Stafford Arima News

Theatre Calgary's Artistic Director Stafford Arima has announced its 2023-24  season of plays. The new lineup is highlighted by works from notable names like Agatha Christie, Steve Martin, William Shakespeare, and The Beatles.

On what would have been Comedy legend Victoria Wood's 70th Birthday, Sean Foley, the double Olivier Award-winning Artistic Director of Birmingham Repertory Theatre has announced the creation of the first ever major playwriting prize dedicated to the art of Comedy.

In a new interview with the Observer, Tony-winning songwriting duo Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty reflected on the recent gala concert presentation of their beloved musical, Ragtime. As a part of their profile, acclaimed lyricist Ahrens revealed that the starry, one night only event was filmed!

See photos and video of Audra McDonald, Kelli O'Hara, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Peter Friedman and more in the Ragtime 25th anniversary concert!

Following his performance with Audra McDonald on the TODAY Show this morning, Brian Stokes Mitchell revealed what part of the upcoming Ragtime reunion concert he is most looking forward to. Watch the complete video, in which Mitchell speaks about the Ragtime reunion concert and how more people can help the Entertainment Community Fund, now!

Audra McDonald and Brian Stokes Mitchell reunited to perform 'Wheels of a Dream' from Ragtime ahead of The Entertainment Community Fund's one-night-only benefit reunion concert of the classic musical. The concert will also feature Peter Friedman, Kelli O'Hara, Lea Michele, and more. Watch the new video performance now!

Lea Michele will make a special appearance in The Entertainment Community Fund's one-night-only benefit reunion concert of Ragtime. Michele originated the role of “Little Girl” in Ragtime on Broadway. Learn more about the concert here!

On Friday, March 10, Theatre Calgary in a joint presentation with the Arts Club Theatre Company (Vancouver) is thrilled to open the world premiere of the heartfelt and true story of Forgiveness by Mark Sakamoto, stage adaptation by Hiro Kanagawa, and directed by Theatre Calgary's Artistic Director Stafford Arima in Calgary. 

The Entertainment Community Fund's one-night-only benefit reunion concert of Ragtime, originally scheduled for 2020, will take place on Monday, March 27, 2023 at the Minskoff Theatre. Learn who is starring in the concert, and how to purchase tickets!

25 years ago, on January 18, 1998, Ragtime opened on Broadway at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts (now the Lyric Theatre). We're looking back on the beloved musical with video clips from its Broadway past!

The latest standings as of Monday, December 19th, have been released for the 2022 BroadwayWorld San Diego Awards! Nominations were reader-submitted and now our readers get to vote for their favorites.

The latest standings as of Monday, December 12th, have been released for the 2022 BroadwayWorld San Diego Awards! Nominations were reader-submitted and now our readers get to vote for their favorites.

The latest standings as of Monday, December 5th, have been released for the 2022 BroadwayWorld San Diego Awards! Nominations were reader-submitted and now our readers get to vote for their favorites.

 A veritable 'who's who' of respected Canadian theatre leaders have come together to found the Canadian Guild of Stage Directors and Choreographers (CGDC).

DIAL M FOR MURDER brings some modern touches, and a sly intelligence to this adaption, commissioned by The Old Globe.  A smart script, skillful and subtle performances, and some twists bring a new life to this classic murder mystery through August 28th.  

 Nathan Darrow stars as Tony Wendice, the married man who is convinced that his wife had an affair, and as his jealousy and obsession escalate so does the danger in The Old Globe'sworld premiere adaption of DIAL M FOR MURDER - playing through August 28th.

Dial M for Murder is now playing at the Old Globe, set to open on July 28. The play, by Frederick Knott, was adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, and directed by Stafford Arima. Check out an exclusive first look at the production in these photos.

For the first time, three of Calgary’s largest arts organizations – Arts Commons, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and Theatre Calgary – are joining forces for a special musical presentation with an important message for the world. Watch the video here!  

For the first time, three of Calgary’s largest arts organizations – Arts Commons, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and Theatre Calgary – are joining forces for a special musical presentation with an important message for the world. 

June 2022 with the Calgary Philharmonic is a celebration of youth and of the spirit of collaboration, beginning with Kevin Chen in Concert (June 3 & 4). The 17-year-old Calgary pianist – a MacLachlan/Ridge Emerging Artist – is the youngest musician ever to win the prestigious Franz Liszt International Piano Competition.