THE LAST DOG OF WAR

Written and performed by Linda Griffiths

Direction and dramaturgy by Daniel MacIvor

Developed by Duchess Productions

Two of Canada’s very best theatre artists, Linda Griffiths and Daniel MacIvor, team up to deliver a funny and moving original show that celebrates daughters and fathers. Linda Griffiths’ theatrical true-life story, the last dog of war takes you inside a woman’s conflicted love for her father, an ‘old bastard’ who flew 30 missions during WWll, 7 over Berlin. The masterful writing and compelling performance is at once surprising, wickedly funny, and deeply heart-wrenching – a rocket ship of a show that unveils something new and poetic about war and love.

Griffiths tells the tale of a trip she makes with her father to the U.K., to the last reunion of his RAF comrades, 49th Squadron, Bomber Command. The show speaks of a long ago war and a present war: between the Allies and Nazis and between a father and daughter. It’s a fierce and wondrous trip as father and daughter travel through many obstacles, towards guns blazing in the night – from urban North America to the empty airfields of the Lancaster bombers.

Back in 2005, Linda Griffiths had an idea. She would travel to the UK with her father to the last reunion of his bomber squadron from WWII. She had grown up in a house at war – her brother’s line was “we thought the second world war was still going on.” Her father had never given more than snippets of stories of his time in the RAF. Linda figured this would be a way to get that heritage, and along the way perhaps improve her relationship with her father. The day she arrived home, she got off the plane, met up with Daniel MacIvor, worked for a few hours with him, then stood up in front of a small audience of friends and acquaintances and told the story of the trip.

From that first magical, mostly improvised telling, she has developed the script over the last several years, and it’s had a handful of professional productions since, including Alberta Theatre Projects and Chester Playhouse.

The show is Linda, a suitcase, a stool and some incidental costumes and props. It runs approximately 75 minutes.

Linda Griffiths is the winner of five Dora Mavor Moore awards, two Chalmer’s Awards, a Betty Mitchell Award, an ACTRA Award, the Quizanne International Festival Award for Jessica, Los Angeles’ A.G.A. Award for her performance in the title role of John Sayles’ film Liana. She has twice been nominated for the Governor General’s Literary Award – Drama, for The Darling Family (1992) and Alien Creature: a visitation from Gwendolyn MacEwen (2000).

Selected Reviews:

“Is there anything more fun than finding yourself, for a night, in the company of a great storyteller?”  …funny, moving, exhilarating!” – Bob Clarke, Calgary Herald

“The Last Dog of War is one of those wonderful, enchanting and engrossing evenings of theatre that is over too quickly and whose warmth and humanity linger long after you’ve left the theatre. Four stars.” – Louis Hobson, Calgary Sun

“Superb!” “Griffiths makes her story accessible by making it very personal… and for much of it, very funny … although it’s got a heavy emotional core, Last Dog of War is wrapped in a layer of sharp observational comedy… – CBC Radio Winnipeg

“High-flying tale of war spellbinding” One-woman play funny, moving portrait of life with bomber squadron father” – Halifax – The Chronicle Herald

“Daughter’s Stage Flight with ‘Old Bastard’ a Success. Compelling …The effect is to be reminded and deeply appreciative of the sacrifice of “the old bastard” and his fellow flyboys.”  – Winnipeg Free Press

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LETTERS TO MY GRANDMA

Theatre Jones Roy
Written & Performed by Anusree Roy
Directed by Thomas Morgan Jones

An unforgettable one-woman show, Letters to my Grandma weaves together the journeys of a grandmother and her granddaughter. On the day of her wedding, Malobee reads back through her grandmother’s letters, revealing her grandmother’s fight to survive in Second World War India and her own struggles to create a new life in present-day Toronto. Letters to my Grandma is a courageous and honest portrayal of loneliness, regret, forgiveness, and the divide between immigrant youth and the loved ones they leave behind.

“A powerful, poignant look across the generations…this deceptively simple show packs an emotional wallop…Letters is a winning production.” – The Toronto Star

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PYAASA

Written by Anusree Roy
Directed by Thomas Morgan Jones
Lighting Design by David DeGrow

One of the greatest injustices occurring in Indian society today is the continued existence of the caste system, a discriminatory form of social stratification into which every Hindu is born, and which continues to function in the daily lives of millions of Hindus, despite its constitutional abolition by the Indian government. At the bottom of this hierarchy is the Untouchable sect, a group which is seen as sub-human by the members of the Hindu caste system. As such, Untouchables live in extreme poverty and are required to perform the most degrading jobs in order to survive. Pyaasa, a one-woman show, is the story of an eleven-year old Untouchable girl named Chaya. As the daughter of a toilet cleaner, Chaya learns at a young age the realities of an “untouchable’s life” and is forced to confront the consequences of her caste. Through Chaya’s struggle Roy plays and portrays the individual hardships of each character from each caste, playing scenes between characters as a solo performer. Pyaasa is Chaya’s story from “childhood” to “adulthood”… a journey that occurs in ten days.

Outstanding New Play – 2007 Dora Mavor Moore Awards

Outstanding Performance –2007 Dora Mavor Moore Awards

NOW Rating NNNN

“Her script is direct and passionate, and her performance is spine-tinglingly alive and confident… The production is superb.” – Jon Kaplan, NOW Magazine

eyeWeekly – ***** (5 Stars)

“… the play gains its power through the utter simplicity of its presentation and through the outstanding performance of Roy as multiple characters… If you missed PYAASA last year, don’t miss it now.” – Christopher Hoile, eyeWeekly

“…this is a taut, inexorable piece of work, superbly performed.” – Robert Cushman, National Post

“Anusree Roy, who wrote and performs this powerful work… is a writer and performer you should get to know.” ~ Richard Ouzounian, Toronto Star

“Roy is a charismatic performer… PYAASA is a poignant, character-driven play about survival.” ~ Paula Citron, Globe & Mail

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Well known in Canada as one of the founding members of the groundbreaking Newfoundland comedy troupe CODCO, CBC favourite Andy Jones has also written 5 critically acclaimed one-man comedy shows that have toured extensively across Canada, the UK, and Ireland. Andy’s numerous awards include both Emmy & Genie nominations, as well as two Gemini awards.

