Segal Centre's 2016-17 Theatre Season to Feature Yiddish IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU & More
By: Tyler Peterson Apr. 27, 2016
The Segal Centre continues to lead the way in the creation and production of exceptional musical theatre while bringing some of the world's most popular shows to Montreal audiences. The Segal is also partnering with two great Canadian institutions, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Just For Laughs International Comedy Festival, to put on two Montreal premieres of critically acclaimed and popular plays.
"In our 49th season, we'll revel in the joy that only live theatre can bring us as we witness these incredible journeys in pursuit of truth, happiness and the choices we make along the way," says Artistic and Executive Director Lisa Rubin.
A Brand New Musical about the Canadian Story That Made International Headlines!
The Segal is proud to be producing the world premiere of an outrageously fun, new musical celebration about being true to yourself in the face of adversity. Prom Queen: The Musical is based on the true story of Marc Hall, the Ontario teen who took his Catholic District School Board to court for the right to bring his boyfriend to prom. His fight for equality rallied a town, made international headlines and inspired a nation. Created and developed by an all-star, all-Canadian team, Prom Queen: The Musical bursts onto the Segal Stage from October 27 to November 20, 2016.
Moving Dramas Explore Family, Faith and Passion
Starting off the season on September 11 until October 2, 2016, My Name Is Asher Lev by Aaron Posner, brings to life the beloved book by Chaim Potok. This co-production with the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre explores the choices Asher Lev, a gifted artist from a religious family, must make to be true to himself and follow his passion.
Having received critical acclaim internationally, How to Disappear Completely, written and performed by award-winning lighting designer and raconteur Itai Erdal, comes to Montreal from April 30 to May 14, 2017. Combining powerful story-telling, humour and the magic of stage lighting, Erdal recounts coming to terms with his fatally-ill mother's request to help her die on her own terms, a timely theme for Montrealers as Canada continues to debate the right-to-die legislation. This touching story filled with love has been produced 22 times in 17 cities around the world.
Two Montreal Premieres for Two Big Broadway Musicals
Directed by Artistic and Executive Director Lisa Rubin, the Tony Award-winning jukebox musical Million Dollar Quartet is inspired by the true story of the night four music legends - Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins - came together for one of the greatest impromptu recording sessions in history. Premiering in Montreal from April 23 to May 14, 2017, this toe-tapping musical features some of the biggest hits of the 1950s.
The Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre presents It Shoulda Been You in Yiddish with English and French supertitles, from June 4 to June 25, 2017. In this Canadian premiere, two families from vastly different backgrounds come together to celebrate a wild musical romp down the aisle. Fans of My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Mamma Mia! will love this new twist on wacky weddings and family hijinks.
Uproariously Funny Comedies Will Leave You in Stitches
Award-winning Montreal filmmaker Jacob Tierney (The Trotsky, Good Neighbours, and the Segal's META-winning production of Tom Stoppard's Travesties) returns to the Segal Stage to direct Michael Frayn's insanely popular Noises Off from January 29 to February 19, 2017. This classic play-within-a-play follows the on and off stage shenanigans of a hapless director and his ragtag group of actors who must pull their act together to put on a show.
To round out the season, the Segal has teamed up with the Just For Laughs International Comedy Festival to produce What's In A Name, an English version of their international hit Le Prénom, July 9 to 30, 2017. In this shocking comedy, a scandalous baby name turns a dinner party among friends into an all-out verbal slugfest. It will be presented during the Just For Laughs International Comedy Festival in partnership with Alive 375 as part of the celebrations for Montreal's 375th anniversary.
A Flexible New Way for Young Adults to Enjoy Theatre
The Segal is excited to introduce the brand new Class Act card to give the under 30 crowd more flexibility to enjoy theatre at the Segal. Not sure what shows or dates to choose? By joining Class Act, members will receive credits to use any way they want. All credits for one show, one credit per show...whatever they wish! Class Act members will also receive extra perks like discounts on drinks, savings on additional tickets and much more!
Go Beyond the Stage
Audience engagement plays a vital role in the Segal Centre's mission. To complement the productions being presented on stage, the Segal will continue to offer the highly attended Sunday @ The Segal pre-show lecture series, an opportunity to explore the history, themes and ideas behind each production, and Monday Night Talkbacks, a post-show chat with the creators and actors of the plays.
Also returning is the Segal Centre Young Leaders, a series of networking events and nights at the theatre for young professionals and industry leaders. It's where business meets the arts.
Celebrating a Diverse Theatre Community
In addition to our regular season programming, the Segal is a proud artistic resource and hub for Montreal's diverse theatre community of independent and emerging artists to create, explore and grow.
This season welcomes back guest theatre companies Teesri Duniya Theatre, Black Theatre Workshop, Tableau D'Hôte Theatre, Youtheatre, The Other Theatre and Les Productions Pas de Panique who will be producing shows that are sure to speak to a wide-range of interests and points of view.
Broadway Café, the Segal's highly popular open mic night for musical theatre buffs, will also return for the season and will feature many exciting special guest hosts from the Montreal musical theatre community. The series will kick off with The Big Broadway Sing-Along featuring Nick Burgess.
The Segal's Academy will continue to offer unique after-school courses for aspiring performers, running from October to May. "Ped Day" programs and performing arts camps are back due to popular demand to entertain and educate students from grade 2 to 11 when school's out.
