Spotlight on Japan

We are excited to see this piece this evening! It is getting great buzz!!

SOMEONE ELSE opens in this week!

Opening this week to great buzz is the new Kristen Thomson piece. Furthermore, it is from Crow's Theatre Company who just released the exciting news that they are moving into their permanent in the near future! Check out the preview below...

Show Description:

Cathy is a stand up comedian in a creative slump and Peter is a doctor at a community clinic. They’ve been married for eighteen years but it feels like five hundred and couples therapy isn’t helping. They seem bound for heartache when an intimate and sobering encounter with someone else forces them to recognize the fragile foundations that their life is built on. Careening between hilarity and disaster, this play is a naked examination of marriage, middle age, and the delicate nature of change.


SOMEONE ELSE
Written by Kristen Thomson, Directed by Chris Abraham
A Crow’s Theatre Production in Association with Canadian Stage

Box Office: 416.368.3110 or visit www.canadianstage.com

January 7 to February 2, 2013

Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley Street

Preview: Japan’s Hiroaki Umeda/S20

NOW Magazine’s Glenn Sumi named Political Mother and Dark Matters in his top 5 dance shows of 2012, so it is exciting to see more dance at Canadian Stage in 2013. To start, they're featuring two performances from Japan’s Hiroaki Umeda/S20 as part of the Spotlight Japan festival in February.

A star of Japan’s avant-garde dance scene, Hiroaki Umeda/S20 combines hip-hop, soundscape, and video/light effects in two utterly hypnotic performances. Haptic and Holistic Strata will be presented as a double-bill, and all tickets are $54.

This show runs Feb 26 - March 2nd.  This is a short run at the Berkeley Theatre and tickets will go fast. So click here for information and links to buy tickets 

Canadian Stage Announces Their 2013/14 Season Lineup

Canadian Stage has announced their upcoming season line up, with a big promotional subscription offer.  If you don’t want to miss visionary Robert Lepage, stunning dance spectacles from choreographers Akram Khan and Crystal Pite, or a new productions of a 5-star musical documentary from London’s National Theatre and an award-winning plays from Broadway, or the World Premiere of a mixed-media masterpiece from director Kim Collier then be sure to check out the offer available now through the CanStage Website by clicking here.

Why subscribe now? Because this dynamic mix of programming includes production runs of 1 week to 4 weeks, your seat, reserved by other subscribers in a different week for our longer-run shows, could be purchased by one of those subscribers for our shorter-run shows. Remember: seats for short-run shows are booked on a first come, first served basis, so ordering now is your best chance to get your preferred seat for all shows.

Whether you're a renewing subscriber or joining for the first time, you'll get the regular subscriber benefits:  saving over 25% on ticket prices, the option to buy extra tickets at the subscriber discount, savings at local restaurants, and free ticket-exchange privileges.

The best time to order is right now, during the subscribers’ advance renewal period. If you're a 2012.13 subscriber, your renewal package will be in the mail in the next few days.

Preview: Ignorance

Canada’s foremost adult puppet troupe, The Old Trout Puppet Workshop, is bringing their newest piece Ignorance to the Berkeley Street Theatre for a 3-week run starting Tuesday Nov, 27th..

Funny, wildly creative, and visually stunning, Ignorance is a playful show that questions where we went wrong in our search for happiness. Can our grunting, howling, prehistoric ancestors help us find our lost bliss? Bouncing between primitive and modern man, urban sprawl and prehistoric cave life, Ignorance explores this question with humour, over-sized puppet heads, balloons, video effects, and more. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see Calgary’s world-renowned troupe in Toronto.

On stage November 27 to December 15. Tickets $22 to $49 at our website. Click here for tickets.

Preview: The Arsonists

The Arsonists, a funny yet dark post-war farce, is on stage now at the Bluma Appel Theatre.  Featuring a live band performing original music, and some stellar vocal performances, this is a one-of-a-kind show that’s sure to heat up your holidays.

This show has been generating serious buzz with local critics. And is a definitely must see this season. The cast sizzles in their dynamic roles: don’t miss the chance to see Michael Ball, Christine Bougie, Dan Chameroy, Sly Juhas, Sheila McCarthy, Fiona Reid, Justin Rutledge, and Shawn Wright on stage.

Check out the Canadian Stage's website for show info, tickets, videos, design images and more.

BONUS: There's a pre-show chat with set designer Ken MacDonald this Tuesday at 7:15 pm. Free with your ticket to that night’s performance.