“There’s no other humorist in Canada I would rather spend time with.” – Toronto Star

AN EVENING WITH UNCLE VAL

Written by Andy Jones and Michael Jones, Sr.
Performed by Andy Jones
Directed by Lois Brown

Andy Jones is the hilariously sarcastic Uncle Val, an indignant, 70 year old retired fisherman, displaced from his outport home. Now trapped in the ‘big city’ of St. John’s, Val struggles to figure out what life has left to offer him. Uncle Val’s journey brings us an evening of Christmas reminiscences, encounters with the Beatles, and the danger of St. John’s winters, or as Val likes to call it” the Seniors’ Olympics

“Do yourself a favour and go see An Evening with Uncle Val” – The Halifax Chronicle-Herald

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TO THE WALL

Written and performed by Andy Jones
Directed by Charlie Tomlinson

Internationally acclaimed, To The Wall is a thought-provoking, hilarious night of Andy’s musings on his Newfoundland-Irish-Catholic upbringing and the meaning of the universe. Andy Jones continues to be typically and delightfully off the wall in between rich tales of St. John’s cultural life, moments of philosophical introspection and flashes of simply outrageous humour.

**** “The Jones formula for comedy is to make you laugh and to make you think. With it, he has created another winner.” – Toronto Star

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THE QUEEN OF PARADISE’S GARDEN

A Traditional Newfoundland Fairy Tale
Told by ANDY JONES
With Puppets by DARKA ERDELJI

Featuring puppets by Slovenian Theatre Artist Darka Erdelji, Andy Jones tells the story of Jack, a well-known figure in traditional Newfoundland fairy tales. Told with the humour, warmth and sly wit that have made Andy ones of Canada’s most beloved storytellers, The Queen of Paradise’s Garden follows Jack on a magical and heart-warming journey where he searches for a special fruit to make his parents young again.

“One of Canada’s greatest comedic actors, Jones is not to be missed” – Halifax Daily News

Q&A and puppet-making workshop available

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Upcoming Performances

Mar. 29 – Apr. 1/12 – Toronto Storytelling Festival – Toronto, ON

FIND THE OTHERS

A New Project By Andy Sheppard

There are guitarists, and there are singer/songwriters – and then there’s Andy Sheppard. Virtuoso guitarist and award winning songwriter, Sheppard finds new ways to stretch the boundaries of guitar playing and songwriting, drawing in world music rhythms, ambient noise clips, looping and anything else that comes to mind. He coaxes brave new sounds from a converted ’69 Martin steel guitar and a late-model laptop.

Find The Others is a mesmerizing new music and visual project by Andy Sheppard exploring the contrasts of rural and urban life. Video by Matt Hilliard-Forde (Buck 65, Emm Gryner) and Graydon Sheppard (Feist, Hidden Cameras) is synchronized with the live music for an immersive concert experience. The music features creative contributions from Snowblink (Bruce Penninsula, MGMT), Mark Duggan, Jorn Andersen (Bruce Cockburn, David Wilcox), Olivier Alary (Bjork), and even an appearance from Isabella Rossellini.

“heaven” – Dave Curtis, DirectCurrent.com

“a tremendous guitarist” – Matt Galloway, CBC Radio

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UPCOMING DATES

Oct. 22/11 – Halifax Pop Explosion – Halifax, NS

Nov. 2/11 – Aeolian Hall – London, ON

Nov. 10/11 – The Blacksheep Inn – Wakefield, QC

Nov. 12/11 – Dublin St United Church – Guelph, ON

Nov. 25/11 – Lebovic Centre – Stouffville, ON

Dec. 1/11 – The Park Theatre – Winnipeg, MB

TRUDEAU STORIES

Written & Performed by Brooke Johnson
Directed by Allyson McMackon

A remarkable story of a surprising friendship, this solo show has been affecting and wowing audiences and critics across the country. In 1985, while she was a student at the National Theatre School in Montreal, Brooke Johnson became friends with Pierre Elliott Trudeau. Through reminiscences, journal entries and correspondence, Brooke gives us a personal insight into the man and the times that is “not to be missed” (National Post). At once vital and charming; poignant and very funny, Trudeau Stories is about friendship and loss… and about who the heck we think we are.

“Trudeau Stories succeeds in the way that all theatre yearns to succeed… …amazing.” – Rover Arts, Montreal

“Johnson is a magician….” – The Coast, Halifax

“…Like turning the pages of a live snapshot album… a maximum of craft but a minimum of artifice….It’s delightful.” – National Post

“Mesmerizing… fascinating stuff!” ***** (5/5) – North Country Radio, USA

“As the houselights come up, we are wakened like from a dream….” – Aisle Say

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Upcoming Performances

Aug. 1-5/12 – Blyth Festival – Blyth, ON

Aug. 9-26/12 – Victoria Playhouse – Victoria, PE

Apr. 4/13 – Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts – Richmond Hill, ON

British-born comedian Chris Gibbs has toured extensively as a stand-up comedian and improviser, written and performed 5 hit, award-winning one-man shows, was a regular guest on NBC’s comedy series Howie Do It, has played at the Just For Laughs and the Winnipeg Comedy Festivals, starred in the Canadian indie feature Run Robot Run, and is even a published author.

