2022/23 Season Brochure

season LIVE! AND IN PERSON

THERE’S NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT.

If there is one thing that has come to light throughout the last two years, it is that time is fleeting, and it waits for no one. The need to seize every moment and every opportunity we’re pre sented – and hold on to it with dear life – has never felt more important than now.

With this prevailing thought in the forefront, for the Grand’s 2022/23 Season we are ready to do something bold. Something exhilarating. And, something unforgettable. This year, we invite you to join us in experiencing extraordinary theatre the way it was intended to be viewed: “Live! And in person.”

In celebration of a full return to the stage, our momentous season includes four incredible world premieres, a historic partnership of five Canadian theatres, the return of the most popular holiday show in Grand Theatre history, and a playbill bursting with musical content to honour London’s new designation as a UNESCO City of Music.

The time for living is now. The time for coming together is now. The time for live theatre is now.

Join us.

d ENN i S gar N h U m, arti S ti C dir EC t O r

HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT

INTO THE WOODS

Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Book by James Lapine

Originally directed on Broadway by James Lapine Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick

Directed by Saccha Dennis

SEPTEMBER 20 TO OCTOBER 1 SPRIET STAGE | OPENS SEPTEMBER 23

In a quest to reverse a curse placed on them by the witch next door, and fulfill their deepest wish, the baker and his wife journey into the woods to find four magical ingredients. Through peculiar paths and twisting trails, characters soon discover that not everything is as it seems, and that every story has more than one ending.

I can’t think of a better way for the High School Project to triumphantly return to the stage than with the legendary Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods. Introducing a new generation of theatre lovers to the beauty and magic of this Tony Award-winning musical is a true joy, and I have no doubt that our students will enchant you as we travel together into the woods. – DENNIS

Venture deeper Into the Woods with director, Saccha Dennis

GRAND

GHOSTS

GRAND

GHOSTS

WORLD

GRAND GHOSTS

by Trina Davies Directed by Jillian Keiley

OCTOBER 18 TO NOVEMBER 5 SPRIET STAGE | OPENS OCTOBER 21

On December 2, 1919, Ontario theatre magnate Ambrose Small sold all of his theatre holdings, including London’s Grand Theatre, for a record sum. That very day, he disappeared. In his wake, Ambrose left behind his enormous fortune, a jealous wife, a disgruntled employ ee, gambling buddies, a mistress, and a ghostly mystery waiting to be solved. In this world premiere imagining, every Halloween, the ghosts who haunt the Grand return to relive what actually happened on that fateful day, over a century ago. Through a ghostly spectacle, audiences will be left to decide: what really happened to Ambrose Small?

This spooky, vaudeville-inspired piece won’t stop haunting me and I can hardly wait to share it with you. Filled with music, dance, and spectacle, our ghosts will haunt you with their rendition of a time in our theatre’s history that remains

a mystery. And, who knows? Perhaps our ghost, Ambrose, might just drop in while you’re here. – DENNIS

Uncover further eerie details on Grand Ghosts with playwright, Trina Davies and director, Jillian Keiley

MI X TA P E

Crow’s Theatre Production of MIXTAPE

by Zorana Sadiq Directed by Chris Abraham

NOVEMBER 8 TO 20 AUBURN STAGE | OPENS NOVEMBER 9

For writer, performer, and musician Zorana Sadiq, sound is our first, last, and most influential sense. After all, the first thing we do in life is make sound. In this solo show, Sadiq invites audience members into a personal exploration of her life – experienced through sound. From Barbra Streisand to George Michael, from Sondheim to Mozart, and from squeaky oven doors to the thwap of a heartbeat, multidisciplinary artist of Pakistani descent, Sadiq has curated the ultimate mix tape for life: part memoir, part scientific inquiry, and part love affair with listening.

London has recently been designated a UNESCO City of Music. We celebrate this distinction with a journey straight to the source: the power of sound. Zorana’s beautiful voice, matched with her charming presence, will take us all on an eclectic and moving auditory voyage – only made more visceral through the intimacy of the Auburn Stage.

– DENNIS

Listen in as MixTape playwright and performer, Zorana Sadiq unveils new details on her vibrant solo show

“Beautifully written.” THE GLOBE AND MAIL

“A marvelous show full of sound and fury.”

ELF THE MUSICAL

Book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin

Music by Matthew Sklar Lyrics by Chad Beguelin

Based upon the New Line Cinema film written by David Berenbaum

Directed by Dennis Garnhum

NOVEMBER 22 TO DECEMBER 24 SPRIET STAGE | OPENS NOVEMBER 25

One of the greatest holiday shows presented at the Grand is back! Based on the beloved holiday film, Elf: The Musical tells the story of Buddy, who is raised believing that he is an elf of the North Pole. That is, until his massive size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the cold truth. Buddy then embarks on a journey of self-discovery to New York City to track down his birth father, who is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit.

