre
November 8th
Metro Studio
The Grim Reaper meets his match in Mrs. Fischer, a stubborn senior whose will to live is a force to be reckoned with. Equal parts hilarious and touching, this award-winning physical comedy is the story of a tenacious granny who comes face to face with the Grim Reaper himself and must put up the fight of her life to escape his definitive grip.
Grim and Fischer is performed in full-face mask, a wordless, whimsical form that audiences have described as watching a living cartoon, or live-action Pixar. The show has been touring the continent since 2011 and leaving sold out houses and delighted audiences in its wake. Don’t miss this profoundly fun and heartwarming show that the CBC describes as “Utter magic” and the Globe and Mail as “Powerful, surprising, and, yes, moving.”
The Drowsy Chaperone, by Lisa Lambert, Don McKellar, Bob Martin & Greg Morrison
guest director Jacques Lemay
UVic Phoenix
November 8 – 24, 2018
Winner of five Tony Awards, this original Canadian play is a fun-loving send-up of the Jazz Age musical, featuring one show-stopping song-and-dance number after another!
The play gently pokes fun at a myriad of musical theatre tropes, brought to us through the droll narration of a theatre fan who spends the evening alone, curled up in a chair in a one-bedroom apartment, playing the original cast recording of the 1928 musical, The Drowsy Chaperone. As the vinyl spins, colourful and chaotic characters spring to life, filling the living room with everyone from pastry chef gangsters to glamorous movie starlets. A parody wrapped in a love letter, this is a must-see for all musical fans.
The Drowsy Chaperone is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com
Intrepid Theatre presents
Phantom Signal
Friday November 9, 8pm
Metro Studio – 1411 Quadra Street
Tales Too Terrifying To Take Seriously!
Scream if you like…plug your ears if you think it’ll help…a Phantom Signal has usurped the airwaves and will now broadcast a terrifying program of horror into the nethermost, hard-to-reach places of your brain. Actually, some folks find our live-on-stage radio stories hilarious, but that’s hardly our concern. Our goal is to bring you twisted tales of madness and the macabre…and damn your ears if you don’t scream like an infant at the horror of it all.
Written and directed by Jayson McDonald. Performed by Fringe favourites Andrew Bailey, Jayson McDonald and Tara Travis.
Starry Starry Skies Fall Fundraiser
Gender Bender
Intrepid Theatre Club
November 10
It’s 2018 anyone can be anything! Featuring songs from: Beauty and the Beast, Hairspray, Mamma Mia, Legally Blonde, and Chicago.
Lessons by Wendy Graf, by Bema Productions, a fundraiser for the War Amps
Langham Court Theatre
November 10, 11, 12
When Ben finally decides to have a Bar Mitzvah (at his age!) he hires Ruth, a Rabbi who’s lost her faith, to tutor him. The two characters forge a friendship as they each search for healing and forgiveness while wrestling with their own deep-rooted problems. A touching, funny and poignant drama.
Bloom
Embrace Arts
Intrepid Theatre Club
November 14-16
Bloom is a magic realism story of a young woman who is transformed and follows her community’s attempt to build a new world for her. Using mixed ability dance, physical theatre, and original music, Bloom explores themes of community, family, and mental health.
There will be three distinct showings: A conventional showing, a relaxed showing, and a showing targeted towards those who are low vision or blind.
Peek Fest
Impulse Theatre
November 19-25
?Impulse Theatre’s PEEK-FEST is a new festival for emerging performing artists in Victoria. The festival offers exciting new looks at work in development from some of the province’s most innovative creators, while seeking to grow the artistic development of local artists through showcases and workshops.
SHOWCASE SERIES
Impulse offers two showcase opportunities as part of the festival: the PEEK-SHOW of local work where each piece has seven minutes to strut their stuff, and the SHOWCASE, where our residency companies have 30 minutes each to present their latest creations.
WORKSHOP Series
The professional development portion of the festival open to the public and festival artists. Three workshops by local and provincial cutting-edge performance creators!
Residency program
New in 2018! Two companies/artists/collectives will have the opportunity to research and develop their work for 20 hours, before presenting at our SHOWCASE.
