2025/2026
ANNUAL REPORT
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SEASON AT A GLANCE SPECIAL MESSAGES FROM OUR CHAIR FROM LEADERSHIP PRODUCTIONS NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 (AT MIRVISH) OCTET UNCOVERED: MADONNA & CHER AFTER THE RAIN (AT THE NAC) IN REAL LIFE CANADIAN FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSICALS NEW WORK IN DEVELOPMENT AUBREY & MARLA DAN FUND FOR NEW MUSICALS RECOMMENDER GRANTS FOR THEATRE CREATORS POST-PREMIERE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM EDUCATION & ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT ONE SONG GLORY APPRENTICES ACCESSIBILITY AFFORDABLE TICKETS SHOW GUIDES FINANCIALS GIVING PROGRAMS COMMUNITY OF DONORS THE TEAM STAFF BOARD OF DIRECTORS SPONSORS
SEASON AT A GLANCE 80,000+ AUDIENCE MEMBERS 162 ARTISTS ENGAGED 46 COMMUNITY PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS 54 NEW DONORS JOINED OUR GIVING COMMUNITY 2 CLASSROOM MASTERCLASSES DELIVERED ACROSS THE GTA 5 NEW WORKS RECEIVED DEVELOPMENT & WORKSHOPS 2 TORONTO THEATRE CRITICS’ AWARD WINS 3 DORA MAVOR MOORE AWARD WINS
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIR This past season marked a year of important new beginnings for The Musical Stage Company, while remaining firmly rooted in what has always made the company distinctive. While I have had the privilege of serving on the MSC Board of Directors since 2020, this marks my first year as Board Chair. It was also a year of significant evolution for the company. Following an international search, we welcomed Michael Rubinoff as our Artistic Director and completed a new Strategic Plan that will guide MSC through 2030/31 and strengthen how we support and amplify the Canadian musical theatre voice.
PAUL ORLANDER BOARD CHAIR
I joined the MSC Board because I believe deeply in the power of music and storytelling to move us, challenge us, and even change how we see the world. As an audience member, I have experienced that power time and again through the work of this company. This season, MSC allowed us to access stirring emotional depths while exploring themes of addiction and human connection in OCTET. AFTER THE RAIN, first developed and produced by MSC, received a critically-acclaimed second production at the National Arts Centre. CLARA AT THE DOOR WITH A REVOLVER and THE CROSSROADS furthered their development journeys at the Canadian Festival of New Musicals, bringing to life two Canadian stories; the little-known true story of Clara Ford set in 1894 Toronto, and a magical musical tale set in the city’s current-day Chinatown. And through ONE SONG GLORY - MSC’s barrier-free, youth musical theatre training program – we continued to invest in the next generation of musical theatre artists. Taken together, these accomplishments reflect MSC’s mission. We create memorable theatrical experiences, develop new Canadian works, invest in artists at different stages of their careers, and help Canadian musical theatre find new audiences and new stages. None of this would be possible without the remarkable commitment of our staff, donors, sponsors and audience members. I am also deeply grateful to my fellow Board members for their dedication to MSC and their support as I took on the role of Chair. I am incredibly excited about what MSC has in store for us in 20262027 and beyond. But an annual report provides an opportunity to appreciate what has already been achieved. I hope you enjoy this look back at a remarkable year – and share our excitement about the chapter ahead.
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A MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP The 2025–2026 season marked a transformative and landmark chapter for The Musical Stage Company. Driven by a renewed artistic vision with the appointment of Michael Rubinoff as MSC’s third Artistic Director and the election of Paul Orlander as our new Board Chair, the company reinforced its position as Canada’s leading force in musical theatre, captivating over 80,000 patrons across more than 120 nights onstage. Our programming excelled in bridging groundbreaking international work with exceptional home-grown talent. Our season opened with our most-attended production ever with the critically acclaimed all-Canadian remount of NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. Our offerings of existing repertoire continued with the 3-time Dora Award winning musical OCTET, and our 19th edition of UNCOVERED.
PAUL BEAUCHAMP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MICHAEL RUBINOFF ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Behind the scenes, our robust musical development program gave AFTER THE RAIN a post-premiere development workshop, allowing it to land even more beautifully on tour at the National Arts Centre. We also launched Kevin Wong’s IN REAL LIFE at Sheridan College as part of our artist residency Crescendo Series, and capped the year off with a return to the phenomenally successful Canadian Festival of New Musicals - featuring our two Aubrey & Marla Dan Fund for New Musicals commissions THE CROSSROADS and CLARA AT THE DOOR WITH A REVOLVER in partnership with ArtyMan Ltd. and the prestigious Department of New Musicals at Birmingham Hippodrome.