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ANTOINE FEVAL

Written & Performed by Chris Gibbs

London, 1896. Barnaby Gibbs, incurable optimist and Sherlock Holmes fanatic, encounters a stranger, dressed entirely in black and holding a bag full of stolen belongings. There is only one conclusion a reasonable man could come to: this is the notorious cat burglar/con-man known as the Rhyming Bandit! However, Barnaby is not a reasonable man, and when the stranger explains he is actually the famous detective Antoine Feval, a new crime-fighting duo is born.

Antoine Feval has played to sold-out houses and enjoyed extended runs across Canada and beyond. In 2009 the show was presented as part of the Just For Laughs Festival, having won the Best Comedy at the Montreal Fringe.

“Absolutely priceless… Sherlockians will be in heaven. Everyone else will be here, laughing hard.” – Edmonton Journal

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THE POWER OF IGNORANCE

Co-Written by Chris Gibbs & TJ Dawe
Performed by Chris Gibbs

The Power of Ignorance is a one-man mock motivational seminar that has been winning awards including Best Comedy and Best of the Fest, rave reviews and playing to packed theatres all over Canada and beyond since 2003. Join Vaguen, motivational speaker ordinaire and see how easy it is to Stop Thinking and Start Living! Called “howlingly funny” and given a 5 star review by CBC, this show is a must see!

“One of the funniest shows I’ve seen in years. Cleverly written and beautifully performed … satirical comedy at its finest.” (5 stars) – Victoria Times Colonist

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Like Father, Like Son? Sorry

What if he’s nothing like me? What if he’s just like me? Superman, C-sections, lying to people, horror-movie voices in the middle of the night, the regrets of a life half-lived and why talking to strangers is never easy.

A stand-up comedy show about the fears and worries of being a father and the absolute terror of wanting to be a good one.

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON? SORRY premiered at the 2009 Toronto Fringe Festival, where it won Patron’s Pick. It then played to sell-out houses at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, the 2010 Next Stage Theatre Festival, and later in the 2010 Uno Festival and at the CBC Winnipeg Comedy Festival. Then the show sold out and was held over at the Edmonton Fringe Festival. In 2011 the show garnered more rave reviews and sold-out audiences at the Calgary and Vancouver Fringe Festivals.

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UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

Jan. 21/12 – THEOP – Deep River, ON

Feb. 16/12 – Chilliwack Cultural Centre – Chilliwack, BC

Feb. 17/12 – Surrey Arts Centre – Surrey, BC

Feb. 18/12 – Creekside Theatre – Lake Country, BC

Aug. 8-18/12 – Lakeview Arts Barn – Bobcaygeon, ON

I, CLAUDIA

Written by Kristen Thomson
Directed by Chris Abraham

This extraordinary one-woman show maps the raw, but beautiful interior life of a misfit adolescent. Claudia, age twelve-and-three-quarters, finds herself suffering from the triple afflictions of puberty, unpopularity, and her parents’ divorce. Using four astonishingly expressive masks, the performer evokes the anguished Claudia, her grandfather, her dad’s new girlfriend, and the school janitor. Both heartbreakingly sad and wrenchingly funny, I, Claudia casts a spell of rare power in the theatre.

I, Claudia has won numerous awards including a Dora Mavor Moore Award for Best New Play, a Sterling Award for Best Performance, a Betty Mitchell Award for Outstanding Direction, two Canadian Comedy Awards and Gemini Awards.

“…a masterful character study and a miracle of unforced comedy.” – The Globe & Mail

“Blissfully funny, unexpectedly touching… a must see.” – Toronto Star

Study Guide available

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UPCOMING DATES

Oct. 18-22/11 – The Grand Theatre – Kingston, ON

Oct. 26/11 – Centre in the Square – Kitchener, ON

Oct. 28/11 – Oakville Centre – Oakville, ON

Oct. 29/11 – River Run Centre – Guelph, ON

Nov. 1-2/11 – The Rose Theatre – Brampton, ON

Nov. 3/11 – Burlington Performing Arts Centre – Burlington, ON

Nov. 4/11 – Markham Theatre – Markham, ON

Nov. 5/11 – Centre for the Arts –  Brock U – St. Catharines, ON

Award-winning songwriter, poet and ironic social commentator Evalyn Parry is gifted with a sharp pen, a quirky musical sensibility and a wicked sense of humour. From 19th century cycling heroines to 21st century sailors; from “feminine protection” to bottled water to the quest for the Northwest Passage, evalyn’s outspoken creations hold out a powerful vision of social and personal change, while her irreverent wit holds nothing sacred.

Evalyn has released four critically acclaimed CDs of music and spoken word and her work has been widely broadcast, commissioned and anthologized. Recent performance highlights include Guelph’s renowned Hillside Festival and The Lincoln Centre Out of Doors Festival in NYC. Education is a vital part of her artistic practice, and Parry has worked as a guest artist at various high schools and universities across Canada and the USA over the last decade.

“Equally funny and dangerous, this is a songwriter who takes us into unchartered waters” – CBC Radio

SPIN

Created and Performed by Evalyn Parry
Directed by Ruth Madoc-Jones

Innovative, award-winning Toronto artist evalyn parry takes her audience on an uncommon theatrical and musical journey in SPIN, her tour-de-force performance celebrating the Bicycle as muse, musical instrument and agent of social change. Inspired in part by the incredible true tale of Annie Londonderry – the first woman to ride around the world on a bicycle in 1894 – Parry spins a web of stories which travel from 19th century women’s emancipation to 21st century consumer culture, peeling back layers of history to ultimately reveal a profoundly contemporary and personal heart to her performance.