Rent by VoS
November 23-December 2, 2018
McPherson Playhouse
Based loosely on Puccini’s “La Boheme,” Jonathan Larson’s RENT follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this groundbreaking musical. With songs that rock and a story that resonates, RENT is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, RENT has become a pop cultural phenomenon. This is theatre at its best – exuberant, passionate and joyous.
Merry & Bright, an evening of holiday cheer
Fundraiser for Intrepid Theatreé
The Atrium, 800 Yates Street
Sunday November 25
Tickets $50
Join us for a fabulous evening featuring a silent & live auction, delicious cocktail catering and a tasting hour. Bid on incredible items, unique experiences, wonderful gift packages and tickets to some of the best arts events in Victoria & Vancouver.
TRAD – by Mark Doherty
Theatre Inconnu
November 27 – December 15
Trad has the makings of a surrealistic mini-epic voyage. Da is a cantankerous 130 something year-old man lamenting the fact that his much spryer 100 something year-old son Thomas did not provide the family with an offspring to continue the family line. But Thomas has a secret! Many decades years prior, he gave in to a moment of reckless passion that resulted in the very thing that could relieve Da’s despair. The problem is… Thomas has never met his progeny and has no idea where this child could be. So they set out together on a paternal quest that becomes much more than a simple trek to locate an estranged child of 70 something. The obstacles and characters Da and Thomas encounter on their journey become symbols for life’s challenges, and this whimsical tale – while never taking itself too seriously – delivers a warm reflection on our need to belong.
“An accessible writer with a fresh approach to large themes.” Variety
The Penelopiad, written by Margaret Atwood, directed by Ron Jenkins
Canadian College of Performing Arts Studio Ensemble
Performance Hall, 1701 Elgin Road
November 28-December 1
Only two thousand years to tell her side of the story.
A fresh, witty and daring retelling of Homer’s Odyssey through the eyes of his long-suffering wife Penelope. Blending song and dance, one of Canada’s most acclaimed writers brings one of history’s most powerful myths to the contemporary imagination.
“Satanically witty and yet profoundly moving.” -The Toronto Star
“Vibrant, moving and darkly, explosively funny.” -The National Post
Running to and From by Megan Chandler
Intrepid Theatre YOU Show
Intrepid Theatre Club
Nov 30-Dec 1, 2018
A Chinese immigrant struggles to find acceptance in Canada as he faces new challenges in English and comes to terms with the life from which he ran away. Performed in Mandarin & English.
Tickets by donation at the door. Cash only. Suggested donation $5.
December
Griffin and Sabine by Nick Bantock, world premiere
Belfry Theatre
December 4-23
Griffin & Sabine is the story of two souls seeking the courage and the means to unite.
Griffin Moss is a lonely artist in London, who makes postcards for a living. His life is changed forever when he receives a cryptic postcard from Sabine Strohem, a woman he has never met. She is an artist who illustrates postage stamps, and lives in the South Pacific. The two begin “An Extraordinary Correspondence.”
Combining elements of romance, mythology, modern philosophy, and Jungian psychology, Griffin & Sabine is the story of two souls seeking the courage and the means to unite.
Waiting for Christmas: An Improvised Samuel Beckett
Paper Street Theatre Co
Intrepid Theatre Club
December 5th-8th
On the night before Christmas, standing on a near empty stage in the middle of somewhere, two unusual improvisers wait for something to happen. This show will be a tragi-comedic and absurd exploration of the holidays and what it means to be a human: Nothing to be done.
Treasure Island
LOST (Lawyers On Stage Theatre Society)
at Langham Court Theatre
December 6-9
God is a Scottish Drag Queen: Christmas Edition by Mike Delamont
The Farquhar at UVic
December 8
A cross between Dame Edna and Billy Connolly, with a dollop of Eddie Izzard! God, dressed in a floral power suit, comes down to skewer everything from pop culture to the pope in hilarious two act comedy of biblical proportions!
God has sold out every performance to date in Victoria, and now tours the continent as one of the most popular comedies on the international fringe circuit! This is your chance to see the world premiere of an all new evening of comedy that you will never forget! www.mikedelamont.com
“I LAUGHED SO HARD I CRIED!” Edmonton Journal
“STAND UP EVERYONE CAN RELATE TO!” CBC“THIS IS STAND UP COMEDY AT ITS FINEST!” VUE Weekly
“GOD IS GREAT!” London Free Press
STAGE DOOR written by Edna Ferber and George S. Kaufman, directed by Jim Leard.