By championing creative collaboration, expanding national and international partnerships, and breaking attendance records, the 2025–2026 season proved that musical storytelling remains a powerful, unifying catalyst for connection and that The Musical Stage Company is a global leader. We look forward to carrying this extraordinary momentum into our 23rd season, the first of our brand new Strategic Plan.
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PRODUCTIONS
This year was defined by bold new work, powerful performances, and the start of an exciting new chapter. MSC co-produced the Canadian premiere of OCTET with Crow’s Theatre & Soulpepper Theatre, garnering 2 Toronto Theatre Critics’ Awards & 3 Dora Awards. We produced Kevin Wong and Nick Green’s exciting new musical IN REAL LIFE in collaboration with Theatre Sheridan, and showcased 4 bold new musicals at the second iteration of the CANADIAN FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSICALS; this year in partnership with Luminato Festival and Soulpepper Theatre. We celebrated the music of Madonna & Cher in our 19th annual UNCOVERED concert series with packed audiences in 5
Koerner Hall, provided another year of free musical theatre training in our ONE SONG GLORY youth program and commissioned 2 new musicals with funding from the Aubrey & Marla Dan Fund for New Musicals. An enhanced presentation of NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 captivated even more Toronto audiences at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, with an expanded ensemble & orchestra as well as a heightened take on the show’s spectacular production design. AFTER THE RAIN jumped back into workshop mode with post-premiere development, and the show continued on to wow audiences at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.
NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 ON THE MIRVISH STAGE The Crow’s Theatre & The Musical Stage Company’s co-production of Dave Malloy’s NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 returned to Toronto on the Mirvish stage! We were ecstatic to see the longest running show in MSC’s history captivate even more Toronto audiences at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. This enhanced presentation saw an expanded ensemble & orchestra as well as a heightened take on the show’s spectacular production design. We were thrilled to give audiences another once in a lifetime musical experience and bring all of this show’s beautiful chaos, magic, and world class talent to the Mirvish stage. Book, Music & Lyrics by Dave Malloy Directed by Chris Abraham Choreographed by Ray Hogg Music Directed by Ryan deSouza Featuring Tess Benger, Andrew Broderick, Divine Brown, Evan Buliung, Janelle Cooper, Rita Dottor, Donna Garner, Hailey Gillis, George Krissa, Lawrence Libor, Marcus Nance, Heeyun Park, Tyler Pearse, Andrew Penner, Louise Pitre, Vanessa Sears & Brendan Wall.
"These artists deserve this. They belong here." - So Sumi
"A triumph” -- Ludwig Van Toronto 6
OCTET MSC dove into another epic co-production to bring OCTET to the stage with Soulpepper Theatre and Crow’s Theatre. From three-time Tony Award nominee Dave Malloy (NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812) we brought his latest offBroadway sensation, OCTET to Canadian audiences for the first time. In a tech-obsessed support group, eight internet addicts grapple with everything from doom scrolling to Candy Crush to conspiracy theories. Blending razor-sharp contemporary critique with haunting choral harmonies, OCTET offered a hilarious, intimate, and deeply moving exploration of human connection in the digital age. The highly technical acappella compositions and complex harmonies were met with incredible design, direction and a performance to remember. Music, Lyrics, Book, & Vocal Arrangements by Dave Malloy Directed by Chris Abraham Music Directed by Ryan deSouza Choreography by Cameron Carver Featuring Damien Atkins, Alicia Ault, Andrew Broderick, Ben Carlson, Hailey Gillis, Zorana Sadiq, Jacqueline Thair & Giles Tomkins
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NNNN “Stunning and intricate harmonies” -- NEXT Magazine
"Deliriously good” -- Front Mezz Junkies
“OCTET vibrates with sublime vocal beauty ... a rare theatrical treat"
DORA MAVOR MOORE AWARDS Outstanding Production Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble Outstanding Achievement in Design (Sound)
TORONTO THEATRE CRITICS’ AWARDS Best Production of a Musical Best Ensemble Performance in a Musical
-- Intermission Magazine 8
UNCOVERED: MADONNA & CHER The Musical Stage Company’s 19th annual UNCOVERED concert returned to Koerner Hall to spotlight the music of two of the most boundary-breaking, bold, and bestselling superstars the world has ever seen: Madonna & Cher. This year's concert brought together 2,370 audience members and fans of all generations to uncover new layers of the music of two pop icons. Kevin Wong returned for his third year as creative visionary, joined by an extraordinary cast and band. The week was full of epic vocals, daring arrangements, and unexpected emotional twists, reimagining legendary hits through a theatrical lens. Arranged, Orchestrated & Music Supervision by Kevin Wong Co-Arranged, Co-Orchestrated & Music CoSupervision by Jonathan Corkal-Astorga & Suzy Wilde Staging & Dramaturgy by Kaylee Harwood Featuring performances by Divine Brown, Nathan Carroll, Sara Farb, Jeigh Madjus, Steven Page, Elm Reyes, Jackie Richardson & Annika Tupper and the incredible band Jamie Drake (Percussion), Ross MacIntyre (Bass), Suzy Wilde (Guitar/ Piano) & Kevin Wong (Piano/Conductor).