Preview: Speaking In Tongues arrives this evening!

Starting previews this evening is the exciting new piece from The Company Theatre, SPEAKING IN TONGUES at the Berkeley Street Theatre. A thrilling play from Australia, Speaking In Tongues is a multi-faceted adventure that reveals the mysterious side of human nature. 

For tickets visit: www.companytheatre.ca

Canadian Stage Preview: POLITICAL MOTHER

Photo by Tom Medwell

Opening tomorrow is the second show in the Canadian Stage lineup and we hear it is a very strong one. We love dance here at EAP so we are excited to see it and see what all the buzz is about!

Press Release:

                    Electrifying dance and rock spectacle 

Political Mother 

sweeps through Toronto for six performance run

Dynamic production by UK-based Israeli choreographer

Hofesh Shechter on stage from October 24 to 28

Toronto, October 11, 2012 – Hofesh Shechter’s electrifying dance and rock spectacle, Political Mother, stops in Toronto for six performances as part of an international tour that has captivated audiences around the world. Presented by Canadian Stage and performed by Hofesh Shechter Company, this dance-performance-meets-rock-concert is a full-throttle, immersive experience that has taken the dance world by storm.

Political Mother will be on stage from Wednesday, October 24 to Sunday, October 28 at the Bluma Appel Theatre in the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts (27 Front St. E). Tickets from $24 to $99 are available by phone at 416.368.3110 , online at www.canadianstage.com, or in person at the box office.

“To finally share the brilliance of Hofesh Shechter’s choreography with Toronto audiences is very exciting for Canadian Stage,” said Matthew Jocelyn, Artistic & General Director. “Our mandate is to present the most groundbreaking and powerful productions from Canada and around the world. Political Mother exemplifies this in a storm of dynamic and beautiful dance moments combined with live rock music and electrifying lighting. This show is one of the most sumptuous visual presentations - and at the same time - one of the most riveting and gripping emotional experiences that I’ve had in a long time.”

Shechter, who choreographed and composed this “howling beast of a dance show” in 2010, draws on his training and career as a musician and dancer to create both the music and movement for his work. For Political Mother he assembled a band of seven musicians, including guitarists and percussionists to bring a big sound to the stage, inviting audiences to ride an emotional roller coaster that confuses one’s values and challenges perceptions of what is “normal”.

The ensemble features 12 dancers from Hofesh Shechter Company and includes Maëva Berthelot, Chien-Ming Chang, Sam Coren, Frédéric Despierre, Karima El Amrani, James Finnemore, Bruno Karim Guilloré, Yeji Kim, Kim Kohlmann, Philip Hulford, Erion Kruja and Hannah Shepherd. The score, composed by Shechter, was created in collaboration with Nell Catchpole and Yaron Engler. The dancers are accompanied on stage by a live metal rock band alongside a group of military drummers.

PROUD hits the Berkeley Street Theatre

A Canadian Prime Minister attempts to move the country slightly right of centre …. Will he succeed? At what cost?

The third in a trilogy of award-winning plays (Generous, Courageous) about Canadian values by award-winning playwright Michael Healey. Proud is about what we actually want out of our politics, and our politicians. Set in the Prime Minister’s office in the Centre Block of Parliament, it is just after the spring 2011 election but the reality of the play is different from ours. In the play, all the seats won by the NDP in Quebec have gone to the Conservatives. This gives them not only an overwhelming majority in Parliament, but a lot of rookie MPs in the Tory caucus.

One such MP is Jisbella Lyth, from the fictional Quebec riding of Cormier-Lac Poule. A single mother who, up until getting elected was the manager at a St-Hubert franchise, Jisbella nonetheless displays traits that indicate to the Prime Minister that she will be a useful asset to his government. He and his Chief of Staff, Cary Baines, begin to train Jisbella in the various methods and strategies that have made the Conservatives so successful. Their lessons unleash an emotional component that none of them anticipate.

Starts: Sep 20, 2012 Ends: Oct 6, 2012 

Berkeley Street Theatre Upstairs, 26 Berkeley Street, Toronto
Monday - Saturday
Times: 2 pm matinee Saturday, evening perfs 8 pm
Cost: $25 - $40 -Monday PWYC
Ticket purchase URL: www.canadianstage.com

Preview: Shakespeare in High Park

A Canadian Stage production:
By William Shakepeare
Directed by Richard Rose

Canadian Stage presents William Shakespeare’s classic comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream as the 30th anniversary Shakespeare in High Park production (formerly called the Dream in High Park).