Parry’s “co-star” is a vintage bicycle: suspended in a mechanic’s stand on stage and connected to a variety of electronic effects pedals, the bike is played – from fenders to spokes to bells – by percussionist Brad Hart, conjuring an astonishing and unique sonic accompaniment to Parry’s songs and monologues. Projections by award-winning designer Beth Kates add a captivating visual layer to SPIN, which sold out the run of its premiere in Toronto in 2011.

“part theatre, part musical gig, part spoken word poetry and part documentary … whatever it is, it is brilliant” – Toronto Star

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UPCOMING DATES

May 29/12 – River Run Centre – Guelph, ON

July 14-15/12 – Vancouver Folk Music Festival – Vancouver, BC

Aug. 19/12 – Sunshine City Festival – Orillia, ON

Oct. 6-8/12 – Harbourfront Centre – Toronto, ON

Oct. 30-Nov.1/12 – River Run Centre – Guelph, ON

Nov. 6-11/12 – The Grand Theatre – Kingston, ON

Nov. 15/12 – Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts – Oakville, ON

Nov. 17/12 – Centre for the Arts, Brock U – St. Catharines, ON

Nov. 21/12 – Capitol Centre – North Bay, ON

Nov. 24/12 – St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage – Morrisburg, ON

Mar. 8/13 – Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts – Richmond Hill, ON

Apr. 4/13 – Thalian Hall Centre for the Performing Arts – Wilmington, NC

Apr. 5/13 – Batte Fine Arts Centre (McGee Theatre) – Wingate, NC

Apr. 9 – 21/13 – The Cultch – Vancouver, BC

Apr. 28/13 – Lester B. Pearson Theatre – Brampton, ON

May 2/13 – Kings Theatre – Annapolis Royal, NS

May 3/13 – L’association Le Moulin de la Baie – Saulnerville, NS

May 4/13 – Osprey Arts Centre – Shelbourne, NS

May 6/13 – Fredericton Playhouse – Fredericton, NB

May 7/13 – Harbourfront Theatre – Summerside, PE

HAMLET (solo)

Written by William Shakespeare
Performed by Raoul Bhaneja
Directed by Robet Ross Parker

An exciting one-man version of Shakespeare’s Hamlet performed by accomplished and award-winning actor Raoul Bhaneja. Since its premiere at Theatre Passe Muraille in 2006, this winner of the Montreal English Critic’s Circle Award for has toured internationally to critical acclaim, including performances at the Edmonton Fringe; Stratford Upon Avon; The Banff Centre; New York’s soloNova Festival and the EdinburghFringe Festival.

“Bhaneja is an outstanding performer who owns every inch of the space, and carries the sense of the play with passion and conviction” – Edinburgh Evening News (UK)

“An extraordinary interpretation” – The Montreal Gazette

“enthralling” and or “An astoundingly sure-footed, brilliantly edited performance” – BACKSTAGE (USA)

“5/5 Stars…Almost before he can take a bow his audience have leaped from their seats in a standing ovation.” – THE LIST (Edinburgh Fringe, UK)

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UPCOMING DATES 

Mar. 1-2/12 – Lebovic Centre – Stouffville, ON

June 15-21/12 – Magnetic North Theatre Festival – Calgary, AB

Oct. 9-22 /12 – Neptune Theatre Studio – Halifax, NS

HANK WILLIAMS ‘LIVE’ 1952

Starring Joe Matheson as ‘Hank Williams’

Hank walks on stage, the band kicks into “Settin’ the Woods on Fire” and the show is off! For two hours the audience is treated to all of Hank Williams’ hits and an intimate, revealing evening with one of the legends of country music. Joe Matheson, who has been dubbed “the quintessential voice of Hank Williams”, is an accomplished professional actor and singer who previously starred as Hank Williams in The Show He Never Gave. This fully scripted musical theatre piece is Joe’s personal tribute to the King of Country Music. It’s not a true story, but the stories in it are true. And if it ain’t exactly factual well, as Hank would say, “What Momma don’t know won’t hurt’er!”

Joe Matheson has appeared in the Canadian premier of Tommy and Miss Saigon (Mirvish Productions); the national tour of Ragtime (LiveEnt); The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Hair, and recently spent two years performing in the smash hit Toronto production of Jersey Boys (DanCap). He has graced the stages of many regional theatres in Canadian and the U.S., played The Stratford and Shaw Festivals and has performed off-Broadway. Joe played Hank Williams in The Show He Never Gave, and headlined the Calgary Stampede playing to over 20,000 people per night.

“Outstanding! You don’t have to be a country fan to love this show.” – Stirling Festival Theatre

“This is great entertainment with a very big heart. It swept me away.” – Victoria Playhouse, Petrolia ON

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UPCOMING DATES

Oct. 13/12 – Playhouse Two – Grand Bend, ON

Oct. 19/12 – Drayton Festival Theatre – Drayton, ON

Oct. 20/12 – King’s Wharf Theatre – Penetanguishene, ON

Oct. 25/12 – Deerfoot Inn & Casino – Calgary, AB

Oct. 26/12 – Arden Theatre – St. Albert, AB

Oct. 27/12 – Vic Juba Theatre – Lloydminster, AB

If you have come in contact with Canadian music at all over the last number of years, chances are you have either seen or heard the work of Halifax native Kevin Fox. Kevin’s abilities as an instrumentalist, composer/arranger and recording artist have offered him the opportunity to record and tour with countless artists, from Justin Bieber and Olivia Newton John to Steven Page and Chantal Kreviazuk. However it is Kevin’s talents as a singer/songwriter in his own right that has been causing his fan base to grow like wildfire since the release of his first album, Come Alive to the critically acclaimed Songs for Cello & Voice and now with his much-anticipated third release, Set Right. Kevin has been captivating audiences across Canada with his unique musical tapestry of cello-driven pop songs.Whether performing on his signature instrument, which he plucks, taps and loops, or with his guitar, whether playing solo or with his band, an evening with Kevin Fox is not to be missed and never to be forgotten.