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AFTER THE RAIN AT THE NAC AFTER THE RAIN jumped back into workshop mode with MSC's post-premiere development support, and the show continued on to wow audiences at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa! Award-winning writers Rose Napoli and Suzy Wilde's fresh and folksy musical grapples with some of life’s most complex nuances, the anguish of family dynamics, and the vital importance of friendship. This deceptively affecting show proves that seemingly beautiful, simple things can be complicated and challenging— in all the best ways. Chilina Kennedy joined the cast as Donna / Jean, and the team received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. We can't wait to see where this piece goes next! Book & Lyrics by Rose Napoli Music &Lyrics by Suzy Wilde Directed by Marie Farsi Music Directed by Rachel O'Brien Featuring Joe (Jojo) Bowden, Chilina Kennedy, Brandon McGibbon, Andrew Penner, Shaemus Swets & Annika Tupper
"I could easily see a transfer off-Broadway in After the Rain’s future" - Broadway World Ottawa
"An electric new musical" -- The Globe and Mail 10
IN REAL LIFE IN REAL LIFE We were thrilled to present the world premiere of Crescendo Artist Kevin Wong's IN REAL LIFE in collaboration with Theatre Sheridan, after a fulsome and exciting development journey! Originally co-commissioned and codeveloped by Sheridan College and The Musical Stage Company with funding from the Aubrey & Marla Dan Fund for New Musicals, this piece received additional development support from fu-GEN Theatre Company, and a showcase performance of the musical’s first act was featured in 2024 The Canadian Festival of New Musicals. A dystopian and exciting new Canadian musical, this production received praise for its timely themes of intimacy and human connection in a digital age. What does it mean to be real when your life is written in lines of code? Max is a brilliant tech prodigy destined for greatness, whose life is upended by one cryptic message. What begins as a quest to uncover the truth spirals into a pulsepounding adventure that forces Max to face the dark cloud of technology overtaking his humanity – and the world as he knows it. Book & Lyrics by Nick Green Music & Lyrics by Kevin Wong Directed by Gregory Prest Music Directed by Chris Barillaro Choreographed by Barbara Johnston Featuring EJ Candelaria, Chris Otchere, Mea Tonet, Makoto Ashley, Jessica Looper, Victoria Brimble, Luca McPhee, Ella Challoner, Giselle Magie, Sebastien Moccio, Acacia Roshel, Luka Lars-Novak, Nathaniel Cadougan, Dillon StrasserEinish, Annelise Forbes, Lindsey Tower, Kayla Samson, Julia Raza, Aimée Gordon, Naomi Grace, Angelica Gicale, Fiona-Jane Kyle & Kiely Apted
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CANADIAN FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSICALS This year marked the second iteration of this festival, in which we showcased four bold new musicals in partnership with Luminato Festival and Soulpepper Theatre. Audiences were the first to experience books & stands readings from visionary creators shaping the future of Canadian musical theatre, with the opportunity to engage in panel discussions and the electric energy of storytelling in motion.
We sold out the festival, which was a testament to the hunger for stories that reflect who we are and where we live. We were especially proud to bring folks onto the development journeys of MSC's two newly commissioned pieces: CLARA AT THE DOOR WITH A REVOLVER, and THE CROSSROADS.