With a royal wedding looming, this light-hearted tale follows the adventures of four lovers and a group of amateur actors as they stumble through a mysterious and enchanted evening. Featuring a talented local cast and performed under the stars in High Park, this pay-what-you-can, family-friendly event is one of Toronto’s favourite summer traditions.

Admission This general-admission event is free for children 14 and under and pay-what you-can for adults ($20 suggested minimum donation). Food, beverages and blankets are available for purchase. Getting to the High Park Amphitheatre High Park is located in Toronto's west end, stretching from Bloor Street west in the north to The Queensway in the south and from Parkside Drive in the east to Ellis Avenue in the west.The Amphitheatre is located just east of the Grenadier Restaurant, almost in the centre of the park. If you’re not within walking distance of the park, you can get there by TTC Transit, by car or by bike.

DATES: Jun 26 - Sep 2, 2012
Performances are Tues – Sun at 8pm. The gate opens at 6pm.
 High Park Amphitheatre

The Block Party is Tonight

Last we heard there are still tickets available to THE spring theatre event TONIGHT!  Studio 180 and Canadian Stage's much anticipated Block Party and production of Clybourne Park.

Here is what Director Joel Greenberg has to say about the production.

The show runs until April 28th, so even if you can't make it for the party tonight click here for tickets.   

Preview: The Game of Love and Chance

Justin and I are super excited to see the official opening night performance of The Game of Love and Chance at CanStage this evening. This super fun boy-meets-girl romp has been thrilling audiences in Montreal, and now it has arrived in Toronto.  The play, in a new translation by award winning playwright Nicolas Billon and directed by Canadian Stage Artistic & General Director, Matthew Jocelyn runs at the Bluma Appel Theatre until May 12th.

The Game of Love and Chance follows Silvia (Trish Lindström) whose aristocratic father, Monsieur Orgon (William Webster), has arranged for her to marry a nobleman named Dorante (Harry Judge). Skeptical about love and marriage, and having never met Dorante, Silvia decides to trade places with her maid, Lisette (Gemma James-Smith), to get a sense of his true self. Her father agrees to play along but doesn’t tell her that Dorante has the same idea and plans to meet Silvia disguised as his servant, Arlequino (Gil Garratt). Monsieur Orgon tells his son Mario (Zach Fraser) of the plan
and they both delight in the ensuing hilarity. An abstract, mirrored set designed by Anick La Bissonnière enhances the illusions created by each of the characters, and magnifies the farce and confusion surrounding love, identity and intentions.

 Marivaux’s Le jeu de l’amour et du hasard (The Game of Love and Chance) was first performed close to 300 years ago in Paris. It was originally written for the troupe of Italian actors known as “les comédiens-italiens”, whose theatrical tradition was based largely on commedia dell’arte techniques of Italy in the 17th century. Jocelyn’s contemporary retelling of this builds on the gymnastic and exceptionally theatrical performance style of this group of actors, peppered with comedic moments highlighted through the witty banter and emotion of the text and Billon’s translation.

Check out this video below for a sneak peak.  And click here for ticket information.  See you at the theatre!


VIDEO: The Centaur Theatre presents The Game of Love and Chance

CanStage Promotion

See Dark Matters, by internationally acclaimed choreographer Crystal Pite, for the fantastic rate of $39.  The show opens on Tuesday February 28th with only seven shows scheduled, and this special offer from CanStage only lasts until tomorrow evening at midnight.

Dark Matters was originally presented, to great acclaim, as part of the Cultural Olympiad during the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.  But now this piece is coming to Toronto. Don't miss a rare opportunity to see this phenomenal work, featuring seven dancers and the original score by Owen Belton.

To get the discounted rate use promo code Dark39 when you call the box office.  416.368.3110

Preview: Cruel and Tender

Canadian Stage kicks of the second half of the season with Cruel and Tender. This post-war drama is written by prominent British playwright Martin Crimp, and at tonight's performance Mr Crimp will be on hand prior to the show, at 7:15 pm, for a chat with the audience.  This show is also very special for Toronto theatre audiences, because the show is directed by Oscar nominated filmmaker Atom Egoyan and stars acclaimed actress of stage and screen Arsineé Khanjian.