“A cellist and guitarist of rare talent… his voice soars like an angel.” – Toronto Star

Workshops available

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UPCOMING DATES 

June 8/12 – Glenn Gould Studio – Toronto, ON  *Opening for DALA

June 17/12 – Luminato Festival / David Pequalt Square – Toronto, ON

July 6/12 – Mariposa Folk Festival – Orillia, ON

July 13/12 – Harrison Festival of the Arts – Harrison Hot Springs, BC

Aug. 9/12 – Lunenburg Folk Festival – Lunenburg, NS

Sept. 13/12 – The Bassment – Saskatoon, SK

Sept. 14/12 – Majestic Theatre – Biggar, SK

Sept. 15/12 – Prince of Wales Cultural Centre – Assinibaia, SK

Sept. 28/12 – PDCI Auditorium – Perth, ON

Nov. 1/12 – Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts – Richmond Hill, ON

Nov. 22/12 – Manitouwadge HS Auditorium – Manitouwadge, ON

Nov. 23/12 – Geraldton HS Auditorium – Geraldton, ON

Nov. 24/12 – Finlandia Hall – Thunder Bay, ON

Nov. 27/12 – Fort Frances HS Auditorium – Fort Frances, ON

Nov. 28/12 – Knox United Church – Kenora, ON

Nov. 30/12 – Red Lake HS Auditorium – Red Lake, ON

Dec. 1/12 – Sioux Lookout HS Auditorium – Sioux Lookout, ON

Dec. 2/12 – Dryden Performing Arts Centre – Dryden, ON

Mar. 6/13 – Vic Juba Community Theatre – Lloydminster, AB/SK

Kim Stockwood’s amazing talent and versatility have kept her in the public eye for over a decade. An accomplished artist, she has numerous Juno and ECMA awards to her credit and has penned such smash hits as “Jerk”, “12 Years Old” and “Happy Baby”, both as a solo artist and with supergroup Shaye. Her winning personality makes her a natural for television and radio – from co-hosting the Junos to a stint as co-host on one of Toronto’s top morning shows. As irresistible live as she is on radio and camera, Kim performs with effortless ease on the concert stage, with a natural ability to touch and entertain her audience.

BACK TO THE WATER

A heartfelt tribute to the province Kim loves so much, Back to the Water includes some of Newfoundland’s most treasured songs performed by outstanding Newfoundland musicians. The universal theme of longing for home and the beautifully produced performances have received rave reviews and are sure to appeal to existing Stockwood fans, folk music audiences and Newfoundlanders & Labradorians everywhere. The CMT produced documentary has touched a chord with audiences the world over as  takes a deeper look at the province, its people and the pride Kim feels for her home.

I LOVE SANTA

I Love Santa is a collection of holiday standards and original music, from “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and “Silver Bells” to the hit “Marshmallow World”. Performed live in the rich, warm vocals she’s celebrated for, and the signature comedic style she’s cherished for, the irresistible Kim Stockwood is guaranteed to bring you some Holiday Cheer!

“The Newfoundland singer-songwriter serves up delightful renditions of classic holiday fare.” – The Guardian

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UPCOMING DATES 

Mar. 1/12 – Gander Arts & Cultural Centre – Gander, NL

Mar. 2/12 – Clarenville Events Centre – Clarenville, NL

Mar. 3/12 – The Garrick Theatre – Bonavista, NL

Mar. 4/12 – Grand Falls Arts & Cultural Centre – Grand Falls, NL

Mar. 7/12 – Labrador City Arts & Cultural Centre – Labrador City, NL

Mar. 8/12 – Lawrence O’Brien Arts Centre – Goose Bay, NL

Mar. 9/12 – Corner Brook Arts & Cultural Centre – Corner Brook, NL

Mar. 10/12 – Stephenville Arts & Cultural Centre – Stephenville, NL

May 31/12 – Centre in the Square Studio Theatre – Kitchener, ON

July 19/12 – Mill Pond (Outdoor Stage) – Richmond Hill, ON

July 26/12 – Trent Severn Canal (Outdoor Stage) – Bobcaygeon, ON

Aug. 9/12 – Lunenburg Folk Festival – Lunenburg, NS

Sept. 28/12 – PDCI Auditorium – Perth, ON

Nov. 22/12 – Manitouwadge HS Auditorium – Manitouwadge, ON

Nov. 23/12 – Geraldton HS Auditorium – Geraldton, ON

Nov. 24/12 – Finlandia Hall – Thunder Bay, ON

Nov. 27/12 – Fort Frances HS Auditorium – Fort Frances, ON

Nov. 28/12 – Knox United Church – Kenora, ON

Nov. 30/12 – Red Lake HS Auditorium – Red Lake, ON

Dec. 1/12 – Sioux Lookout HS Auditorium – Sioux Lookout, ON

Dec. 2/12 – Dryden Performing Arts Centre – Dryden, ON

Dec. 7/12 – Living Arts Centre – Mississauga, ON

Apr. 12/13 – Capitol Centre – North Bay, ON

Apr. 13/13 – Classic Theatre Cobalt – Cobalt, ON

Marshall Button developed the character Lucien based on his experiences working in the paper mill in his hometown of Dalhousie, NB, and is nearing 2000 performances of Lucien, from coast to coast in every Canadian province.