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CLARA AT THE DOOR WITH A REVOLVER Music & Lyrics by Ayanna Witter-Johnson Book & Additional Lyrics by Susan Wokoma Developed by MSC in partnership with Birmingham Hippodrome & ArtyMan Ltd Inspired by a Toronto true crime story in 1894, CLARA AT THE DOOR WITH A REVOLVER is murder mystery meets courtroom drama, with a complex protagonist who goes on one hell of a hero’s journey. Clara Ford, a mixed-race, working-class, gender non-conforming, half Scottish, pipe-smoking, probably lesbian, 19th century single mother, gets arrested for the murder of a young wealthy white man. In police custody she confesses but once in court, pleads not guilty. If convicted, she will hang. Before a jury of 12 white men, Clara must give the performance of her life. THE CROSSROADS Book & Lyrics by Kalos Chu Music & Lyrics by Ian Chan Developed by MSC After the disastrous opening day of his Toronto Chinatown restaurant, Kevin discovers an old family recipe from his late father, a soup made with extra-spicy Szechuan peppercorns, labeled “For Emergencies Only.” When he tastes it, everything changes. Kevin is transported to The Crossroads, a metaphysical realm where he can see the outcomes of his decisions before he has to make them. Armed with the ability to know what comes next, Kevin embarks upon a campaign to save his restaurant, uphold his father’s legacy, and preserve the identity of his community — ultimately learning not just what it takes to keep a restaurant afloat, but also how our decisions, and, perhaps more importantly, our regrets, shape the people we become.
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A PERFECT BOWL OF PHO Book & Lyrics by Nam Nguyen Music by Wilfred Moeschter & Nam Nguyen Developed by Luminato Festival Nam, a procrastination-prone Vietnamese Canadian university student, sets out with the vague ambition to write a musical about his diaspora as embodied by food, particularly the world-famous noodle soup pho. What follows is pure meta musical, genre-bending through thousands of years of history, featuring rapping ancient kings, communist spies, dancing sharks and refugees, and awkward first dates in suburbia. However, Nam eventually finds himself caught between his different characters as each argues what pho (the food and the show) truly represents. He struggles to find an answer that will satisfy everyone—in the end, isn’t this just a bunch of silly soup songs?
THE VIBE IS ON By Stew Stewart & Luke Reece Developed by Soulpepper Theatre & YES Theatre The Vibe is On is the intergenerational border-crossing Black dude musical nobody asked for, where a Tony Awardwinning Harvard professor meets a birdwatching poet on his way from Canada to the United States. They get into some real shit, and maybe even write a hit. If the vibe is on let’s get into it. THE ART (AND BUSINESS) OF MAKING A MUSICAL
Hosted by Olivia Ansell Presented by the Luminato Festival With Michael Rubinoff, Mara Isaacs, Donna Lynn Hilton & Deirdre O’Halloran In our festival panel discussions, we welcomed international industry leaders to speak on the complex, collaborative journey of developing a new Canadian musical.
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NEW WORK IN DEVELOPMENT The Musical Stage Company is the largest charitable organization in Canada with a focused mandate to develop new musicals, with multiple initiatives designed to support the growth of Canadian writers, composers, and bookwriters.
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AUBREY & MARLA DAN FUND FOR NEW MUSICALS The Dan Fund is Canada’s first-ever fund dedicated exclusively to the commissioning of new Canadian musical works, offering financial and dramaturgical support to creators in creating and developing a first draft of a new musical. The 2025/26 Dan Fund Commissions were CLARA AT THE DOOR WITH A REVOLVER, and THE CROSSROADS. Both commissions received workshops prior to their festival presentations. This year, we also produced workshops for Dan Fund Commisions HALF MAGIC (first workshop) and AFTER THE RAIN (post-premiere workshop)..
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THE RECOMMENDER GRANTS FOR THEATRE CREATORS The RGTC is a body of funding for new musical theatre development allocated through the Ontario Arts Council. Congrats to the 2025/26 grant recipients: Hilary Wheeler & Heeyun Park 박희윤 YE XIAN: A MUSICAL RETELLING Mark Crawford & Kevin Wong THE HYACINTHIA – a gay romcom Greek tragedy musical Kiki Nicole & Benjamin Cameron STELLAR
POST-PREMIERE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM This program is our commitment to the continued growth of artists and their new musicals after their world premiere. In its second year, we supported the continued refining and evolution of the critically acclaimed AFTER THE RAIN. After a week long workshop, the show went on to great success in its revival run at the National Arts Centre.
SOFT MAGICAL TOFU BOY(S) AT NAMT We were thrilled to celebrate Kevin Wong in NYC as his 2023 Dan Fund commissioned musical SOFT MAGICAL TOFU BOY(S) blew audiences away in the National Alliance for Musical Theatre’s 37th Annual Festival of New Musicals. Book, Music & Lyrics by Kevin Wong
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THE CLARA TEAM TORONTO TRIP Members of the CLARA AT THE DOOR WITH A REVOLVER creative team Danielle Manson (ArtyMan producer), Jane Moriarty (director), and Susan Wokoma (bookwriter) flew across the pond from the UK for a Toronto research trip, experiencing historical sites from Clara Ford's time, and meeting with professors, archivists, and historians to best inform the project.
