2023/2024 Season Brochure

PICTURED: MARK UHRE

PHOTO BY MAI TILSON

Welcome to a "Season of Pure Imagination"

As quoted from our holiday musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, "pure imagination" is exactly how we concocted the 2023/24 Grand Theatre season.

A true celebration of theatre magic, our new season presents an exquisite harmony of some of today’s most exciting, joyous, and comforting productions, blended with new, provocative, and challenging work that will have you on the edge of your seat – thinking far beyond the ordinary.

This is a season designed just for you!

Whether you’re the daring theatre-goer, the newcomer, the seasoned veteran, the musical enthusiast, the play fanatic, or one who seeks an experience they will never forget, this season is sure to satisfy all of your senses.

So, why not indulge? This brochure is your ticket to enter a world of ten deliciously entertaining productions, and two invigorating concert series – all waiting for you to explore. Bon appétit!

EVAN KLASSEN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Reasons to subscribe

The best discounts on the best seats in the house

Your seats are YOURS for as long as you renew your subscription 15% off additional single tickets & High School Project

Hassle-free exchanges*

Access to payment plans*

Invites to special events

Subscriber Insider: our behind-thescenes newsletter just for Subscribers

The choice is yours...

*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. Subscriptions are not available on C or D level seating. Subscriptions may be paid as a single payment, two-payments, or monthly instalments See website for more info.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Lyrics by Charles Hart

Additional Lyrics by Richard Stilgoe

Book by Richard Stilgoe & Andrew Lloyd Webber

Based on the novel “Le Fantôme de I’Opéra” by Gaston Leroux

Originally directed by Harold Prince

Orchestrations by David Cullen & Andrew Lloyd Webber

Original Production by Cameron Mackintosh Ltd. and The Really Useful Group Ltd.

Directed by Andrew Tribe

SEPTEMBER 19 TO OCTOBER 7 SPRIET STAGE | OPENS SEPTEMBER 22

The Grand Theatre’s renowned youth mentorship program, the High School Project (HSP) will celebrate its 25th anniversary with the longest running show in Broadway history: The Phantom of the Opera. Far beneath the majestic Paris Opera House is a notorious masked figure, known as the Phantom. A disfigured musical genius, the Phantom exercises a reign of terror and control over all who enter “his” opera house – including an innocent, young soprano. Mesmerized by her beauty and talent, the Phantom desires nothing more than to see her become a star of the operatic stage and to remain with him at the Opera for all time.

Our beautiful Spriet Stage, also a 19th century opera house, will create an immersive environment to bring to life this story of love, compassion, and resilience.

ANDREW TRIBE

Meet director

Andrew Tribe

title sponsor program sponsors

KIM'S CONVENIENCE

Written by and Starring Ins Choi

Directed by Esther Jun

OCTOBER 17 TO NOVEMBER 4

SPRIET STAGE | OPENS OCTOBER 20

Mr. Kim is a first-generation Korean immigrant, a father of two, and the proud proprietor of Kim’s Convenience for the past 30 years. After building his empire from nothing, the stubborn Mr. Kim grapples with his changing Toronto neighbourhood, and the growing chasm between him and his second-generation children. In this heartwarming and hilarious story, audiences will follow the Kim family as they tackle their challenging past and look to face an unknown future.

A relatable story for all families, Ins Choi’s award-winning play—that inspired the beloved hit TV series of the same name—is a modern Canadian classic.

Kim's Convenience is about family. The good, the bad and the ugly – the hopes, the dreams, the broken dreams, the potential or not lived up to potential, love, forgiveness, exasperation and all the laughter. – ESTHER JUN

How convenient! Discover more about the Grand return of Kim’s Convenience from director, Esther Jun!