LUCIEN

Lucien, the opinionated North Shore mill-worker and New Brunswick’s Blue-Collar Philosopher has enjoyed a 25 year run since he first appeared in Fredericton, N.B. as part of a satirical Bicentennial revue, Maritime Mixed grill. The show now plays like a comedic period-piece, and reflects a time when jobs were plentiful, unions were strong and job security was not a dirty word.

LUCIEN’S LABOUR LOST

The sequel to Lucien premiered for Theatre New Brunswick in October of 1993. This second show has our anti-hero buying into Frank McKenna’s dream of a self-sufficient entrepreneurial work force, able to leap tall buildings at a single bound, while reflecting the downsizing trends of the early 1990’s. Lucien is over forty, and for the first time in his life, mortality is raising its profound head.

LUCIEN: SNOWBIRD

When a francophone mill worker from New Brunswick’s north shore heads to the sunshine state for some fun, his audience is left shaking with laughter at what might be described as a rare bird. With his character constantly butchering both of his country’s official languages, Button’s portrayal of the middle-aged, uneducated yet worldly wise Lucien is a laugh marathon from start to finish. This is one vacation you’ll be happy you took!

LUCIEN: HELTER SMELTER

Last seen as a Florida tourist, The New Brunswick mill worker Lucien returns to his North Shore roots where we find him smelt fishing in a colony of shanties on the Bay of Chaleur – still expounding on world issues, national crises, love, sex and politics. In his hilariously famous manner, Lucien is forced to ponder even bigger issues when global warming cuts his frozen shanty town loose and turns it into a floating state separating from Canada – heading towards Quebec, infinity and beyond.

“Lucien has become a cultural icon” – The Ottawa Citizen

All 4 shows are constantly evolving, as current affairs, politics and world events change, so does Lucien. Marshall Button can also be utilized as a comedic bilingual host.

MEDIA CENTRE

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UPCOMING DATES

July 5/12 – Chrysler Theatre – Windsor, ON

Nov. 25/12 – Victoria Jubilee Hall – Walkerton, ON

MISS CALEDONIA

Written & Performed by Melody A. Johnson
Musical Arrangements by Alison Porter
Directed by Rick Roberts and Aaron Willis

The year is 1955. Desperate to escape the chicory-pulling, stall-cleaning, hay-baling drudgery of life in RR#2 Caledonia, Peggy Ann Douglas has a plan. Following in the footsteps of starlets Debbie Reynolds and Lee Meriwether, Peggy Ann will simply become a movie star – and she will start her journey to the top by winning the local pageant. Can she sing, twirl and pivot her way into the judges’ hearts, or will shaky nerves and a “Puritanical Work Ethic” sabotage her efforts? Brimming with love, comedy, and a staggering work ethic of its own, Miss Caledonia is a delightful exploration of optimism and reality down on the farm. Dora and Canadian Comedy Award winner Melody A. Johnson, along with the delightful accompaniment of Alison Porter on fiddle, will have you in the palm of her hand on her quest for the tiara in Miss Caledonia.

“Johnson’s characters as moving as they are funny…” – NOW Magazine NNNN (4 stars)

“Melody A. Johnson proves once again, she is the kook supreme of the Canadian stage…I truly would pay money to see Johnson read the phone book…” – The Toronto Star

One-Act version available

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UPCOMING DATES

Mar. 21-24/12 – The Grand Theatre – London, ON

Apr. 14-15/12 – Market Hall – Peterborough, ON

Apr. 20-21/12 – Shadbolt Centre for the Arts – Burnaby, BC

Sept. 4-16/12 – Victoria Playhouse – Victoria, PE

Oct. 16-Nov. 25/12 – Tarragon Theatre – Toronto, ON

Dec. 2/12 – Burlington Performing Arts Centre – Burlington, ON

Apr. 4-5/13 – Rossland Miners Hall – Rossland, BC

Apr. 7/13 – The Arden Theatre – St. Albert, AB

May 7-9/13 – River Run Centre – Guelph, ON

May 14-25/13 – National Arts Centre – Ottawa, ON

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SONGS ARE LIKE TATTOOS

A Singer/Songwriters’ Tribute to Joni Mitchell

Songs are Like Tattoos A Singer/Songwriters’ Tribute to Joni Mitchell launched at Toronto’s Hugh’s Room in 2008 to an overwhelming response and rave reviews. In 2009 the show was broadcast on CBC’s Canada Live, and in 2010 began touring across the country.

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SONGS FROM THE 49TH PARALLEL

A Singer/Songwriter’s Salute to Canadian Icons

Sheard’s latest project, Songs From the 49TH Parallel, which features a collection from the best Canadian Singer/Songwriters, including Gordon Lightfoot, Neil Young, k.d. Lang and more, is available to tour in 2012 and beyond.

“Mia Sheard … has a gift for phrasing and a great voice – it wraps itself like a boa constrictor around fragmented melodies, spanning an awesome range and squeezing out a shimmering beauty.” – NOW Magazine

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MEDIA CENTRE

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UPCOMING DATES 

Mar. 3/12 – Hugh’s Room – Toronto, ON

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BIGGER THAN JESUS

A WYRD and Necessary Angel Production
Co-created & Performed by Rick Miller
Co-created & directed by Daniel Brooks.
Designed by Beth Kates and Ben Chaisson

Bigger Than Jesus is a sinfully funny and poignant multi-media ‘mass’ that has played all over the world in 4 languages. It has been nominated for multiple international awards, and in 2005 it won 3 Dora awards in Toronto (Best Play, Best Actor, Best Lighting design). Both reverent and irreverent, both entertaining and enlightening, Bigger than Jesus grapples with the thorny crown of Christianity in this one-man show featuring the trademark humour and intelligence of Rick Miller. A truly unique theatrical experience.