Power Jazz returns on September 11, 2016 with New York based saxophonist, Jacques Schwartz-Bart who explores the connection between Gwoka and jazz. The ninth season will also feature Rafael Zaldivar with percussionist Mélissa Lavergne, Jacques Kuba Seguin with the Quatuor Bozzini, and sassy songstress Andrea Superstein.
2016-2017 Theatre Season:
My Name Is Asher Lev
September 11 - October 2, 2016 : Montreal Premiere
By Aaron Posner Adapted from the book by Chaim Potok Directed by Steven Schipper Set Designer Martin Ferland Costume Designer Louise Bourret Sound Designer Emily Auciello Lighting Designer Hugh Conacher Starring Ellen David, Alex Poch-Goldin & David Reale as Asher Lev
Rich, moving and powerful.
At a young age, Asher Lev discovers he has a mystifying artistic talent. But when his passion for painting conflicts with his traditionally religious family, Asher's gift threatens to divide his entire community. Is he willing to give up his faith to fulfill his destiny?
"This is good theatre, folks." - New York Times
ASL interpreted performances will be available.
A co-production with the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre
Prom Queen: The Musical
October 27 - November 20, 2016 :: World Premiere
Book by Kent Staines Lyrics by Akiva Romer-Segal Music by Colleen Dauncey Produced by Mary Young Leckie Based on the true life story of Marc Hall Musical Direction by Mark Camilleri Directed by Marcia Kash Choreographer Sean Cheesman Set & Costumes John C. Dinning Lighting Luc Prairie Head of Sound Peter Balov
One of the biggest news stories in Canadian history is now a musical!
Be our date for the World Premiere of a scintillating new musical created by an all-Canadian team. Prom Queen: The Musical tells the incredible true story of Marc Hall, a small-town teenager who just wanted to take his boyfriend to prom, but ended up taking the Catholic School Board to court - all in the name of love!
A Segal Centre Production / Production Sponsor MUSE
Noises Off
January 29-February 19, 2017
By Michael Frayn Directed by Jacob Tierney Set Designer Pierre-Étienne Locas Lighting Designer Nicolas Descôteaux Costume Designer Louise Bourret Starring Chala Hunter, Marcel Jeannin, Daniel Lillford, Michael Musi, Kaitlyn Riordan & Andrew Shaver
A love letter to show business and all the chaos too crazy to stay in the wings.
In this hugely popular gem of a farce, an ambitious director and his ragtag group of actors must pull their act together to put on a show. Watch the shenanigans unfold, both onstage and off, in this classic play-within-a-play where lovers scheme, doors slam, clothes spontaneously fly off, and unbelievable hijinks ensue.
"If laughter is the best medicine, this flawless show is capable of curing double pneumonia." - The Wall Street Journal
A Segal Centre Production / Production Sponsor DELMAR
Million Dollar Quartet
April 23-May 14, 2017: Montreal Premiere
Book by Colin Escott & Floyd Mutrux Original Concept and Direction by Floyd Mutrux Inspired by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis & Carl Perkins Directed by Lisa Rubin
They came together to make music. They ended up making history.
December 4th, 1956. Sam Phillips, the "Father of Rock 'n' Roll," brings together four music giants - Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley - for one of the greatest impromptu recording sessions ever. This Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, inspired by a true story, features some of the 1950's most beloved hits including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Great Balls of Fire," "Walk the Line" and "Hound Dog."
A Segal Centre Production / Production Sponsor BMO
How to Disappear Completely
April 30 - May 14, 2017
Written, Performed and Lighting Designed by Itai Erdal Written with James Long, Anita Rochon,Emelia Symington Fedy Directed by James Long
Part documentary. Part Memorial. All Heart.
When award-winning lighting designer and raconteur Itai Erdal found out his mother had only months to live, he immediately flew to Israel to be with her. But a challenging request to help his mother die on her own terms sent him reeling. Combining powerful story-telling and the magic of stage lighting, this play is an unexpected lesson in loving, healing and finding the light.
"Warm, witty and, naturally, beautifully lit." - Vancouver Sun
A Chop Theatre production presented by the Segal Centre
It Shoulda Been You
June 4 - June 25, 2017: World Yiddish Premiere
In Yiddish with English and French supertitles
Book and Lyrics by Brian Hargrove Music and Concept by Barbara Anselmi DWYT Artistic Director Bryna Wasserman Directed and Choreographed by Jim White
Who said getting married was a "piece of cake"?
Tempers flare and worlds collide in this uproarious ode to wedding day insanity. When an unexpected ex-boyfriend crashes the ceremony, an event already on the edge gets tipped right over it! RSVP to this unblissfully charming musical celebration and find out if the wacky wedding actually ends with an 'I do'.
"'It Shoulda Been You' is awfully funny." - Variety
A Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre Production
What's in a Name? (Le prénom V.A.)
July 9 - July 30, 2017: Canadian English Premiere
By Matthieu Delaporte & Alexandre De La Patellière Adapted and Translated by Jeremy Sams
Co-produced by the Just For Laughs International Comedy Festival
When Vincent reveals what he and his wife plan to name their unborn son, the shocking moniker causes a scandal among their friends. But what could be so objectionable about a name? A casual dinner erupts into an outrageous verbal slugfest where juicy secrets are served up and longstanding friendships might get cooked!
"A lively comedy full of verve and surprises..." - Elle Québec
A Segal Centre & Just For Laughs Co-Production Presented in Partnership with Alive 375
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