DEAR EVAN HANSEN, Pre-Broadway Engagement of AIN'T TOO PROUD, and More Join 2018/19 Mirvish Theatre Season

By: Feb. 26, 2018
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DEAR EVAN HANSEN, Pre-Broadway Engagement of AIN'T TOO PROUD, and More Join 2018/19 Mirvish Theatre Season

The 2018/19 Mirvish season will feature six Canadian premieres, one North American premiere, one pre-Broadway engagement and five new productions. A total of 16 shows will play at Mirvish theatres from June 2018 to July 2019. The main subscription season will feature seven shows and the Off-Mirvish season three shows. There will be six bonus shows that will not be on subscription.

Says David Mirvish: "As always, we strive to bring Toronto audiences the best in theatre from around the world and this year we are especially blessed with a wide range of productions.

"We are very fortunate to have DEAR EVAN HANSEN as the anchor show of our main season subscription. This new musical has set Broadway ablaze by appealing to audiences of all ages, with a story rooted in today's social media culture. It heralds a new era in musicals and we are very proud to have its first international production.

"The other six shows in the main subscription are equally accomplished: The pre-Broadway engagement of AIN'T TOO PROUD, created by two renowned theatre makers, director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo, who will return back home to Toronto for the occasion; a new adaptation of Roald Dahl's CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY; Andrew Lloyd Webber's latest musical, SCHOOL OF ROCK, for which he returns to his rock roots; the British backstage farce, THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, which is a bonafide hit in both London and New York; GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY, a remarkable and unique theatrical exploration of Bob Dylan's songs from the remarkable and unique Irish playwright-director Conor McPherson; and the Broadway smash musical WAITRESS, with a score by Sara Bareilles.

"In Off-Mirvish, we have the winner of last season's Tony-winning Best Play, OSLO; the incredibly inventive A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2; and a new staging of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical NEXT TO NORMAL.

"We complete the season with six bonus shows not on subscription. These include some of the most beloved titles - WICKED, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, POTTED POTTER - all of which have legions of fans from past productions in Toronto. Add to this the return of MAMMA MIA! in a production that comes to us direct from the UK and RÉVERSIBLE, a new creation from the sensational Quebec company 7 Fingers."


Main Season:

Ain't Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations
Book By Dominique Morisseau
Choreography By Sergio Trujillo
Directed By Des McAnuff
Prior To Broadway • Canadian Premiere

Princess of Wales Theatre, October 11 - November 17, 2018

AIN'T TOO PROUD is the electrifying new musical about the life and times of The Temptations, "the greatest R&B group of all time" (Billboard Magazine 2017).

They were five young guys on the streets of Detroit when they were discovered by Berry Gordy, who signed them to his legendary record label. After 24 attempts, they finally had a hit and the rest is history - how they met, how they rose, the groundbreaking heights they hit, and how personal and political conflicts threatened to tear the group apart as the United States fell into civil unrest.

Kennedy Prize-winning playwright Dominique Morisseau, Olivier Award-winning choreographer Sergio Trujillo, and two-time Tony Award-winning director Des McAnuff bring you this thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal. Get ready for iconic hits like My Girl, Just My Imagination, and Papa Was a Rolling Stone and the signature dance moves that made the "Classic Five" Temptations part of cultural history forever.


Roald Dahl's Charlie And The Chocolate Factory
Book By David Greig
Music By Marc Shaiman
Lyrics By Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman
Scenic & Costume Design By Mark Thompson
Choreography By Joshua Bergasse
Directed By Jack O'Brien
Direct From Broadway • Canadian Premiere

Princess of Wales Theatre, November 20, 2018 - January 6, 2019

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, Roald Dahl's amazing tale, is now Toronto's golden ticket! It's the perfect recipe for a delectable treat: songs from the original film, including Pure Imagination, The Candy Man, and I've Got a Golden Ticket, alongside a toe-tapping and ear-tickling new score from the songwriters of Hairspray.

Willy Wonka is opening his marvelous and mysterious chocolate factory...to a lucky few. That includes Charlie Bucket, whose bland life is about to burst with colour and confection beyond his wildest dreams. He and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a mesmerizing joyride through a world of pure imagination. Now's your chance to experience the wonders of Wonka like never before - get ready for Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, the great glass elevator, and more, more, more at this everlasting showstopper!


School Of Rock - The Musical
Based On The Smash Hit 2003 Film
Book By Julian Fellowes
Original Score By Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics By Glenn Slater
Choreography By JoAnn M. Hunter
Directed By Laurence Connor
Direct From Broadway • Canadian Premiere

Ed Mirvish Theatre, November 27, 2018 - January 6, 2019

SCHOOL OF ROCK - THE MUSICAL is a New York Times Critics' Pick and "an inspiring jolt of energy, joy and mad skillz!" (Entertainment Weekly).

Based on the hit film, this hilarious new musical follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band.

This high-octane smash features 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, all the original songs from the movie and musical theatre's first-ever kids rock band playing their instruments live on stage. Vanity Fair raves, "FISTS OF ALL AGES SHALL BE PUMPING.


