2019/20 season

world curious London Proud

season sponsor

My office here at the Grand Theatre has one of the best views in the city. And this room sees many animated, passionate conversations. It was here we first met Emma and asked her if we could present her play Room. I sat here reading the latest drafts of Morris’ new play, This London Life, on this couch. I remem-ber glancing up once and imagining Mary Poppins (to be played by London’s own Deborah Hay) flying among the clouds, and I’ve been caught (on a few occasions) singing the songs from our brand new musical Grow. We have two incredible stages where the magic comes to life, but it is here in this room — looking out to our gorgeous city — that these dreams are born. Welcome.

dennis garnhum, artistic director

TITA NIC the musical Story and Book by Peter Stone Music and Lyrics by Maury YestonOrchestrations by Ian WeinbergerProduced on Broadway by Dodger Theatricals, Richard S. Pechter and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Directed by Andrew TribeMusical Direction by Andrew Petrasiunas

september 17 to 28 spriet stage | Opens September 20

Titanic: a legendary celebration of human achievement and a tragedy of epic proportions. At noon on the tenth of April

1912, the Titanic set sail on her maiden voyage across the Atlantic. She would never reach her destination, instead meeting a tragic end when the ship collid-ed with an iceberg, just four days later. One of the deadliest maritime disasters of its time, the fateful voyage is beautifully rendered in this 1997 Tony Award-winning Best Musical, which tells the moving stories of the ship’s real passengers, who sailed in pursuit of hopes and dreams in a new world.

In order to present this musical properly, you need an enormous ensemble of artists with powerful voices — and our High School Project students are the perfect fit. Part glorious Broadway musical, part tragic history, it’s a great combination for this year’s celebration of the emerging talent of our city. Beautiful, heartbreaking, and thrilling. – DENNIS

title sponsor

pa rtners

“Panych neatly balances existential questions with funny dialogue and pleasingly absurd characters.”

canadian literature

W or L D p r e M I e r e C oM e D YTHIS LONDON LIFEWritten and Directed by Morris Panych

october 15 to november 2 spriet stage | Opens October 18

This London Life is a story of identity—mistaken and otherwise—and how, sometimes, the worst of mis-takes can lead to the best of outcomes. The Grand Theatre has commissioned Governor General’s Award-winning playwright Morris Panych to write a play that celebrates, examines, and pokes fun at the constant comparisons between our city and that other London across the ocean. Set in London, Ontario, a young British man wakes up and assumes he has landed home in England. A collection of un-usually colourful characters are equally confused: Who is who and where exactly are we? This is a play about our city and life in the shadow of another London.

I asked Morris to write a play showing the absurdity of living in our city with identical street names, rivers, and markets as London, England. Expect three things: laughter, mistaken identities, and more than anything, a love letter to our beloved city of London: ‘the other one’. – DENNIS

THIS LONDON LIFE

title sponsor

dev elopment pa rtner

THE RUNNERby Christopher MorrisPresented by Human Cargo TheatreDirected by Daniel BrooksStarring Gord RandSet and Costume Design by Gillian Gallow Lighting Design by Bonnie BeecherComposer and Sound Designer Alexander MacSween

november 5 to 16 mcmanus stage | Opens November 6

Zaka is an Orthodox Jewish volunteer rescue and recovery team in Israel that collects the remains of Jews killed in accidents. Follow Jacob — a zaka vol-unteer — as he grapples with the political and moral fallout of saving a woman’s life. Based on interviews with real-life zaka members, The Runner is “an intense and visceral new thriller that will make your heart rate soar and leave you breathless” according to The Globe and Mail.

The McManus Stage is an intimate setting in which we are able to explore powerful stories close up. This produc-tion has been created in an incredibly innovative way — I won’t reveal more — which allows Jacob’s relentless race towards (or from) the truth to come stunningly to life. – DENNIS

“A beautiful, gripping production” the slotkin letter

“ ” the globe and mailTHE RUNNER

t h e g r a n d t h e a t r e’s p ro d u c t io n of di s n e y a n d c a m e ro n m a c k i n t o s h’s

M A RY POPPINSA Musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney FilmOriginal Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. ShermanBook by Julian FellowesNew Songs and Additional Music and Lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony DreweCo-Created by Cameron MackintoshDirected by Megan WatsonStarring Deborah Hay

november 26 to december 29 spriet stage | Opens November 29

When the Banks children write an advertisement for a new nanny, little do they know who they’ll get: Mary Poppins! Her magic and charm turn the fam-ily’s lives upside-down, taking them on a fantastical journey that sees them rediscover their love for one another. As Mary Poppins says, “Anything can hap-pen if you let it.” Just in time for the holidays, enjoy this beloved musical classic with the whole family.

