News from Tarragon Theatre

Chimera: On Stage Now

Tarragon Theatre's production of Chimera by Wendy Lill opened on Tuesday night, and audiences are buzzing about this thrilling drama. CBC Radio calls it "intriguing" and says "the cast is very good… David Jansen as the reporter and David Fox as the fundamentalist Member of Parliament are stand outs."

Chimera by Wendy Lill
Directed by Mary Vingoe
Featuring John Dolan, Philippa Domville, David Fox, Joan Gregson, David Jansen, Geoffrey Pounsett
Set and costumes designed by Judith Bowden
Lighting designed by Andrea Lundy
Sound designed by John Gzowski
Stage manager: Alison Peddie

The stem cell revolution is upon us. Not since Charles Darwin wrote The Origin of Species, have we found ourselves so immersed in a debate about what it means to be human. Reflecting on her seven years in federal politics, playwright Wendy Lill has crafted a political intrigue about scientific research.

The play centres on Roy Ruggles, a journalist struggling to remake his reputation. He's got an axe to grind and he's found a likely target in Clare McGuire, the splashy new Minister of Justice. The Minister has announced in the House the anniversary of the passing of the Human Reproductive Technologies Act. But George Fanning, MP backbencher and his colleagues refer to it as the "Murdered Embryo Act". Eager to stir the pot, George has a question for the new Minister about a laboratory where human embryonic stem cells are being implanted into developing monkey brains. When Clare evades the question, journalist Roy smells a story and begins to investigate.

From Parliament Hill's question period, to university research labs, to the political backrooms where men and women lobby and struggle for power, Chimera explores the promise and perils of scientific research and the personal ideals that fuel politics.

Chimera is on stage now until February 11. For more information, click here. For tickets, call the Box Office at 416-531-1827.

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Léo is back in the Extra Space

Léo by Rosa Laborde is back at Tarragon Theatre! The play originally premiered at Tarragon in January 2006 and was a triumphant success. Léo returns to Tarragon for a special return engagement until February 4.

In Santiago, Chile, three young friends form a bittersweet love triangle during the political upheaval surrounding President Salvador Allende's assassination. Told through Léo's memories, the play travels through childhood, first friends and first loves. Passion and poety weave together in this story of innocence disappeared.

 Léo was voted Best in Theatre 2006 by The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, National Post, and NOW Magazine

Here's what the critics said:
**** (4 stars) "Léo is a small jewel…one that deserves to be treasured by anyone looking for superb theatre."
-Richard Ouzounian, Toronto Star

*** (3 stars) "A strong triangle drawn by a talented writer and brought to life by a master director."
- Kamal Al-Solaylee, The Globe & Mail

NNNN
- Jon Kaplan, NOW Magazine

"an outstanding new play"
- Robert Cushman, National Post

Léo by Rosa Laborde
Directed by Richard Rose
Featuring Salvatore Antonio, Sergio Di Zio, Cara Pifko, Lesley Faulkner (role of Isolda - Jan.30 - Feb.4)
Original Music composed and performed by Marcelo Puente
Set and lighting designed by Graeme Thomson
Costumes coordinated by Jolene Antle
Sound designed by Thomas Ryder Payne
Stage manager: Marie Fewer

Léo is on stage until February 4 only. For more information, click here. For tickets, call the Box Office at 416-531-1827.

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In the Studio January 27: Theatre Best/Before

Theatre Best/Before presents Pulitzer Prize winning playwright John Patrick Shanley's the dreamer examines his pillow for a one-night only reading in the Tarragon Near Studio on Saturday, January 27th at 7pm.

The play is a striking, surreal study of the often bizarre byways that love between men and women can follow. Told in three related scenes, the play uses indirection and richly evocative language to make its unsettling but ultimately illuminating points.

Tickets are $10.00, and all seats are general admission. Seating is limited, and tickets may be purchased in advance by calling 416-892-4593.