The Play That Goes Wrong
By Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer And Henry Shields
Directed By Mark Bell
Direct From Broadway • Canadian Premiere

Ed Mirvish Theatre, January 8 - February 10, 2019

What would happen if Sherlock Holmes and Monty Python had an illegitimate Broadway baby? You'd get THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, Broadway & London's award-winning smash comedy! Called "a gut-busting hit" (The New York Times) and "the funniest play Broadway has ever seen" (HuffPost), this classic murder mystery is chock-full of mishaps and madcap mania delivering "a riotous explosion of comedy" (Daily Beast).

Welcome to opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can't play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), it's "tons of fun" (HuffPost) and "comic gold" (Variety) - sure to bring down the house!


Girl From The North Country
Written And Directed By Conor McPherson
Music & Lyrics By Bob Dylan
Direct From London's West End, Following It's Critically Acclaimed World Premiere At London's Old Vic • North American Premiere

Princess Of Wales Theatre, February - March 2019

Duluth, Minnesota. 1934. A community living on a knife-edge huddle together in the local guesthouse.

The owner, Nick, owes more money than he can ever repay, his wife Elizabeth is losing her mind, and their daughter Marianne is carrying a child no-one will account for. When a preacher selling bibles and a boxer looking for a comeback show up in the middle of the night, things start to spiral beyond the point of no return...

Award-winning playwright Conor McPherson beautifully weaves the iconic songbook of Bob Dylan into this powerful new show full of hope, heartbreak, and soul.

Don't miss the unique opportunity to experience GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY, a "magnificent" (Evening Standard), and "piercingly beautiful" (The Independent) production brought vividly to life by an extraordinary company of actors and musicians.


Dear Evan Hansen
Book By Steven Levenson
Music & Lyrics By Benj Pasek And Justin Paul
Directed By Michael Greif
Canadian Premiere Of 6-time Tony-winning Musical And The 2018 Grammy Award

Royal Alexandra Theatre, Begins March 2019

A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he's always wanted: a chance to finally fit in.

Both deeply personal and profoundly contemporary, DEAR EVAN HANSEN is a new musical about life and the way we live it. DEAR EVAN HANSEN has struck a remarkable chord with audiences and critics everywhere. The New York Times calls it "a gorgeous new musical for anyone with a beating heart." And NBC Nightly News calls this bold new musical "an anthem resonating on Broadway and beyond."

DEAR EVAN HANSEN features a book by Tony Award-winner Steven Levenson, a score by Grammy, Tony, and Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman), and direction by four-time Tony Award-nominee Michael Greif (Rent, Next to Normal).


Waitress
Book By Jessie Nelson
Music & Lyrics By Sara Bareilles
Directed By Diane Paulus
Direct From Broadway • Canadian Premiere

Ed Mirvish Theatre, July 16 - August 18, 2019

Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this irresistible new hit features original music and lyrics by 6-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles (Brave, Love Song), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam), choreography by Lorin Latarro (Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Waiting for Godot), and direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Hair, Pippin, Finding Neverland). "It's an empowering musical of the highest order!" raves the Chicago Tribune.

Inspired by Adrienne Shelly's beloved film, WAITRESS tells the story of Jenna - a waitress and expert pie maker, Jenna dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town's new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.

"Waitress is a little slice of heaven!" says Entertainment Weekly and "a monumental contribution to Broadway!" according to Marie Claire. Don't miss this uplifting musical celebrating friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie.


Off-Mirvish Season:

The Studio 180 production of Oslo
By J.T. Rogers
Directed By Joel Greenberg
Canadian Premiere Of The 2017 Tony Award-winning Best Play

CAA Theatre, February 2019

In 1993, in front of the world's press, the leaders of Israel and Palestine shook hands on the lawn of the White House. Few watching would have guessed that the negotiations leading up to this iconic moment started secretly in a castle in the middle of a forest outside Oslo.

Inspired by the true story of the back-channel talks, unlikely friendships, and quiet heroics that led to the Oslo Peace Accords, OSLO is a deeply personal story set against a complex historical canvas, a story about the individuals behind world history and their all too human ambitions. At this cultural moment when finding common ground is paramount, "Oslo gives us hope" (Daily News).


A co-production with the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre

A Doll's House, Part 2
By Lucas Hnath
Directed By Krista Jackson
CAA Theatre, March/April 2019

In the final scene of Ibsen's 1879 groundbreaking masterwork, Nora Helmer makes the shocking decision to leave her husband and children, and begin a life on her own. This climactic event-when Nora slams the door on everything in her life- instantly propelled world drama into the modern age.

In A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2 many years have passed since Nora's exit. Now, there's a knock on that same door. Nora has returned. But why? And what will it mean for those she left behind?

Tony nominated playwright Lucas Hnath has astonished audiences with his brilliant contemporary classic, which continues Nora's story. A "smart, funny and utterly engrossing play" (The New York Times), A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2 "delivers explosive laughs while also posing thoughtful questions about marriage, inequality and human rights" (Hollywood Reporter).