All of those glorious songs we know from the classic movie come beautifully to life in this new stage version. A family classic for the best reasons: uplifting melodies, big-hearted characters, all wrapped inside a huge dose of love. Simply put, a perfect musical. – DENNIS

The Practically Perfect Musical

MARY POPPINS

title sponsor

DI s n e Y a n D C a M e r on M a C k I n t o s h’s

FULLY COMMIT TEDby Becky Mode and Mark SetlockDirected by Steven GallagherStarring Gavin Crawford

January 14 to 26 spriet stage | Opens January 17

Nobody wants to hear that a multiple-award- winning, ridiculously trendy restaurant is fully committed and can’t take a booking. When New York socialites and international a–listers wish to dine on the date they wish to dine on, it’s harder to finesse than the perfect soufflé. In a dingy basement office far from the magic of molecular gastronomy, skilful reservationist Sam has to use his charisma and wits to keep over forty demanding people happy — and most importantly, keep his job.

Watch in awe as the extraordinarily talented Gavin Crawford takes on all 40 characters in this fast-paced, tour-de-force performance. This is a simple pleasure — easy laughter at the absurdity of our foodie-obsessed world. – DENNIS

“A richly comic affirmation of everything I’ve suspected about bad behavior that good food can inspire”

the new york times

“Hilarious and touching.” time out, new yorkFULLY

COMMITTED

“An amazing, and emotional, immersive storytelling experience.” broadway world

“One of the funniest plays you’ll ever see about depression.” the guardian

EVERY BRILLIANT THING

EV ERY BRILLIA NT THINGby Duncan Macmillan with Jonny DonahoeDirected by Liza BalkanStarring Rebecca Northan

January 21 to february 2 mcmanus stage | Opens January 23

What makes life worth living? Ice cream? Puppy dogs? The answers are both simple and profound in this one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. This witty and contemporary play shines a compassionate light on the impact of suicide and reminds us of all the things that make life brilliant. Equal parts hilarious and thought-provoking, this play shows us the joy that can be found in even the most unexpected plac-es. What’s on your list?

This production carries on our fascination with immer-sive experiences. With Rebecca using many audience members to assist, we’ll go on a shared experience where we will remind ourselves and each other of the ups and downs of living — and the brilliant things worth remem-bering. – DENNIS

title sponsor

HONOUR BEATby Tara BeaganDirected by Falen Johnson

february 4 to 22 spriet stage | Opens February 7

By their mother’s bed in a hospital’s palliative care ward, two sisters keep vigil. As the pair reckon with their mother’s inevitable fate, they share memories of her younger years. In a spiritual journey that sees them confront the love and tragedy of their family’s past, these sisters discover a new home: in one an-other. Both funny and honest, Beagan’s play speaks to the strength of family bonds.

The first time I read this play, I was immediately taken by the enormous honesty at the heart of the story. A family comes together and, as families always do, truths are revealed. It had me laughing out loud until the climactic ending, which had me in full tears. A beautiful new play you won’t soon forget. – DENNIS

“An important work of Indigenous Art.” the globe and mail

title sponsor

HONOURBEAT

from governor gener al’s award- winning play wright robert chafe

BET W EEN BREATHSby Robert ChafeMusic Composed and Arranged by The OnceDirected by Jillian KeileyCostume and Set Designer Shawn KerwinLighting Designer Leigh Ann VardySound Designer Brian Kenny

february 25 to march 7 mcmanus stage | Opens February 26

Between Breaths is based on the life of Dr. Jon Lien — known in Newfoundland as “the Whale Man” — who pioneered techniques for rescuing whales trapped in fishing nets. Moving backward in time, from Lien’s final moments to his first whale inter-vention, this poignant story depicts Lien’s rescue efforts, which saved over 500 animals, and his own struggle with relentless paralysis and dementia. From Newfoundland’s Artistic Fraud (Tempting Providence, The Colony of Unrequited Dreams), Between Breaths considers what we hold onto when everything else is gone.