This show makes me grin with glee from the moment it begins until its uplifting ending. The songs are a delight, and the antics of Buddy the Elf leave me in stitches. Everything about this show is about the power of believing: believing in people, possibilities, and a hopeful future. What’s not to love? – DENNIS

Discover more about Elf, and the four main food groups of the North Pole, with Grand Theatre Artistic Director, Dennis Garnhum

CONTROLLED DAMAGE

DAMAGE

CONTROLLED DAMAGE

by Andrea Scott Directed by Ray Hogg

JANUARY 17 TO 29 SPRIET STAGE | OPENS JANUARY 20

On November 8, 1946, Black Nova Scotian, Viola Desmond walked into the whites-only section of the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Unaware that the theatre was segregated, Viola took a seat on the main floor, instead of in the balcony where Black patrons were expected to sit. She was eventually arrested and dragged from the theatre. In Controlled Damage, award-winning playwright Andrea Scott illuminates the story of Viola Desmond – a woman who took a stand against racial discrimination, by taking a seat at a theatre.

Andrea Scott immerses audiences into a pivotal moment in Canadian history with incredible grace and power. It will captivate you. And, it will stick with you for years to come. We are truly honoured to have this powerful play on our stage. – DENNIS

Learn more about Controlled Damage from its London-born writer and creator, Andrea Scott

“It is so much more than a simple history lesson.” HALIFAX PRESENTS

BOOM X

Written, directed, and performed by Rick Miller

FEBRUARY 7 TO 25 SPRIET STAGE | OPENS FEBRUARY 10

If you were given 100 minutes to encapsulate the es sence of Generation X, where would you start?

Picking up where BOOM left off—at Woodstock in 1969— BOOM X tackles the music, culture, and politics of Generation X. Surrounded by stunning visuals, over the course of 100 minutes, Rick Miller plays more than 100 famous people—musicians, celebrities, politicians— in his own story of growing up and trying to navigate the tangled legacy of the Baby Boom.

When Rick first created BOOM, his one person tour-de-force, it took off and toured extensively including a wildly successful stop at the Grand Theatre. He’s back with the sequel, BOOM x. Surely he will captivate us all once again. Generation X is my time. Bring on the stories, memories, and music!

– DENNIS

“A miracle of timing and technology.” MONTREAL GAZETTE

Take an explosive trip through time with BOOM X writer, director, and performer, Rick Miller

WORLD

HOMES A REFUGEE STORY

Written by Winnie Yeung and Haysam Kadri Adapted from the book by Abu Bakr Al Rabeeah and Winnie Yeung

FEBRUARY 21 TO MARCH 5 AUBURN STAGE | OPENS FEBRUARY 24

What is it like to live through a civil war?

Based on the award-winning novel by the same name, Homes: A Refugee Story tells the remarkable true story of the Al Rabeeah family and their harrowing journey in finding a safe place to call home. From Iraq, to Syria, to Canada, in this heart-wrenching solo performance, audiences will join the young Abu Bakr Al Rabeeah as he recounts his years in Syria and the juxtapositions of growing up in a war zone: horrific, unimaginable events punctuated by soccer, cousins, video games, and the love of friends and family.

When I first read this novel, I was mesmerized. I was uplifted by this young boy’s resilience, horrified at the violence he nav igated, and deeply grateful for his honesty and reflection. I can’t stop thinking about this powerful story, and believe that you too will feel the same after experiencing this illuminating world premiere.

– DENNIS

Learn more about the road to Homes with co-writer, Winnie Yeung

RUBABOO

WORLD PREMIERE RUBABOO

Written by Andrea Menard

Music by Andrea Menard and Robert Walsh Co-Produced by Arts Club Theatre Company, Vancouver

MARCH 7 TO 25 SPRIET STAGE | OPENS MARCH 10

Derived from the Michif word for “leftovers stew” or “big pot,” Rubaboo will take audiences on an intimate, moving, and joyous musical journey – guided by powerhouse, Métis performer, Andrea Menard. An award-winning singer-songwriter and actor, Andrea’s lyrical voice and masterful storytelling will envelop you into the beauty of Métis culture. Featuring the sounds of drums and guitar, this grand musical feast will include songs of reconciliation, unity, love, frustration, and resilience.

