Feature: NEPTUNE THEATRE Announces 2018-19 Season

Neptune Theatre of Halifax, Nova Scotia has officially announced their 2018-2019 season. Jeremy Webb, Artistic Director of Neptune Theatre, has been on the edge of his seat eagerly awaiting to tell audiences about this exciting new season of theatre. This season, shows highlighting Canadian stories as well as loveable shows that will be played on the Canadian stage for the first time. Though there will be many performances on the Neptune stage this season, I will give you the low down on some of the most exciting shows.

This summer we will experience not one, but two musicals! THE ARGYLE ST. KITCHEN PARTY is a celebration of everything it means to be a Maritimer. Audience members will be invited on stage for the duration of the performance. This will be premiering in July - the perfect time for tourists to stop by and get a taste of what makes everyone love Nova Scotia. Special musical guests will make appearances every show from July 3-29th. Plus, FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE is "an exuberant, exhilarating, all-embracing theatrical experience!" This show will dance from August 7th-26th.

The world premiere of KAMP by Eastern Front Theatre is a dark musical telling of a group of "homosexual prisoners interred in a WWII Nazi concentration camp". The prisoners secretly perform a cabaret as a way to use the arts for expression and to instill their sense of humanity to survive. Inspired by historical events and people, KAMP premieres October 23-November 11th.

Of course, we cannot forget about the annual Christmas show. Neptune will be decked out with glass slippers as CINDERELLA will be playing! Though there is one twist; it pantomime filled with comedy and pop songs enjoyable for the whole family! Hilarity is ensued for all in this marvelous British theatre tradition. Written and directed by Jeremy Webb, performances are from November 27th-January 5th.

A Nova Scotia written play, THE BRIDGE will make its premiere on the Neptune Stage. Taking place in a black rural community in Nova Scotia, THE BRIDGE "explores the complexities of a relationship between two brothers strained over 20 years of secrecy, sin and shame. Secrets are revealed one by one and community gossips that provide the soundtrack for this gospel tale". Coming to Neptune January 22nd-February 10th.

NOISES OFF is a three act play known as "the funniest farce ever written". This play within a play explores the on and offstage madness of a flop called Nothing's On. Laughter starts February 26th-March 17th 2019.

And finally, the year-end musical that we all wait for will be - THE COLOR PURPLE (yes, I said that in an Oprah voice) will make its Canadian premiere. A Tony Winning musical based off of Alice Walker's prized novel and feature film The show follows the forty year journey of Celie as she discovers love to gain strength through the pain and adversity in her difficult family life. The musical has a joyous score of jazz, ragtime and standard show tunes. This show will be a guaranteed hit for mature audiences.

This is a season of love and Canada. It's a season of diversity bringing African Canadian and local actors to give life to all of these shows. Get ready to laugh, cry, have your heartbroken and be transported into the magical world of theatre; where we escape ourselves and think differently about our world once the curtains close. What I love about Neptune is their ability to give audiences the mainstream shows that they want; yet show us the works of Canadians to celebrate our country and works. Way to go, Neptune!

Visit NeptuneTheatre.com for information on subscription packages, ticket purchases and more of the exciting shows coming this season!

Credits to Neptune Theatre for show information, descriptions and artwork.