SUBSCRIBE AND BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY WITH 15% OFF ADDITIONAL TICKETS

PICTURED: MARK UHRE

PHOTO BY MAI TILSON

CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Book by David

Greig

Music by Marc Shaiman

Lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman

Based on the novel by Roald Dahl

Songs from the Motion Picture by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley

Directed by Jan Alexandra Smith

NOVEMBER 21 TO DECEMBER 24

SPRIET STAGE | OPENS NOVEMBER 24

Willy Wonka, the world-famous candy maker, is opening the gates to his mysterious chocolate factory – but only to a lucky few. Among them is the young Charlie Bucket, who joins four other Golden Ticket winners to embark upon a brain boggling, mind mangling, schnozztastic adventure through Wonka’s wild and wonderous world. Chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels, incredible inventions, Oompa-Loompas, and the prize of a lifetime await.

Step into a world of pure imagination with Roald Dahl’s scrumptious musical adventure, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. With beloved songs from the original film, alongside a toe-tapping score from the songwriters of Hairspray, this everlasting show-stopper is the perfect tongue-tastical treat – just in time for the holiday season!

One of my hopes for this show is that our “grownup” audience can nostalgically visit that part of their childhood when life was hopefully a little less complicated...

– JAN ALEXANDRA SMITH

Devour fresh facts and tasty tidbits about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with director, Jan Alexandra Smith

title sponsor

a genre busting musical VIGILANTE CREATORS FROM THE of

TCATALYST HEATRE'S CWRITTEN, AOMPOSED ND DIRECTED

BY JONATHAN CHRISTENSON

AGENTS OF UNGENTLEMANLY WAR

THE INVISIBLE - AGENTS OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE

A Catalyst Theatre Production

Written, composed, and directed by Jonathan Christenson

Developed with support from the National Arts Centre's National Creation Fund, Vertigo Theatre, and Keyano Theatre

JANUARY 16 TO FEBRUARY 3

SPRIET STAGE | OPENS JANUARY 19

France, 1940. After months of training and successful assignments, seven exceptional female SOEs (Special Operative Executives) are dropped into their most dangerous mission to date. Risking their lives for the fate of the nation, The Invisible embark on perilous missions of sabotage, propaganda, and espionage — helping to bring down the greatest threat of their time, only to go completely unseen.

From the writer and director behind the smash-hit Vigilante comes a new musical tour-de-force, inspired by the stories of real-life female SOEs. This genre-busting mash-up of historical research, film-noir, graphic novels, and musical theatre is a contemporary portrait of brave women who risked it all to fight during WWII–only to find themselves betrayed by the very world they believed they were fighting for.

...if we don’t tell these stories, history will repeat itself.

– JONATHAN CHRISTENSON

Uncover the true story behind The Invisible with creator, composer, and director, Jonathan Christenson

LOVED VIGILANTE? THEN YOU'LL LOVE THIS!

WORLD PREMIERE IN SEVEN DAYS

By Jordi Mand

Directed by Philip Akin Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company Co-Production

FEBRUARY 13 TO MARCH 2 SPRIET STAGE | OPENS FEBRUARY 16

When Rachel returns to her family home in London, Ontario, her only concern is whether she bought the right bagels for her step-mother to bring to Temple. But when her father reveals his decision to end his life by medically-assisted death in seven days, poppy-seed bagels become the least of her concerns. Torn between love, her Jewish faith, and conscience, Rachel must decide: does she try to change the mind of the family patriarch or does she honour the wishes of her ailing father?

A world premiere co-production with the Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company, In Seven Days is a powerful reminder of the preciousness of life and the challenges of saying goodbye to the people we love most.

I love the heart that is at the core of this story. This deep inside heart provides us with a crucible that allows us to be renewed even through challenging circumstances.

– PHILIP AKIN

Learn more about the journey to the world premiere of In Seven Days with writer Jordi Mand

CLUE

Based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn

Written by Sandy Rustin

Additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price

Based on the Paramount Pictures Motion Picture

Based on the Hasbro board game CLUE

Original music by Michael Holland

Directed by Dennis Garnhum

Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre Co-Production

MARCH 12 TO 30 SPRIET STAGE | OPENS MARCH 15

On a dark and stormy night, six mysterious guests are invited to a remote mansion for a very unusual dinner party. Wadsworth, the butler, provides each guest with an alias – Scarlett, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard – along with a very unique party favour: a weapon. With the aroma of deception in the air, dinner is served. The main course on the menu? Murder. So, whodunnit? With what? And where?