THE CROSSROADS WRITING ABROAD Creators Kalos Chu and Ian Chan held writing sessions in NYC between gigs before coming to Toronto to workshop and present their new musical to its very first audience.
HALF MAGIC We welcomed Britta Johnson, Rosamund Small, and the HALF MAGIC team into their first workshop, as they officially started their development journey. Book & Lyrics by Rosamund Small Music & Lyrics by Britta Johnson Co-commissioned by MSC & Soulpepper Theatre, with funding from the Slaight Family Foundation and The Aubrey & Marla Dan’s fund for New Musicals. 18
EDUCATION & ARTIST DEVELOPMENT At MSC, we not only produce musical productions, but foster future generations of musical theatre artists, fans, and aficionados. We are committed to building and enriching communities through musical storytelling.
ONE SONG GLORY ONE SONG GLORY is a fully subsidized, four-weekend, inperson musical theatre training intensive for youth that builds community, self-confidence, and self-expression through masterclasses, musical theatre performance training, and performance presentations. We provided 46 participants averaging 15 years old with a professional rehearsal environment, insight into the industry, opportunities to engage with new works, and guidance to help them build a fruitful career in the performing arts. This year, the program included: An INDUSTRY PANEL with Shari Quallenberg (AMI Talent Agent and Manager), Daniel Birnbaum (The Talent House Agent), Jesse Griffiths (Casting Director), and Peter Fernandes (Actor/Director/Associate Artist) 19
A SONGWRITING MASTERCLASS with Britta Johnson (Life After, Kelly V. Kelly) A POST SECONDARY SCHOOL PANEL with the Sheridan College Music Theatre Program (Chris Scholey, Theatre Sheridan Producer) and the Randolph College Music Theatre Program (Jeannie Wyse, Randolph Head of Voice) CREATING HEATHERS: HOW A MUSICAL WENT GLOBAL An exclusive panel discussion with Kevin Murphy, writer of HEATHERS and Michael Rubinoff MSC Artistic Director and Originating Producer of COME FROM AWAY OSG plays an essential role as an accessible entry point for youth in the performing arts: a striking 70% of survey respondents said they would have been less likely to take part had the program come with a cost, reinforcing the impact of keeping it free. Participants also reflected meaningful diversity — nearly half (45.8%) identified with
APPRENTICES an ethnic or cultural background other than solely White/ Caucasian, alongside gender diversity beyond the binary (8.3% identifying as genderfluid, trans, or another gender identity). Notably, 12.5% of participants identified as disabled, with several specifically praising staff for being accommodating of neurodivergent needs — a strong signal that the program's inclusive approach is landing as intended.
Our 2025 Apprentices contributed artistically to various projects in this season: Elm Reyes (Apprentice Performer), Evan Reid (Apprentice Stage Manager and Rielle Braid (Apprentice Artistic Producer, Assistant Staging & Dramaturgy) on UNCOVERED: MADONNA & CHER. Rielle Braid and Evan Reid also returned in 2026 as Program Manager and Production Coordinator of ONE SONG GLORY, respectively.
DIRECTORS/CHOREOGRAPHERS: Rielle Braid, Sarah O'Brecht, Tyler Pearse, Shakeil Rollock & Michele Shuster
We also welcomed Milan Miville-Dechene to the team in the spring as a contracted production assistant. Milan was an invaluable team member, ensuring a smooth and successful CANADIAN FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSICALS.
MUSIC DIRECTORS: Jonah Nung, Doug Price, Mike Ross & Athena So OSG in the Classrooms returned for a 5th year, providing young people with free workshops in their classrooms from local, high-achieving, professional artists.
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ACCESSIBILITY
AFFORDABLE TICKETS
SHOW GUIDES
We recognize that not all barriers to attending the theatre are physical.
Show guides are for anyone to use, but we specifically designed our guide to UNCOVERED: MADONNA & CHER with our neurodivergent and autistic patrons in mind, so folks can know what to expect when attending the show.
For all mainstage shows this season - OCTET, UNCOVERED and the CANADIAN FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSICALS - we offered Pay What You Want tickets, discounted rush tickets, and discounted artsworker tickets. Financial accessibility is one of the largest barriers to engaging with the arts, and these ticket models ensure that anyone can come see a theatre show, no matter their financial situation. We are proud to say that we sold 4,000 tickets at these subsidized rates in our 2025-26 season. Each of those patrons is someone who may not have been able to access arts programming without these subsidized rates, made possible by Canada Life.