Expect your hearts to fill and your spirits to soar as Andrea Menard uses her wisdom, warmth, and formidable voice to take us all on a very personal journey in the world premiere of Rubaboo. It's a real honour to have Andrea here with

us. – DENNIS

Get to know more about the world premiere of Rubaboo from writer and creator, Andrea Menard

FALL KNEES ON YOUR

National Arts Centre, Vita Brevis Arts, Canadian Stage Company, Neptune Theatre, Grand Theatre Production of

FALL ON YOUR KNEES

World Premiere adaptation for the stage by Hannah Moscovitch and Alisa Palmer Co-created and written by Hannah Moscovitch Co-created and directed by Alisa Palmer Production Dramaturgy by Mel Hague

Based on the novel by Ann-Marie MacDonald

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT: MARCH 29 TO APRIL 2 SPRIET STAGE | OPENS MARCH 29

Relentless ambition, forbidden love, and a secret that could shatter the foundation of a family. Written by the internationally-acclaimed Canadian writ er, Ann-Marie MacDonald, Fall On Your Knees chronicles three generations of Cape Breton Island’s Piper family. The story moves from the battlefields of the First World War, to the emerging jazz scene in Harlem, New York, and into the lives of four unforgettable sisters.

We are proud to be partnering with four extraordinary theatre organizations to bring the historic stage-telling of Fall On Your Knee s to four cities – ending right here in London! This highly original experience will break MacDonald’s beloved story into two parts to chronicle the full lifespan of the novel. Whether you see the first part, second part, or both, it will be an experience to remember.

– DENNIS

Hear more about this historic Canadian production from novelist, Ann-Marie MacDonald and stage adapter and co-creator, Alisa Palmer

Neptune

of EAST COAST KITCHEN PARTY

Conceived and created by Jeremy Webb and Ian Sherwood

APRIL 18 TO MAY 6 SPRIET STAGE | OPENS APRIL 21

Celebrate a Maritime tradition! East Coast Kitchen Party offers an authentically Nova Scotian experience. It’s a concert celebration set in a kitchen, where the instru ments come out, and friends start to play some of the best music that the East Coast has to offer. Each perfor mance will see the stunning cast of Maritimers, joined by an outstanding lineup of London, Ontario musicians, who will drop in to give the party a very local flavour. This is the perfect opportunity to grab your friends and family, raise a glass, and celebrate the music that defines us – and the music that binds us.

We end the season with music, friends, and Maritime flavour! In this East-Coast-meets-London experience, a rotating group of performers from our city will not only join each show (Live! And in person), but will keep the party going immediately following the show in our newly-created Drewlo Lounge. Plus, did I mention you can sit onstage at the bar? – DENNIS

Get the local inside scoop on East Coast Kitchen Party from cocreator, Jeremy Webb

“A summery, sociable night of Atlantic pride.” HALIFAX BLOGGERS

GRAND GIVING

COVID-19 RECOVERY FUND

The live performing arts industry was hit extremely hard during COVID-19. We were among the first industries to shut down and the last to re-open, so we know it will take time to rebuild revenue from subscriptions and ticket sales. We need your help–your donations–more than ever before. Please consider making a gift in support of our recovery efforts, noting COVID Recovery as you make your donation.

SUPPORTING THE GRAND'S ANNUAL OPERATIONS

Every gift at any level is valued by the Grand Theatre. Whether your passion is develop ment of new work, youth programming, community outreach, or ensuring we attract the best artists, your gift will have direct impact on the work we do each season.

GRAND SUPPORTERS

Partners / Members / Friends / Associates

Your support will enable us to expand and enhance programming. Benefit highlights include: recognition in house programs, drink tickets, season poster collection.

GRAND CHAMPIONS

LONDON PROUD CLUB

Grand 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 highlights include: reserved and preferred seating at all panel discussions, exclusive behind-thescenes events, a season finale reception, and a personalized house account.

GRAND VISIONARIES

Ambassadors’ Circle / Patrons’ Circle / Directors’ Circle Pace-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.

For more information, and to learn more about the impact your donation will have, please contact our development team at development@grandtheatre.com.

ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE

TALKS

After Words On Wednesday eve nings, immediately after the perfor mance, come up to the Drewlo Lounge for a brief guided discussion with guest artists, creative team members, and Grand staff members.

Enhance your theatre experience with this informal chance to dive deeper into the show’s content, while mingling with patrons and artists. Pull up a chair and join us – the Drewlo Lounge bar will be open!

CLUBS

educa T ors’ n I gh T Calling all educators! Take advantage of this spe cial opportunity by purchasing your Educators’ Night season subscription for only $246.

As an important part of our Grand Theatre community, it is our pleasure to invite educators of all descriptions to join our Educators’ Night - running Wednesdays during our season pre view performanes.

W ednesda Y M a TI nee

crea TI ve conversa TI ons

Arrive early to select Wednesday mat inees and join James Stewart Reaney and special guests as they discuss insights into the production. Enjoy our beautiful Spriet Stage and lobby spaces, the company of other patrons and staff, stimulating conversation, and cookies and tea (of course!).