“An exciting piece of multimedia theater with a challenging point of view… a fast-paced, thought-provoking ride.” – Variety

Workshops available.

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BOOM!

Created & Performed by Rick Miller

The first in Miller’s “Time Bomb Trilogy”, BOOM! is an explosive one-man stage documentary chronicling the baby boom years. Using state-of-the-art multimedia and dazzling impersonations, Miller chronologically guides us through 25 turbulent years, playing literally hundreds of the world’s most influential politicians, activists, actors and musicians. While covering major global events from 1945 to 1969, BOOM! also tells the stories of two children born at 8:15am on Aug 6, 1945, at exactly the same moment the first atomic bomb falls on Hiroshima, Japan.

Currently in development, with touring to begin in the Fall of 2013.

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HARDSELL

A WYRD and Necessary Angel Production
Co-created & Performed by Rick Miller
Co-created & directed by Daniel Brooks.
Designed by Beth Kates and Ben Chaisson

HARDSELL is a riveting lecture/performance adapted from the stage play by Rick Miller and Daniel Brooks that boldly examines the commodification of everything. Miller struts and frets his hour on the stage, selling, seducing and manipulating the audience with dazzling performance and design, while slyly exposing the lies inherent in advertising. By playing mirror-images of himself (righteous optimist vs. cynical nihilist), Miller encourages us to reflect on our own complicity, and how we choose to live in this brutal world of the HARDSELL.

“Stunning!…Miller’s greatest skill is not unlike that of a jazz virtuoso: he riffs superbly.” – The Toronto Star

Workshops and information literacy material available.

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MACHOMER

A WYRD Production
Created & Performed by Rick Miller
Directed by Sean Lynch
Designed by Beth Kates

1 Man. 50 Voices from The Simpsons. Shakespeare’s MacBeth

After 16 years and 160 cities worldwide, MacHomer is still going strong! Rick Miller has performed MacHomer to capacity crowds across the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

Spot-on impressions of characters from the hit series populate this imaginatively staged version of the classic tragedy, a multi-media update truly “full of sound and fury”. The result is that rare jewel: an educational and entertaining show, which has amazed audiences of all ages, backgrounds and languages.

“Terrific! It’s intelligent, often hilariously funny…the laughs are continuous.” – The L.A. Times

Workshops and downloadable outreach materials available.

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MEDIA CENTRE

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UPCOMING DATES

May 1-26/12 – Stratford Festival – Stratford, ON

Aug. 16/12 – Algonquin Theatre – Huntsville, ON

Nov. 2/12 – River Run Centre – Guelph, ON

Topical, smart, funny, and absolutely Canadian, The Second City is known for launching the careers of John Candy, Mike Myers, Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy. The hilarious touring shows from this legendary comedy institution feature Canadian Comedy Award winning performers as well as the best improvisational actors in the country.

THE BEST OF THE SECOND CITY

The Best of The Second City is a hilarious, crowd-pleasing collection of the best comedic songs and sketches from the company’s illustrious 35 year history, as well as satire ripped from the day’s headlines.

 “Legendary” – Toronto Star

“Smart, sassy, sexy and spectacularly funny” – Toronto Star

Outreach: Improv Workshops & Post-Show Q&As

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DYSFUNCTIONAL HOLIDAY REVUE

The Second City’s hilarious holiday tradition continues, with a fresh new collection of hilarious sketches and songs inspired by the season of peace, joy, and last minute shopping!

When the weather outside turns frightful, what could be more delightful than sharing some laughs? So spread good cheer by inviting your loved ones and colleagues to join you at The Second City’s Dysfunctional Holiday Revue, our annual festival of merriment and mirth! Now more fun and dysfunctional than ever!

Contains adult themes and language.

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MIRACLE ON MERCER ST.

The Second City’s Miracle on Mercer St. is a holiday treat for the whole family. Bring the kids for an afternoon of fun, as The Second City adds some comedy magic to all your favorite holiday tales in this hilarious production featuring a mixture of catchy original songs, adorable puppetry, and The Second City’s legendary live action comedy sketches.

Miracle on Mercer St. is a delightful holiday laugh-fest that will put a huge smile on the faces of parents and kids alike. Now that’s a miracle!

“you’d have to be a child of Scrooge and the Grinch to resist!” – Toronto Star

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MEDIA CENTRE

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UPCOMING DATES 

June 7/12 – Chrysler Theatre at St. Clair Centre for the Arts – Windsor, ON

Oct. 3/12 – Marriott Gateway – Niagara Falls, ON

Dec. 13/12 – River Run Centre – Guelph, ON

Feb. 14/13 – Living Arts Centre – Mississauga, ON

Feb. 22/13 – Milton Centre for the Arts – Milton, ON

SHARRON’S PARTY!

Starring Sharron Matthews

One part stand-up, one part chanteuse, downtown diva Sharron Matthews serves up an exciting musical comedy cabaret filled with singing, stories, audience participation and tons of laughter! Sharron combines her powerful voice and comedic wit to create pop medleys, sing-a-longs and song-o-logues that will have the audience roaring with laughter and crooning along.

Awarded Best of the Fest at the 2011 Edinburgh Fringe; voted Critics’ Pick 22 times and Best Cabaret Performer by NOW Magazine and called ‘The Thing To Do!’ by the Globe & Mail, this is one party you don’t want to miss!