Based on the cult classic film and timeless board game, the Grand Theatre and the Royal Manitoba Theatre Company are proud to present Clue – a “killer” slapstick comedy full of murderous mayhem that will leave audiences guessing - and howling - until the very end.

Like the never-ending twists, turns, and trapdoors in its original boardgame, this production is such an immense joy to get lost in, to enjoy, and to decode! Let the game begin!

– DENNIS GARNHUM

Reveal new secrets, surprises, and stories about Clue with director, Dennis Garnhum

PRESLEY CASH PERKINS LEWIS

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

Book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux

Original Concept and Direction by Floyd Mutrux

Inspired by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins

Directed and Choreographed by Julie Tomaino

APRIL 16 TO MAY 11

SPRIET STAGE | OPENS APRIL 19

On December 4, 1956, an extraordinary twist of fate brought Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins together – for the first and only time. That night, they recorded rock ‘n’ roll history.

In this Tony Award-nominated jukebox musical, audiences will experience a blast from the past as they are transported to that infamous December night for one of the greatest jam sessions of all time. Relive this historic moment with some of the greatest hits that defined an era, including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “That's Alright,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Great Balls of Fire,” and more!

This show is based off one magical moment in time. It would be like Beyoncé getting together with Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. It never happens. But, it did. –

JULIE TOMAINO

Get the 411 on the hottest jam session in history with Million Dollar Quartet director, Julie Tomaino

In this raucous, adultsonly holiday treat, internationally acclaimed and multi-award-winning puppeteer Ronnie Burkett reimagines the timeless classic A Christmas Carol for a madly-merry, marionette mash-up. Have yourself a naughty little Christmas at the Grand!

From Cliff Cardinal, multi-award-winning Cree writer, poet and actor, comes a darkly comedic solo production that tells the tale of Wind and his two brothers, who are caught in a torrent of solvent abuse and struggling to cope with the sudden death of their mother.

Directed by Karin Randoja

Directed by Scott Hurst Music

Directed by Jeannie Wyse

Written, Conceived, Composed, and Performed by Andrew Prashad

After enthralling audiences in Grand Ghosts, renowned Canadian tap dancer, Andrew Prashad returns to the Grand Theatre with his intimate, solo show. Using monologues, original songs, improvisational tap dance, and multimedia video, Andrew shares his journey of caring for a son with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, while raising two daughters.

Following sold-out performances across the globe, Peter Brennan’s legendary Jeans ’n Classics returns to the Grand’s Spriet Stage with a brandnew five-concert series – performing the best of rock and pop.

august 17, 2023

Abbey Road

november 7, 2023

Earth, Wind, Fire, Blood, Sweat, Tears... and a Little Chicago!

march 5, 2024

Motown & Disco

Guaranteed to SELL

april 4, 2024

Journey & Queen

m ay 30, 2024

Never Break the Chain The Music of Fleetwood Mac

Renew or Subscribe today and save on the series that always sells out!

Single tickets go on sale

June 19

Purchase a 3-concert series TODAY!

Introducing...

3-Concert

December 17 & 18

february 25

april 21

Single tickets go on sale

June 19

Series On the Auburn Stage

Experience the greatest gospel music of all time, from the group that’s redefining the genre. For the first time ever, the London Gospel Collective is taking over the Auburn Developments Stage for a 3-concert series– spreading hope, unity, and faith with every note.

ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE

at the Grand!

Afterwords

Subscribe to this series by selecting a wednesday evening package

On Wednesday evenings, immediately after the performance, join host Breanne Ritchie in the theatre's 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.

Tea Talks

Subscribe to this series by selecting a wednesday 1PM MATINEE package

Tea Talks occur at 12:00 p.m. before the Wednesday 1:00 p.m. public matinee of each Spriet Stage production.

Join us for creative conversations pre-show with host James Stewart Reaney and special guests connected to the show. Enjoy a complimentary coffee/tea and cookie, hear insights into Grand productions, participate in stimulating discussion, and then settle into your assigned seats for the 1:00 p.m. matinee.