Known for their innovative storytelling, Artistic Fraud creates another hauntingly evocative tale — complete with musicians and storytellers. Gentle, inspiring, and fresh — an intimate story unfolds in a completely surpris-ing way. – DENNIS

“Compelling and compassionate… breathtaking.” the telegramBETWEEN

BREATHS

nor t h a M e r IC a n p r e M I e r e

Grand Theatre, Covent Garden Productions and David Mirvish presentROOMby Emma Donoghue, based on her novelOriginal Partners: Theatre Royal Stratford East, National Theatre of Scotland and Abbey Theatre in Dublin

Music & Lyrics by Cora Bissett and Kathryn JosephDirected by Cora Bissett

march 10 to 28 spriet stage | Opens March 13

Kidnapped as a teenage girl, Ma has been locked inside a purpose-built room in her cap-tor’s garden for seven years. Her five-year-old son, Jack, has no concept of the world outside and happily exists inside, with the help of Ma’s games and his vivid imagination. But for Ma the time has come to escape and face their biggest challenge to date: the world outside Room. Adapted with new music and lyrics, Room explores the power of the imagination and a mother’s love.

This production embodies our commitment to being World Curious and London Proud: it is created through an innovative international collaboration, and with London’s own renowned Emma Donoghue. I am certain that this new version of Room, which will begin its life at the Grand, will have a very bright future in the world. And we get to experience it first. – DENNIS

ROOM

title sponsor

GROW GROW Book by Matt MurrayMusic by Colleen DaunceyLyrics by Akiva Romer-SegalDirected by Dennis Garnhum

april 14 to may 2 spriet stage | Opens April 17

Before they must commit to the Amish faith forever, nineteen-year-old twins Hannah and Ruth leave the comfort of their sheltered community to explore the outside world for the first time. After finding themselves stranded in one of Toronto’s roughest neighbourhoods, all their plans go up in smoke and they end up working at an illegal marijuana grow-op. Grow is an outrageously fun, big-hearted musical, that explores sisterhood, community, and the legal-ization of a once-forbidden weed.

This musical, from the composers of Prom Queen, is one of the most musically exciting shows I have come across in years. I find the story compelling and surprising, the mu-sical incredibly uplifting, and the contemporary relevance irresistible. This musical reminds us that we live in an incredible country that allows all points of view to grow. It’s pure joy. – DENNIS

“Big laughs, lots of heart.” now magazine

A High-ly Entertaining New Musical

Peter Brennan’s Jeans ’n Classics returns to the Spriet Stage with a five- concert series of the best music of today and yesterday. From The Band, Janis Joplin, and Pink Floyd, to Annie Lennox, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran and more! You won’t want to miss this — Subscribe today and secure your seat. This series sells out fast! 

august 22, 2019

A NIGHT AT WOODSTOCK

october 3, 2019

THAT’S MY JAM: ADELE TO PHARRELL

november 9, 2019

ONE VISION: THE MUSIC OF QUEEN

february 27, 2020 SWEET DREAMS: THE MUSIC OF ANNIE LENNOX AND THE EURYTHMICS april 2, 2020

an evening of Pink Floyd: the wall & dark side of the moon

SOMETHING GRANDMore than ever before our donors will enjoy a deeper sense of participation and satisfaction knowing they have helped us achieve our collective vision for the future of the Grand.

GRAND Supporters $10–2499 Partners / Members / Friends / AssociatesYour support will enable us to expand and enhance programming. Benefit highlights include: recognition in house programs, drink tickets, season poster collection, and complimentary coat checks.

GRAND Champions $2500–4999LONDON PROUD CLUBGrand Champions have made a commitment to transforming the Grand, on and off the stage. As a Grand Champion, you will attend specially designed events with like-minded supporters that will unlock the backstage experience of play production. Benefit high-lights include: reserved and preferred seating at all panel discussions, exclusive behind-the-scenes events, a season finale reception, your name directly associated with one of our 100 Schools performances, and a personalized house account.

GRAND Visionaries $5000–20,000+ Ambassadors’ Circle / Patrons’ Circle / Directors’ CirclePace-setting support at this elite level will, in turn, provide you with the most exclusive and personalized benefits, designed to bring you up close and personal with the artists working at our theatre, as well as the Artistic and Executive Directors. Benefit highlights include: complimentary hosting opportunities for select performances, curated events with the Artistic and Executive Directors, Opening Night subscription, and more.

Join today or upgrade your giving level to access the exclusive benefits that speak to you. Contact our Development Department at 519.672.9030 ext. 262 or development@grandtheatre.com. A complete list of benefits is available at grandtheatre.com.