 “#1 Cabaret in New York City in 2010” – NYC NiteLife Exchange

SHARRON’S BIG BROADWAY SHOW!

Starring Sharron Matthews

Musical theatre diva and comedienne Sharron Matthews shares a hilarious and often heartbreaking look at her journey from small town Ontario to the beckoning lights of Broadway. Sharron takes you on a comedic musical journey from her first job in the chorus of Les Miserables to starring roles in Beauty and the Beast and Mean Girls; from the daunting audition rooms of New York City to dancing in the streets with John Travolta in Hairspray and her star-struck moment meeting Bette Midler. Featuring music from Broadway favourites, this is a high-energy evening of music and comedy that is guaranteed to entertain and enchant any audience. This is your exclusive ‘backstage pass’ into the world of professional theatre!

“Sharron Matthews is perfection” – The Toronto Star

Musical Theatre Performance and Glee Club Workshops available

MEDIA CENTRE

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UPCOMING DATES 

Dec. 13/12 – Richmond Hill Centre Studio – Richmond Hill, ON

Theatre Passe Muraille is Canada’s oldest alternative theatre devoted to the development and production of new Canadian work.

HIGHWAY 63: THE FORT MAC SHOW

Produced by Theatre Passe Muraille
Originally Developed by Architect Theatre
Co-Created and Directed by Charlotte Corbeil-Coleman
Co-Created and performed by Greg Gale, Jonathan Seinen and Georgina Beaty
Co-Created by Layne Coleman

Highway 63: The Fort Mac Show examines society’s relationship with the earth, each other and the place one chooses to live. Some of this country’s most exciting theatre creators reveal life at the northern tip of Highway 63, at the front lines of the world’s largest energy project, the Athabasca Oil Sands. Using a combination of verbatim and improvisation, the voices of Fort McMurray’s locals come alive at a time of major change.

Highway 63: The Fort Mac Show has been performed in Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa and Vancouver, and in 2011 was produced at Toronto’s Theatre Passe Muraille.

“One of the most relevant, flat-out best shows to hit Edmonton’s stages this year.” – VUE Weekly

MEDIA CENTRE 

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UPCOMING DATES

Feb. 11-18/12 – GCTC Undercurrents Festival – Ottawa, ON

Mar. 13-18/12 – Resource Centre for the Arts – St. John’s, NL

Mar. 20/12 – Venue TBA – Burn Penninsula, NL

Mar. 21/12 – Clarenville Events Centre – Clarenville, NL

Mar. 22/12 – Gander Arts & Cultural Centre – Gander, NL

Mar. 23/12 – Grand Falls Arts & Cultural Centre – Grand Falls, NL

Mar. 25/12 – Stephenville Arts & Cultural Centre – Stephenville, NL

Mar. 27/12 – Labrador City Arts & Cultural Centre – Labrador City, NL

Mar. 28/12 – Lawrence O’Brien Arts Centre – Goose Bay, NL

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CHEKHOV’S SHORTS

Based on a selection of short stories by Anton Chekhov and adapted by Dean Gilmour and Michele Smith with the company, this first installment of the Chekhov Cycle has toured successfully to Vancouver, Edmonton, Hong Kong, Dartmouth and Montreal and was invited to the Chekhov International Theatre Festival. The show has won three Dora Mavor Moore Awards: Outstanding Actor, Outstanding Director, and Outstanding Production.

“****! A perfect gem! 24 karat charmer… a marvel” – Toronto Star

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CHEKHOV LONGS… IN THE RAVINE

In 2002, Theatre Smith-Gilmour produced their second installment of the series, the DoraAward winning Chekhov longs… In The Ravine, at the Factory Theatre in Toronto. Based on a Chekhov novella, In the Ravine tells the darker story of a turn-of-the-century Russian family, through the company’s unique physical performance style and comic mastery.

“An ensemble from acting heaven…one of the best plays of the season” – Classical 96.3FM

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LU XUN BLOSSOMS

Lu Xun Blossoms is based on five short stories of Lu Xun: a great writer and teacher. Considered by many to be the father of contemporary Chinese literature, Lu Xun wrote about China at a time of great change. He wrote about “The Living City” of his time, using deeply etched characters and riveting images, documenting the early urbanization of China and the conflicts and joys in the early 20th century. With a cast & crew of 6 Canadians and 4 Chinese, Lu Xun Blossoms is two cultures and two languages (English & Mandarin) dancing together – a cultural exchange on a very profound level. Lu Xun Blossoms premiered to great acclaim in Shanghai in 2007 and was featured at the 2011 Luminato Festival in Toronto.

“LU XUN blossoms, the first Sino-Canadian coproduction in theatre, is a cross-cultural coup.” – NOW Magazine.

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SPENT

An absurd account of falling off the corporate ladder.
Created by Michele Smith, Dean Gilmour, Ravi Jain and Adam Paolozza

2010 Dora Award Winner! Outstanding Performance in a Featured Role/Ensemble

Don’t miss this tour de force team made up of two hot young emerging artists and two seasoned veterans of Canadian theatre who bring you the funniest and most topical show of the season. Spent brings together two generations of Canada’s most exciting independent theatre artists in this hysterical new clown and bouffon inspired show. SPENT has recently finished a sold out run at the 2011 Edinburgh Fringe.

“A wonderful combination of incisive satire and sharp physical comedy…” – NNNN! (4 stars) – NOW Magazine

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MEDIA CENTRE 

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UPCOMING DATES 

23-Feb-12 – Rotary Centre for the Arts – Kelowna, BC