Next Stage Theatre Festival Presents LIVING WITH HENRY, 1/4-15

Featured as part of the Best of Fringe Uptown 2011, Living With Henry is a new musical drama that explores the fear, complications and realities of living with HIV/AIDS today. Though it is no longer a death sentence, the once carefree Michael must learn to come to terms with living with his chronic condition to gain a much deeper understanding of self and the complex world around him.

Acclaimed for its honesty, boldness and inventiveness, NOW Magazine gives Living With Henry 5 N’s and states, “This fully staged chamber musical, imaginatively directed by Donna Marie Baratta, seems already primed for a professional run. Told through songs - sometimes comic, sometimes heartbreaking - the show has the ring of authenticity and the six-person cast gives passionate, committed performances.”

Living With Henry features some of Toronto’s best professional musical theatre talents including: Dora Award winning performer Ryan Kelly (The Normal Heart, Mamma Mia), David Silvestri (Stratford Festival), Lizzie Kurtz (CATS, Forever Swing), John Edwards (Rocky Horror, Hairspray), Mary Kelly (Napolean) and Jay Davis (JC Superstar, Miss Saigon). Living With Henry is written by Christopher Wilson (book, music & lyrics), directed and choreographed by Donna Marie Baratta, musically directed by James Smith and stage managed by Kaitie Winchester.

Very few dramatic works currently frame HIV as a chronic illness rather than a death sentence, following the stigma created by the epidemic that ravaged the gay community in the 1980's and 90’s. Despite abundant resources and incredible medical advancements, there is still a great deal of fear, ignorance and misunderstanding associated with living with HIV - and these issues continue to confront the gay community today.

Though this theatrical piece is specific to HIV/AIDS, it strives to present a universal theme of overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges - to arrive at a place of peace and deeper understanding. This engaging, entertaining and thought-provoking musical will ideally inspire and challenge others to do the work necessary to overcome their personal obstacle.

Tickets go on sale on November 15, 2011 and are available by phoning the NSTF Box Office at
(416) 966-1062 (ext. 1) or at www.fringetoronto.com or in person at the Factory Theatre day of show.