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We are also grateful to the team at The Disability Collective for creating both access and venue guides for the CANADIAN FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSICALS.
FINANCIALS
REVENUE
EXPENSES
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Great performances live here.
Photo: Dahlia Katz
At BMO, we take pride in our local communities, and the artists that contribute to the cultural diversity and creative richness of our cities. We’re proud to be the New Work Development Sponsor, supporting The Musical Stage Company since 2015.
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GIVING PROGRAMS
NEW: DONATE AEROPLAN POINTS
VIRTUOSO
Donate your aeroplan points to help us bring together artists from across the country and around the world to create visionary new musical theatre.
Virtuoso Club members know that truly great art is created when companies have the freedom to take risks, enabling our biggest and boldest ideas to come to life by supporting production costs, artist fees, and operating stability.
NEW: GLOBAL COLLABORATION CLUB Global Collaboration Club members believe in the international importance of Canadian musical theatre. Through a minimum pledge of $10,000/year for three years, members' support the travel and presentation costs of international network development for Canadian musicals and artists.
Through a monthly pledge of $125 or more ($1,500/year) over three years, Virtuosos enable our biggest and boldest ideas to come to life, knowing that they are supporting our experimentation, innovation and artistic development during the creative process. Monthly and multi-year pledges help us plan ahead and build stability for our organization and the artists we support.
CRESCENDO CLUB
YOUNG DONORS CLUB
Crescendo Club members believe in investing in our new musicals in development and the artists who create them.
The Young Donors Club (YDC) is an initiative designed to create an exciting and affordable philanthropic experience for donors 40 and Under.
Through a minimum pledge of $5,000/year for three years, members' support goes directly to our new work development pipeline, including the artists who create and shape the work and the workshops and ancillary work required to take new work from first idea to world premiere. Three year pledges help us plan ahead and build stability for our organization and the artists we support. This year, Crescendo Artist Kevin Wong premiered his new musical IN REAL LIFE in our 2025-26 season.
If you’re under 40 and you’d like to access exclusive free events, ticket discounts, networking and social meetups, join the YDC! For a contribution of as little as $10/month you can connect with likeminded theatre fans and help Canadian artists make their mark on musical theatre history. To learn more about joining a giving program (and your benefits), reach out to coletterichardson@musicalstagecompany.com.
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OUR SUPPORTERS Special thanks to our sponsors, major supporters, Crescendo Club & Virtuosos—core builders of The Musical Stage Company who have committed to a multi-year donation. MAJOR GIFTS Sustaining Creative Support Anne-Marie Canning Season Sponsor TD Bank Group Sponsors and Major Gifts AMI Artist Management Inc. Anonymous BMO Financial Group Canada Life The Deeks Financial Group - CIBC Wood Gundy Private Wealth Management Mark & Cherie Daitchman Kate Alexander Daniels & David Daniels Aubrey & Marla Dan Foundation Megan Deeks & Simon Paabor Fidelity Investments Canada ULC The Estate of Craig Hanson** The William and Nona Heaslip Foundation Hugh Furneaux The Lawrence Family Foundation The Metcalf Foundation JP Morgan Chase & Co David & Sheryl Kerr The Krawczyk Family Foundation The Catherine & Maxwell Meighen Foundation Alan and Gwendoline Pyatt Foundation Sheridan College Spetter Zeitz Klaiman PC CRESCENDO CLUB ($5000+) Alyse Bernbaum Beauchamp-Winskell Family Linda Chu & John Donald Kathleen & Dennis Freeman Roger & Kevin Garland Susan Garvie Gary & Margot Marcus Mitchell Marcus & Orrin Wolpert Paul Orlander & Helayna Shekter Gary Rogers Molly Shoichet Ellen & Les Wallace The Jack Weinbaum Family Foundation Dr. Rhonda Zwingerman & Jeremy Opolsky