The Musical Stage Company production of

Next To Normal
Book & Lyrics By Brian Yorkey
Music By Tom Kitt
Directed By Philip Akin
2009 Tony Award Winner!

CAA Theatre, April/May 2019

Winner of three Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score, and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, NEXT TO NORMAL explores a suburban household affected by mental illness. With a gripping story and a surging contemporary rock score, NEXT TO NORMAL is a raw depiction of a family in crisis trying to overcome the past.

Dora Award-winner Philip Akin directs an exhilarating new production of this favourite contemporary musical featuring a powerhouse ensemble of Canada's top performers and starring internationally acclaimed actress Ma-Anne Dionisio (Miss Saigon, Les Misérables).

"An impressive achievement, a heartfelt entertainment" (Associated Press), Next to Normal has been praised for "expanding the scope of subject matter for musicals" (Pulitzer Prize Committee).


Bonus Shows:

Motown The Musical
Book By Berry Gordy
Directed By Charles Randolph-Wright
Princess of Wales Theatre, May 22 - June 3, 2018

Back by popular demand. It began as one man's story... became everyone's music... and is now Broadway's musical.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy's journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson, and many more. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives, and made us all move to the same beat. Now, experience it live on stage in the record-breaking smash hit MOTOWN THE MUSICAL!


The Phantom Of The Opera
Composer, Book, Co-orchestrator By Andrew Lloyd Webber
Book & Additional Lyrics By Richard Stilgoe
Lyrics By Charles Hart
Directed By Laurence Connor
Choreography By Scott Ambler

Princess of Wales Theatre, June 7 - 30, 2018

Cameron Mackintosh's spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA will make a triumphant return to Toronto as part of its North American Tour. Critics are raving that this breathtaking production is "bigger and better than ever before" and features a brilliant new scenic design by Paul Brown, Tony Award-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Tony Award-winner Paule Constable, new choreography by Scott Ambler, and new staging by director Laurence Connor. The beloved story and thrilling score will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this Phantom one of the largest productions now on tour.


Starvox Entertainment And Potted Productions Present

Potted Potter
Written And Performed By Daniel Clarkson And Jefferson Turner
Directed And Additional Material By Richard Hurst

CAA Theatre, Begins June 13 - July 8, 2018

Returning to Toronto for the fourth time, POTTED POTTER: THE UNAUTHORIZED HARRY EXPERIENCE - A PARODY BY DAN AND JEFF takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real-life game of Quidditch) into seventy hilarious minutes.

A Critics' Pick by the Daily Herald, New York Times, New York Magazine, Time Out London, Washington Post, and Boston Globe, the show won the prestigious 2012 Olivier Award nomination for Best Entertainment & Family Show, playing to sold-out houses worldwide.

This fantastically funny show features all your favourite characters, a special appearance from a fire-breathing dragon, endless costumes, brilliant songs, ridiculous props, and a generous helping of Hogwarts magic!


Wicked
Book By Winnie Holzman
Author Of Original Novel By Gregory Maguire
Music & Lyrics By Stephen Schwartz
Directed By Joe Mantello

Ed Mirvish Theatre, June 20 - August 5, 2018

WICKED, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz...but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin-smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships...until the world decides to call one "good," and the other one "wicked." WICKED - the untold true story of the Witches of Oz - transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story that USA Today cheers is "a complete triumph! An original musical that will make you laugh, cry, and think."


Mamma Mia!
Book By Catherine Johnson
Music & Lyrics By Benny Andersson And Bjorn Ulvaeus
Directed By Phyllida Lloyd
Choreography By Anthony Van Laast

Ed Mirvish Theatre, August 9 - 19, 2018

Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship, and identity is irresistibly told through the timeless hits of ABBA. Sophie's quest to discover the father she's never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they'll never forget!

Every day's a holiday at MAMMA MIA!, so have the time of your life at the world's sunniest and most exhilarating smash-hit musical.

This will be the North American premiere of the British company.


The 7 Fingers
Réversible
Written, Directed And Choreographed By Gypsy Snider

CAA Theatre, December 11, 2018 - January 6, 2019

The 7 Fingers (Traces and Cuisine & Confessions) returns to Toronto with a brand-new show! Through a unique, riveting mix of theatre, circus, dance, music, and acrobatics, RÉVERSIBLE is dedicated to a generation who forged the world that we live in today and whose stories might hold the key to a better tomorrow.

Be prepared for moments of pure grace, yielding to rushes of adrenalin, as a cast of multi-talented performers travel through time and space. It will give you goose bumps!


Season Tickets On Sale February 26, 2018

  • Main Season Package From $209 - $759
  • Off-Mirvish Package $190 (Front Orchestra) Or $140 (Rear Orchestra)
  • Off-Mirvish Student Package $75 (rear Orchestra)

Call Mirvish Subscriptions 416-593-4225 or 1-800-771-3933

Pick Your Seat Online www.mirvish.com/subscriptions



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