In the Drewlo Lounge after the perfor mance, mingle with other educators and patrons while diving deeper into the show’s content at AfterWORDS.

For special guest announcements and schedules, visit GrandTheatre.com

s T uden T c L u B Are you a high school student who craves more theatre in your life? This special sea son subscription at $96 is designed to suit a student budget.

Award-winning playwright and author Emma Donoghue and Artistic Director Dennis Garnhum

Become an important part of our Grand Theatre community by joining the Student Club, and enjoy watch ing each show in the Grand Theatre’s season with other like-minded students from across the city. Join us Wednesday evenings for a night at the theatre fol lowed by our signature guided discus sion program, AfterWORDS.

groups and corpora T e pac K ages With as few as 10 people, you can access special 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.

GROUPS

s T uden T M a TI nees Share the power of live theatre with your stu dents! The Student Matinee Program is a subsidized initiative that offers discounted group rates for students and teachers.

Take your experience to the next level with pre- or post-show talks with cast and crew, backstage tours, and workshops at the theatre (virtually, or in your classroom).

Ready to Learn More?

For more information on TALKS, CLUBS, or STUDENT MATINEES, email education@grandtheatre.com

To learn more about GROUPS or CORPORATE PACKAGES, contact the box office at 519.672.8800 or boxoffice@grandtheatre.com

For the latest COmpaSS news, visit us online at

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.

ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES & SERVICES

The 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.

ass I s TI ve hear I ng dev I ces New complimentary wireless radio frequency assistive hearing devices are available for performances on both the Spriet and Auburn stages.

open cap TI oned per F or M ances During an Open Captioned Performance, dialogue of the play appears as text on a screen located next to the stage and is displayed in sync with the actors’ spoken or sung lines. These captions also provide additional descriptive information, such as speaker names and sound effects. All audiences are welcome to enjoy these performances, though they are intended for patrons who would benefit from seeing the language, not just hearing it. This includes patrons who are Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, patrons who are learning English, and those who just prefer to read along with the action.

Whee L cha I r-access IBL e sea TI ng is available on the main level of the Spriet Stage and in the front row of the Auburn 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.

serv I ce an IM a L s are always welcome onsite. For special seating arrangements, please contact our box office in advance.

scen T F ree env I ron M en T We kindly ask that you avoid wearing perfumes or scented products in consideration of those patrons who have scent sensitivities.

SEASON SHOW MAP

The journey to LIVE! And In Person theatre is full of possibilities for 2022/23. Use this map to decide which show(s) to explore first!

I'm more into Netflix

drama drama or comedy?

How do you feel about books?

Don't make me pick! I love them both

Love a "whodunit"?

Total bookworm!

Always have a song in your head?

Yes! Pass me the magnifying glass!

My friends say I'm a history buff

Too scary for me!

Canadian or International stories?

Nope Yes Not really grand ghosts

How about history?

Not my thing

Oh, Canada!

Love a story with strong female leads?

The more the better One inspiring heroine

fall on your knees

Globetrotter controlled damage

Sound

you enjoy

Yes,

Sounds like you're

How about food &

choose your package

SEE MORE, SAVE MORE

Capital Improvement Fees included)

SPRIET STAGE SUBSCRIPTION

SAVE UP TO 20%! *Six captivating shows on the Spriet Stage for as little as $41 per ticket. Enjoy Add-On discounts, YOUR same seats every year, and access to special events and promotions.

JEANS ’N CLASSICS SUBSCRIPTION

*See all five concerts for as little as $60 per ticket.

spriet stage - flex 4 *Enjoy four plays of your choosing on the Spriet Stage for as little as $48 per ticket.

student club

*London high school students can see six plays on the Spriet Stage for only $96.

Single Ticket Pricing - 2022/23

SPRIET STAGE SHOWS

Grand Ghosts, Elf, Controlled Damage, BOOM X, Rubaboo, and East Coast Kitchen Party. Fall On Your Knees priced at Regular only.

AUBURN STAGE SHOWS

MixTape, and Homes: A Refugee Story

HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT Into the Woods

*Excludes Into the Woods and Fall On Your Knees.

SECTION B A A+

PREVIEW $246 318 363

REGULAR $267 363 408

SECTION B A

5-CONCERT SERIES $300 360

SINGLE TICKETS $77 87

SECTION B A A+

FLEX 4 $192 260 292

educators’ night

*Educators enjoy all six shows in the Spriet Stage subscription series for only $246.

SECTION C B A A+

PREVIEW $35 51 67 77 REGULAR $35 57 77 87

GENERAL ADMISSION $45

SECTION B A

REGULAR $40 45 17 & UNDER $28 28

Dennis Garnhum