(in repertory)
Canadian College of Performing Arts Year II students
Performance Hall, 1701 Elgin Road
December 12-15
All the world’s a stage…some just have better seats.
To achieve their dreams, a group of smart and savvy actresses fight, starve, run away, sell-out and sing for their supper in 1930’s New York. A funny and touching love letter to the American theatre about sticking to one’s principals (or not), filled with razor sharp wit and colorful irony.
“A piercing, but not-too-heavy-handed, look at show business power structures.” -Broadway World
“The audience is embraced by the immediacy of this beloved play.” -Backstage.com
Middletown written by Will Eno, directed by Stuart Aikins
(in repertory)
Canadian College of Performing Arts Year II students
Performance Hall, 1701 Elgin Road
December 12-15
Offbeat. Tender. Hilarious.
Impossible to describe.
As a friendship develops between a longtime resident and a new arrival, the lives of the inhabitants of Middletown intersect in strange and poignant ways. A deeply compelling and funny journey that takes them from the local library to outer space and points between. This tale of “normal” townspeople is anything but.
“A meditation on birth and death and the lives burning bright in between.” -The Boston Globe
“Delicate, moving, piercing, tart, funny, gorgeous… Glimmers from start to finish.” -The New York Times
O Christmas Tea by James and Jamesy
December 13/14
Royal Theatre
Fans of Monty Python, Mr. Bean, and Dr. Seuss… Grab your teacups!
Following the smashing success of their 2016 & 2017 Canadian comedy tours, London’s 3-time IMPRESARIO award-winning comedians James & Jamesy return with their outrageously funny and brilliantly inventive Christmas comedy O Christmas Tea.
When catastrophe strikes at James and Jamesy’s Christmas tea party, flooding the world with tea, the friends leap into action, finding innovative and hilarious solutions to keep them afloat. Redefining immersive theatre, these masters of physical comedy—with over 20 comedy awards to their name—sweep the audience out to sea in a jolly aquatic escapade brimming with whimsy, action, and ingenuity in a celebration of friendship at Christmas.
“Complete and utter fun… for all ages.” ????? CBC
“Outrageously funny, magnificently written, beautifully choreographed.” ????? London Free Press
“An ode to the idea that anything is possible.” ????? Torontoist
“I cannot think of a show that will leave you more profoundly happy than this.” ????? Stage Door Toronto
Since 2013, more than 70,000 Canadians have relished James & Jamesy’s cheeky, laugh-inducing theatrics celebrated among children and adults alike.
Hailed as “a child’s imagination on steroids” by London Free Press and “a masterpiece of physical comedy” by Theatre In London, critics rave for the charismatic James & Jamesy. A must-see performance on the international comedy circuit, the unstoppable duo, regarded as “one of the most popular fringe duos ever” (CBC), has been named Best of Fest (Orlando, Toronto, Winnipeg, Ottawa), Most Outstanding Show (London), Best Comedy (Victoria), Patrons’ Pick (London), among many other accolades.
Sleeping Beauty, the annual panto
St Luke’s Players
December 14th-January 1st
The celebration of a new darling baby princess. A nasty curse from an uninvited guest and the
banishment of pins from the land. Join in on what happens next “Panto-style” as the day is saved
with singing, dancing, lame jokes and silly, good fun. A favourite for all ages and always a sell-out!
Ali Baba
Peninsula Players
December 21-28
A panto of one of the most exciting Arabian Nights stories. The plot is full of suspense, excitement, humour and song with the villains finally getting their comeuppance.
Pippi Lockstocking
Kaleidoscope Theatre
December 28-30
McPherson Playhouse
No school, no parents, no bedtime or rules. With her mom in the clouds and her dad at sea, Pippi’s on her own to live as she pleases. A girl of indomitable strength and fierce independence, Pippi quickly befriends neighbour kids and delights in playing games that confound authorities. Anything can, and will, be put to rhythm and rhyme as she bucks the system and dances away any blues. She takes centre stage in the circus, wrestles the strongman, outwits burglars and dodges the orphanage. While friends Tommy and Annika love Pippi and her outlandish existence, the local adults want her to conform to their rules.
Suggested for families with young people ages 5+
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