BE A PART OF

ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES & SERVICESThe Grand Theatre is committed to arts accessibility and the ongoing improvement of programs, spaces, and services to support an extraordinary experience for all patrons. For more information or to book, please contact our patron services representatives at 519-672-8800 or email boxoffice@grandtheatre.com.

assIstIVe hearInG DeVICes New complimentary wireless radio frequency assistive hearing devices are available for performances on both the Spriet and McManus stages.

asL InterpreteD perForManCes American Sign Language interpretation by trained interpreters will be offered throughout the season. Visit us online for the full performance schedule.

asL aMbassaDors Trained asl volunteer interpreters are located in our lobbies during asl performances for assistance.

open CaptIoneD perForManCes Open captioned performances will be offered throughout the season for Spriet Stage productions. A screen is located at the front of the stage with dialogue and sound effects displayed as text in real time. Visit us online for the full performance schedule.

WheeLChaIr-aCCessIbLe seatInG is available on the main level of the Spriet Stage and in the front row of the McManus Stage. Accessible seating locations not requiring the use of stairs are available in both the main and balcony levels of the Spriet Stage and the front row of the McManus Stage. A wheelchair is available for use onsite. Elevator access and accessible washrooms are located throughout the building. We welcome support persons accompanying patrons with special needs and will provide them with a free ticket. Designated accessible parking spaces are available at various locations within the vicinity of the theatre.

LarGe prInt Our website offers the option to enlarge print. House programs for the 2019/20 season will be available online with the option of enlarged print. Service animals are always welcome onsite.

JUNO’S REWARDlondon and area tour | february 20 to may 15, 2020 march break on the mcmanus stage | march 16 to 21, 2020 Written and Directed by Megan Watson

London hosted the Juno Awards in March of 2019. The biggest night in Canadi-an music has inspired big dreams for one London student: Juno. This new play, developed through the compass New Play Development Program, is a celebra-tion of Ca nadian music and the brilliance and talent of our region’s students.

The Grand’s 100 Schools program, launched in 2017, tours professional theatre to elementary school gymnasiums and auditoriums across London and the surrounding area, all at no cost to the schools.

Ages 6+ March Break advance tickets are available now with a season subscription. For information, contact mohara@grandtheatre.com

m ake a difference communit y pill a r pa rtner

presenting sponsor pa rtners

100 SCHOOLS

100 Schools program was awarded the Pillar Non-Profit Network’s 2018 Community Innovation Award

compass New Play Development is committed to creating and premiering new work on the Grand’s stages. This program is dedicated to igniting imaginations by bringing a modern, unconventional, and brand-new sense of theatre engagement to London.

COMPASS PROJECTS ON STAGE THIS SEASONTHIS LONDON LIFE ROOM GROW JUNO’S REWARD

IN DEVELOPMENTSTARLIGHT TOURSComposer/Lyricist Leslie Arden Book Writer Andrea Menard

With a dynamic and contemporary musical score, Starlight Tours embraces the music, language, and traditions of the Treaty Six Territory and the Métis Nation. Workshop taking place in the 2019/20 season.

AMBROSE SMALL: AN EXTRAVAGANTLY MUSICAL, MYSTERIOUSLY GRAND GHOST STORYby Trina Davies

An innovative and immersive exploration of the life of Ambrose Small, the Grand Theatre’s original owner, who died mysteriously in 1919. Workshop taking place in the 2019/20 season.

For the latest compass news, visit us online at grandtheatre.com/compass

dev elopment pa rtner

dev elopment pa rtner

ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCETALKSthe WeDnesDaY speak easY Extend your theatre experience and get closer to the artists after the performance with exclusive talks in the Poster Lounge and McManus Stage. Pull up a chair - the bar will be open!

reaneY taLk Arrive early to the Wednesday matinee and join host James Stewart Reaney and special guests discussing insights into the production.

CLUBSteaChers CLUb Relax, unwind, mingle with friends and peers, and enjoy a night out at the theatre. Join the Teachers Club and experience all six Spriet Stage Series shows with special post-show talks in the Poster Lounge for only $180.

stUDents CLUb Especially for teens, Students Club is an all-access pass to the Spriet Stage Series — 6 shows for only $81. Join the Club and you gain access to special post-show talks in the Poster Lounge.