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VIRTUOSOS ($1500+) Gail & George Anthony Paul Beauchamp** Laurie Barrett & Martin Block Shannon Bell Diana Bennett & Spencer Lanthier Linda Lewis & Lorie Cappe Robert D. Cook The Peter & Eleanor Daniels Foundation Patrick David & Michael Smith Mark & Susan Davis Bruce Dean & Robert Hall Marg Deeks In Honour of Megan Deeks Peter Demarco Alan Dingle Pam & Richard Earle Anita, Roy & Mark Ferrari Andrew Gillespie Ray Hogg Kent James Lucille Joseph Kathy Kacer & Ian Epstein Michelle & Robert Knight Opolsky Family Nelson Parker Nancy Pencer Sarah Robertson Robert Sherrin Richard Sniderman & D'Arcy Robert Jason Spetter Brent Vickar & Don DeBoer Matt Webster Carole Winberg LEAD PLAYER ($750-$1499) Daniel Brown** Scott Belton & Jessica Leeder Daniel Brown** Graham Brunke Annie & Rich English Jane Fitzwilliam John and Susan Goddard Anna Jarmain Philip D Kerr Linda Lee Victoria Lee & Philip Hebert Douglas MacLatchy Mindham Fine Jewellery Inc Shari Quallenberg Tisha Rattos Martha Tory Nan and Jack Wiseman Family Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto
FEATURED PLAYER ($350-$749) Jeffrey & Brenda Abrams Hélène Beauchamp David Bell Sheila Block Martin Bragg John Brenko The Paul Butler and Chris Black Foundation at Toronto Foundation In Honour of Anne-Marie Canning (x2) Karen Cheah Bob Cornwall Terence Crowley James Davis Ritu Dhupar Kevin Finora Kathryn Fitzwilliam & Jim Karajee Anne Fleming Ron & Sari Goldenberg Jennifer Hardy Lisa Hayman Camilla Holland Rayna Jolley** Rona Kosansky & Jordan Glick Mike MacInnes Diane Morgan & Cyril Gibb Jeff Morris Michael Murphy & Robert Stephen Stephen Nevills Cindy & Ed Nowina Helen Ostovich Lloyd Rubinoff Lori Russell Sandra Schinnerl Annalee & Brian Schnurr Rita & Stephen Shefsky Gabriella Siciliano Don Sider Amanda & Scott Sinclair Sheryl Smolkin & Joel Troster Ann & Ross Stuart Phil & Eli Taylor Michael Trent Laura Webster Jennifer Webster Paul Westlind Cynthia Zimmerman
ENSEMBLE ($100-$349) David Ain Anonymous (x6) Marcus Ansell Rick Archbold & Rick Feldman Madison Arnason* Elizabeth Asselstine Creed Atkinson* Marie Baron Victoria Bassett Brian Beagle Joan Belford Melissa Bencic Suzanne Bennett & Ralph Small Harry Berholz Jill Black Ashley Botting Theresa Boyle Linda Bracken Dianne Bradley Allen Braude On behalf of Alison Burtney Lloyd & Ronald Cameron-Lewis In Honour of Anne-Marie Canning Leonard & Cheryl Cappe Danny Chen MaryEtta Cheney Rebecca Chesley Laurie Clark Bernard F. Cocchiola Allan Cole Jennifer Cook Kendra Cordick* In Honour of Patrick Dale Sara Davis* Diane Davis Jennifer Deighton Michel D'Orsonnens Lisa Douglas Donna Doyle Mélanie Dubois* Adriana Eanga Stephen Farb & Esther Yermus Angela Ferrante Barbara Fingerote Virginia Flintoft Leslie Forge Tim Fort Wan-Li Gibson* Mary Gleason
Rachel Goodman Doreen Gryfe Kaylee Harwood Nancy Hawkins Madeleine Hayman Alexandra Hayman Leanne Herbert Ann Hodges Roslyn Holden Pam Hrick Michael Hughes Ilene Hyman Aimee Ippersiel Susan & Liman Jegins Shreya Jha* Ruby Joy Herb Karasik Debbie Kassirer & Glenn French Joel & Paula Kazman Heather Kertland Shawn Kerwin Joshua Kilimnik* Neville & Lorraine Kirchmann Emily Kulin Francy Kussner Lisa Lambert Robert Leader Jodi Lee Michael Levine Mary Lilley Patricia Linström In honour of Loiss Ilana Ludwin Dan Lyon Janice Macchione Laura Macchione Alexandra MacLennan Elizabeth Manson Ken Marple Rose Mastracci David Matthews Robert McLaren Julie Michailidis Marc Michell Sydney Milgrom Barbara and Jack Millar Jacquelyn Miskie Meghan & Andrew Moore In Honour of Erika Morey* Shannon Murtagh*
Carole & Richard Murzin Natasha Mytnowych Lindsay Naft Shivani Nathoo* Margaret Orlander Gerald & Patricia Jackie Paul Aliisa Percival Michael Pezzack Ann Richards Beth Robertson Adele Robertson D & F Robinson Barbara Rother Donna Rouzaud Erika Santillana Erin Schachter Vanessa Sears Donna Seymour Michael Shamata Ryan Shanessy Elizabeth Sheffield Michael and Judi Shekter Lorie Shekter-Wolfson Nanci-Jane Simpson Carol Strom & John Migicovsky Suzanne Simzer Jacqui Sirois* Debbie Smith Celia M Smith John Snelgrove Deborah Staiman Dryden Steeves* Voy Stelmaszynski MaryAnn Supleve Darrell Tan & Mark Duwyn Andrea Vagianos Tom Vassar Rick Verrette Gayle Wagman Marla Wardinger Dianne Weinrib Linda Weir Marni Whitaker Emma Whyte Hersh Zeifman Stacy Zosky In Honour of Connie and Hartley Zwingerman
*Member of the Young Donors Club ** Member of the Fermata Circle Legacy Giving Program These listings are current as of July 7, 2026 and we have made every effort to ensure appropriate recognition. If, however, your name has been accidentally omitted, listed incorrectly, or misspelled, please contact Colette at coletterichardson@musicalstagecompany.com. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.