Student Matinees

Share the power and entertainment of live theatre with your students!

Tickets for these 11:00 a.m. performances are available for $25. To submit a booking inquiry for your class, email dhay@grandtheatre.com. If your class or school has a financial barrier in accessing regularly-priced student matinee tickets, there are subsidized tickets available.

to learn more about student programming, request Study Guides, or book additional experiences and tours for school groups, email britchie@grandtheatre.com, or FIND

MORE INFO online at grandtheatre.com/youth-education

make a grand gift

Did you know: creating live theatre is not possible on ticket sales alone? A sold-out house only covers a fraction of the costs that produce a season. The Grand proudly employs hundreds, attracts world-renowned talent, boosts the local economy, and creates transformative experiences that inspire. All of this wouldn't be possible without you, our donors and supporters.

curated events with the executive & artistic directors

free access to reception space once per season

meet & greet with cast & creative members

luncheon with new artistic director

early access to upcoming season's secrets

2 complimentary drink tickets per show

opening night preshow wine & cheese

opening night subscription for 2

invite to early rehearsal

invite to sneak peek event

exclusive grand theatre swag

invite to "how the magic happens" event

2 complimentary drink tickets

single tickets at 15% discount

invitiation to season launch party

voting rights at agm recognition in annual report recognition in house programs

unlimited ticket exchanges

tax receipt

$250 $20,000+

$50009999 $10,00019,999

ACCESSIBILITY at the GRAND

We are committed to arts accessibility by providing ongoing improvements to programs, facilities, and services that support an extraordinary experience for all patrons.

Once again, the Grand Theatre will be offering Open Caption Performances during the second Saturday matinee of all Spriet Series shows. This series of performances is also available as a Grand Theatre subscription with designated seating reserved for best viewing of the stage and the screen. For more information contact the Grand Theatre Box Office.

The Grand Theatre has assistive hearing devices on hand for those who require extra hearing support during a performance. The devices are compact and feature an integrated neck loop that automatically senses and sends optimized sound signals directly to hearing aids and cochlear implants. Patrons can use the earphones provided, or plug in their own into the device.

The newly-renovated Grand Theatre includes All Gender Washrooms, located on each floor within the Front of House/lobby spaces. These communal washrooms feature private and spacious stalls with floor-toceiling walls and doors (that lock and indicate when a unit is occupied), as well as mirrors within each stall. Each washroom includes touchless facilities (aiding in accessibility and cleanliness), communal sinks and mirror area, and one accessible stall. An additional private Universal Washroom (with adult-sized changing table), is available in the main floor lobby.

Wheelchair-accessible seats are available on the main level of the Spriet Stage and in the front row of the Auburn Stage. Please contact our Box Office at 519-672-8800 to reserve your seat.

• A wheelchair is available for use on site from our Front of House office, based on a first-come, first-served basis

• Accessible washrooms are located on all levels

• Unisex single transfer washrooms are available on the main level

• Designated accessible parking spaces are located in the surface lot behind the theatre, as well as multi-level parkades on Dufferin Ave

• Automatic doors are available at the Richmond Street entrance

• Elevator access is available on all levels of the venue

The Grand Theatre will be introducing Relaxed Performances during the 2023/24 Season. These performances are intended to be sensitive to and welcoming of neurodiverse audiences, including patrons on the autism spectrum, those with sensory and communication disorders, ADHD, learning or developmental disabilities, dementia, all members of the Disability community, or those who simply want a more relaxed performance experience. These performances are designed to welcome patrons who will benefit from a less restricted audience environment by allowing patrons to leave and re-enter during the show, reducing sensory elements such as light and sound, and eliminating startling effects such as strobe and fog. Babes in arms are welcome.

For more information, to book a ticket to an Open Caption or Relaxed Performance, or if you require accessible seating when booking your tickets, please contact the Grand Theatre Box Office at 519-672-8800 or email boxoffice@grandtheatre.com.

PHOTOS BY DUDEK PHOTOGRAPHY

PICTURED: MARK UHRE

PHOTO BY MAI TILSON