Grand Theatre Announces 2018/19 Season

The Grand Theatre is thrilled to announce its 2018/19 Season. It is a season that brings the internationally acclaimed National Theatre from London, England to London, Ontario, and introduces collaborations with Canada's leading theatrical companies including Stratford Festival, National Arts Centre, Catalyst Theatre, Charlottetown Festival, and Crow's Theatre, among others. And, finally, works of Margaret Atwood and Timothy Findley, which have been adapted for the stage, come to the theatre. For more information, visit the Grand Theatre website.

Twelve productions on two stages plus a five-concert series, the Grand's 2018/19 Season is proudly sponsored by BMO Financial Group.

"Since we introduced our new vision 'World Curious, London Proud' last year, it's become foundational to our season planning. In this 2018/19 season, some very exciting theatre companies and exceptional artists are coming to London," said Garnhum. "We continue to tell our stories on our stages, explore our theatre spaces, look for new ways to immerse audiences, and enrich the theatre experience for everyone."

Marking a first for the Grand, a co-production of England's National Theatre, Fuel, and West Yorkshire Playhouse brings the international hit BARBER SHOP CHRONICLES to London, Ontario for its only Canadian stop. From its world premiere at the National Theatre in England, followed by tours in Australia and New Zealand, the production launches its North American tour this fall and comes from California to the Grand for an exclusive 12-show run in November.

"It's thrilling for us to be touring BARBER SHOP CHRONICLES from London, England to London, Ontario. It's Fuel's first collaboration with the Grand and it feels absolutely fitting to be bringing this production to a theatre dedicated to presenting stories that remind us of our collective humanity. After England, Australia, and New Zealand, we can't wait to share this story with audiences in Canada," saidProducer Sarah Wilson-White.

Opening the season is Garnhum's adaptation of Timothy Findley'S THE WARS. Garnhum worked with the renowned author to create this stage adaptation which premiered at Theatre Calgary in 2007. The Grand's production commemorates the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War and closes on November 11. In addition to THE WARS, Grand's 'made in London' productions include Margaret Atwood's stage adaptation of her novella, THE PENELOPIAD. Megan Follows, who starred in the lead role of Penelope in the 2012 premiere at Nightwood Theatre, directs this all-female cast.

The Grand is also creating a daring new immersive production of CABARET. Directed by Garnhum, it will turn the McManus Stage and lobby into the Kit Kat Club. PROM QUEEN: THE MUSICAL, also directed by Garnhum, is the Grand's High School Project production, and this year marks the first time the Project takes a new Canadian musical to the stage. And finally, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playAUGUST WILSON'S FENCES will be directed by Djanet Sears and star Factory Theatre's Nigel Shawn Williams, who has previously directed at the Grand.

"August Wilson'S FENCES is one of the greatest plays of the 20th century, and Troy Maxson, the protagonist, is the most compelling anti-hero ever written for the stage. Nigel Shawn Williams was born to play this role, and I am thrilled to get the opportunity to direct him in it at the Grand," said Sears.

New collaborations for the 2018/19 Season include a co-production with Charlottetown Festival to premiere MAMMA MIA! at the Grand, which then travels to Charlottetown for the summer season; Crow's Theatre with its production of THE BOY IN THE MOON, starring Liisa Repo-Martell, David Storch, and Kelly McNamee; and timeshare's new production of MAGGIE AND PIERRE, starring Kaitlyn Riordan and directed by Rob Kempson. Plus the Grand's SILENCE, which had its world premiere here in January 2018, heads to the NAC's English Theatre in Ottawa to open its 50th Anniversary Season.

Due to overwhelming demand, Catalyst Theatre brings the ghosts of the Donnellys back to London in VIGILANTE with the original cast, including Jan Alexandra Smith. And Garnhum's adaptation of A CHRISTMAS CAROL returns as a new holiday tradition with an added Victorian market in the lobby.

Season subscriptions, with savings of up to 25% off the regular single ticket price, are now on sale to subscribers at grandtheatre.com, by phone at 519-672-8800, or at the Box Office, 471 Richmond Street.

Photo by: Marc Brenner

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