GROUPSstUDent MatInees Share the power of live theatre with your students! The student mat-inee program is a subsidized initiative that offers discounted group rates for students and teachers. Expand your experience with study guides, post-show talks with cast and crew, and backstage tours.

GroUps anD Corpor ate paCk aGes With as few as 10 people, you get great group rates and benefits! Whether you’re planning a night out with friends, celebrating with family, entertaining clients, rewarding your employees, or planning an office holiday party, the Grand Theatre is the perfect destination. Let us customize your visit with reception venues, tours, and more.

Call us at 519.672.9030 ext. 291 or email groups@grandtheatre.com.

The national event series everybody is talking about returns!

In CoLLabor atIon WIth the Gr anD theatre Western UnIVersItY presents

WALRUS TALKSthursday, november 7 at 7pm sprIet staGe

The Walrus Talks format features seven speakers for seven minutes each on topics related to a single theme.

Tickets $14.50 — Call our Box Office at 519.672.8800

progr a m sponsor

choose your package

students clubLondon and area high school students can see six plays on the Spriet Stage for only $81.

teachers clubSee six plays on the Spriet Stage for only $180.

FULL 9 save up to 25%You want it all! Experience nine plays in the Spriet Stage and McManus Stage series for as little as $312.

spriet stage save up to 25%Immerse yourself in six captivating plays on our historic Spriet Stage for as little as $222.

flex 6 save up to 20%Create your own custom theatre experience. Combine a selection of four Spriet and two McManus plays for as little as $241.

mcmanus stageGet up close and intimate in the McManus with three plays for only $99. General Admission.

jeans ’n classicsSave up to 15% off regular ticket prices. See all five concerts for as little as $280.

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preVIeW $312 384 429reGUL ar $333 429 474

B A A+

preVIeW $222 294 339reGUL ar $243 339 384

B A A+

$241 305 337

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$280 355

orchestra

balcony

spriet stage

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SEE MORE, SAVE MOREIt’s easy to order! CaLL 519.672.8800 onLIne grandtheatre.com/subscribeIn person Grand Theatre Box Office 471 Richmond Street, London, Ontario n6a 3e4

Subscription prices are guaranteed only through June 30, 2019. Questions? Call us at 519.672.8800 or visit us online at grandtheatre.com/subscribe

Spriet StageThis London Life Mary Poppins Fully Committed Honour Beat Room Grow

McManus StageThe Runner Every Brilliant Thing Between Breaths

special events (not InCLUDeD In paCk aGes)

Titanic: The Musicalhigh school proJect Juno’s Reward Walrus Talks

What YoU see Is What YoU paY (hst and Capital Improvement Fees included)

Please note: All pricing is subject to change. Artists and programming subject to change. Prices include all facility fees, service charges, and hst. Exchanges may only be made to another performance of the same production, with 24 hours notice, based on availability. Upgrade charges may apply. One payment or monthly installments.

Subscribe and enjoyadvance access to the best seats in the house, before tickets go on sale to the general public.

savings of up to 25% on regular ticket prices.

extra savings on additional tickets.

insider access — advance tickets, exclusive discounts, special events, and more.

unlimited, free ticket excha nge.

dining discounts at London’s best restaurants.

flexible payment plans.

We would like to acknowledge the history of the traditional territory in which the Grand Theatre operates. We would also like to respect the longstanding relationships of the three local First Nations groups of this land and place in Southwestern Ontario. The three First Nations communities closest in proximity to the Grand are the Chippewa of the Thames First Nation (part of the Anishinaabe), the Oneida Nation of the Thames (part of the Haudenosaunee) and the Munsee-Delaware Nation (part of the Leni-Lunaape).

Illustrations by Scott McKowen, graphic design by Grace Stallard, Punch & Judy Inc. Photo of Dennis Garnhum by Dahlia Katz. Photo of Gord Rand in The Runner by Graham Isador. Photo of Steve O’Connell in Between Breaths by Paul Daly.

“People are talking about what’s going on at the Grand.”

london free press

This page, clockwise from top: Seana McKenna in The Penelopiad; Jan Alexandra Smith in A Christmas Carol; the ensemble in The Wars (photos by Dahlia Katz). Opposite: the ensemble in Barber Shop Chronicles (photo by Ryan Hartford).

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Titanic This London Life The Runner Mary Poppins Fully Committed Room Every Brilliant Thing Grow Between Breaths Honour Beat juno’s rewardjeans ’n classics

Dennis Garnhum Artistic Director

Deb Harvey Executive Director