Hart House Theatre Announces Its 2018/2019 Season

Hart House Theatre, the University of Toronto's Performing Arts Leader Since 1919, is proud to announce its 2018/2019 Season. This season's line-up is a diverse mix of the classic and contemporary as Hart House Theatre continues its tradition of producing affordable, accessible, high-quality productions for downtown Toronto audiences. The season has the variety, excitement and quality that our audiences have come to expect: a darkly comedic musical about a high school social scene, an epic, classic tale given a new life and lens by a Canadian icon, the original rock musical that celebrates freedom and resistance, and a black comedy written by an indie powerhouse.

HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL

Book, Music and Lyrics by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O'KeefeBased on the film written by Daniel WatersDirected by Jennifer Walls
WARNING: Coarse language, mature themes, sexual and graphic violence
Based upon the iconic film of the same name, Heathers: The Musical tells the tale of mean girls and murderous vengeance between outcasts and the popular in-crowd. With a twisted, pitch-black sense of humour and a rockin' soundtrack, this musical explores some of today's societal challenges with the backdrop of a 1980s high school social scene.
Sept. 21 - Oct. 6, 2018Week 1: Fri. and Sat. at 8 pmWeek 2: Wed. to Sat. at 8 pmWeek 3: Wed. to Sat. at 8 pm and Sat. at 2 pm
Postshow Talkbacks: Sat., Sept. 22 and Thurs., Sept. 27Saturday Matinee Preshow Chat at 1 pm

THE PENELOPIAD

By Margaret AtwoodDirected by Michelle Langille*
WARNING: Coarse Language, sexual and graphic violence
In The Penelopiad, award-winning storyteller, Margaret Atwood, weaves a historic saga from a new perspective. After years of loyalty through untold hardship and upon her hero-husband's return from war, Penelope's fidelity is rewarded with butchery and abuse. Featuring a cast of women and Atwood's wry humour, The Penelopiad is a re-examining of an epic HIS-story, which uncovers the hypocrisy of the iconic "good wife".
Nov. 9 - 24, 2018Week 1: Fri. and Sat. at 8 pmWeek 2: Wed. to Sat. at 8 pmWeek 3: Wed. to Sat. at 8 pm and Sat. at 2 pm
Postshow Talkbacks: Sat., Nov. 10 and Thurs., Nov. 15Saturday Matinee Preshow Chat at 1 pm

HAIR

Book and Lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James RadoMusic by Galt MacDermotDirected by Julie Tomaino*
WARNING: Coarse language, mature themes, sexually explicit scenes, partial nudity
Hair, the original rock musical, celebrates its 50th anniversary at a time of new-found social justice movements and civil unrest. When a tribe of freedom-loving hippies is confronted with the realities of war and an oppressive government hell-bent on conflict, they become even more committed to their ideals of freedom, liberty from social shackles and the space to form individual expression...through "long, beautiful Hair"...
Jan. 18 - Feb. 2, 2019Week 1: Fri. and Sat. at 8 pmWeek 2: Wed. to Sat. at 8 pmWeek 3: Wed. to Sat. at 8 pm and Sat. at 2 pm
Postshow Talkbacks: Sat., Jan. 19 and Thurs., Jan. 24Saturday Matinee Preshow Chat at 1 pm

RETREAT

By Kat SandlerDirected by Claire Burns
WARNING: Coarse language and mature themes
In a world where entering the work force means fighting for an unpaid internship, Retreat looks at the darker, and oftentimes comical, side of employment competition. Written by indie-theatre powerhouse, Kat Sandler, Retreat brilliantly explores the journey of four candidates who go on a hilarious, unexpected adventure to see who will "live up to" the job.
March 1 - 9, 2019Week 1: Fri. and Sat. at 8 pmWeek 2: Wed. to Sat. at 8 pm and Sat. at 2 pm
Talkbacks: Sat., March 2 and Thurs., March 7Saturday Matinee Preshow Chat at 1 pm