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OUR TEAM
EXECUTIVE
DEVELOPMENT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Paul Beauchamp (he/him)
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Lucy McPhee (they/she)
CHAIR Paul Orlander
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Michael Rubinoff (he/him)
SENIOR FUNDRAISING & AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Colette Richardson (she/her)
PAST CHAIR Megan Deeks
ARTISTIC & PRODUCTION GENERAL MANAGER Jenny Weisz (she/her) ADMINISTRATIVE & PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Kate Chubbs (she/her) ACCOUNTANT Jenny Cheng (she/her) OSG PROGRAM MANAGER Rielle Braid (she/her) PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Milan Miville-Dechene (he/him)
EVENTS COORDINATOR Rachel Peterson (she/her)
MARKETING DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Michelle Knight (she/her) MARKETING MANAGER Natasha Ramondino (she/her)
ASSOCIATES CONSULTING PRODUCER David Daniels FOUNDER Mitchell Marcus (he/him)
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SECRETARY Alyse Bernbaum TREASURER Anita Ferrari DIRECTORS Susan Garvie Camilla Holland David Kaplan Natasha Mytnowych Josh Petersel Sarah Roberston Matt Webster
OUR SPONSORS SUS TA INING CRE AT I V E SU P P OR T Anne-Marie Canning SE AS ON SP ONS OR
GOV ERNMEN T SU P P OR T ER S
P R OGR A M & P R OD UC T ION SP ONS OR S ONE SONG GLORY
COMMUNITY ACCESS SPONSOR
NEW WORK DEVELOPMENT SPONSOR
L E A D ING L IGH T S & P R OGR A M SU P P OR T ER S LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT FUND PROGRAM SUPPORTER
AUBREY & MARLA DAN FUND FOR NEW MUSICALS LEADING LIGHT
The William and Nona Heaslip Foundation
SE AS ON SU P P OR T ER S
The Catherine & Maxwell Meighen Foundation
Anonymous
The Musical Stage Company is a registered charity BN 86204 4146 RR0001.
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At TD, we support organizations focused on increasing access to art and cultural events that work to create opportunities for people to participate in shared experiences that reflect the diversity of their community. Supporting change, nurturing progress, and investing in local communities.
Learn more at td.com/connectedcommunities ® The TD logo and other TD trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or its subsidiaries.
Celebrating our diverse communities and inspiring dreams
Where music and storytelling collide.
401 Richmond St. W, Suite 205 Toronto, Ontario M5V 3A8 416.927.7880 info@musicalstagecompany.com
Photo Credits: AFTER THE RAIN photos (front cover, & back cover, pg 10) by Curtis Perry IN REAL LIFE photos (pgs 3, 12) by Sandro Pehar Photo of Paul Orlander (pg 3), CANADIAN FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSICALS (pgs 12-16, 22), AFTER THE RAIN workshop (pg 17) and Laurence & Judith Siegel (pg 25) by Jae Yang Dora Awards photo (pg 8) by John Lauener Photo of Michael Rubinoff, Paul Beauchamp & Kevin Wong (pg 17) by Lia Chang NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 (pg 5, 6), UNCOVERED: MADONNA & CHER (pgs 4, 9, 21, 27), OCTET (pg 7), ONE SONG GLORY (pg 19) photos by Dahlia Katz