Cruel and Tender is the story of Amelia and her husband, who is returning from battle.  But when he does, Amelia discovers his motives for enlisting were personal and disturbing. She must struggle to come to terms with his motives and the aftermath of war.

Cruel and Tender  runs until February 18th.  Click here for specific dates and ticket information.

Cast: Arsineé Khanjian, Daniel Kash, Nigel Shawn Williams, Thomas Hauff, Jeff Lillico, Abena Malika, Cara Ricketts, Brenda Robins, André Sills, and Sarah Wilson.

Preview: RED

There is a VERY exciting opening happening this evening and EAP is extremely excited to be apart of it!!! The Tony Award winning play RED is opening tonight! Another really strong and fascinating choice from the Canadian Stage Company.

Show Description:

RED is about Mark Rothko, the American abstract painter who, along with the equally eccentric Jackson Pollock, managed to shift the art world's centre from Paris to New York in the 1940s and 50s.

Alas, such astounding success always comes with its price, and RED is a brilliant examination of an artist torn apart by the outside forces of fame and commercialism - and the inside ones of ego and despair.

Along with the fast-moving story and fascinating depiction of an artist at work, you'll be caught up in Red's passionate exploration of ideas, art and relevance.

This is the Canadian premiere of RED, which swept last year's Tony Awards, and is sure to be one of Toronto's hottest tickets in 2011.

For tickets or more info please click the header!

RED
On now until Dec 17, 2011
Bluma Appel Theatre
WRITTEN BY
John Logan
DIRECTED BY
Kim Collier
COMPOSED BY
Andy Creeggan

Preview: The Test

The Test has just opened at the Berkeley Street Theatre. The piece is said to be challenging, witty and quite dark. We are excited to check it out this week!

Show Description:

The Test is a dark comedy by rising Swiss playwright Lukas Bärfuss, in a production starring Canadian Stage favourite Eric Peterson.

The "test" of the title is a paternity test – one that Peter Korach undergoes to find out if his son is really biologically his. Having opted to build happiness in his private life (rather than politics, as did his father before him), Korach finds the test results shattering.

Bärfuss's witty exploration of what the paternity test means for today's family - and, on a deeper level, what happens when we allow science to act as our only barometer of truth – will have you on the edge of your seat, and thinking deeply about the ties that bind us to those we love.

THE TEST

WRITTEN BY: Lukas Bärfuss
DIRECTED BY: Jason Byrne
TRANSLATED BY: Birgit Schreyer Duarte
STARING: Eric Peterson, Sonja Smits, Gord Rand, Liisa Repo-Martell and Philip Riccio

October 31st-November 26th 2011
Berkeley Street Theatre
Toronto, Ontario

For Tickets call Box office 416-368-3110 or please click the header!

Preview: Another Africa

Canadian Stage is kicking off their 2011/12 season with the triumphant return of Volcano Theatre's Another Africa. This show was first seen as part of the 2010 Luminato festival, and was a critical success during It's original run.

Although set in Africa, Another Africa explores the global society. The piece features a multi-media approach and involves some dynamic and cutting edge technical staging, which we are very excited to see. A truly international work Another Africa was conceived during a research trip and It's development has spanned four years and three continents. The production at Luminato, then titled The African Trilogy, earned four Dora Mavo Moore nominations, including Outstanding New Play and Outstanding Production, (for which it won.)

Another Africa opens Thursday September 29th and runs until October 22nd.

Click the header for ticket and cast information

Preview: The cosmonaut’s last message to the woman he once loved

Another avante garde style of performance art has opened at the Bluma Appel Theatre as part of the current Canadian Stage series. Some critics are loving it while some are not. If you like challenging pieces of theatre then check this one out!

Show Description:

In 1991, a Russian cosmonaut was stranded in the Mir Space Station for almost 300 days, a victim of the collapsing Soviet State. David Greig uses this piece of little-known history as a springboard to tell the stories of a group of strangers, lovers and families. The cosmonaut’s last message… follows the intertwined lives of two forgotten cosmonauts who are orbiting the planet, a Scottish couple confronting their failed marriage, a young pole dancer searching for love, a French scientist obsessed with UFOs, a pregnant policewoman and a Norwegian businessman as they try, in their own way, to communicate.


Tickets from $22 to $99 are available in person, by phone 416.368.3110, or online by clicking here!

The cosmonaut’s last message to the woman he once loved in the former Soviet Union
Bluma Appel Theatre
(27 Front St. E),
April 16 to May 14, 2011
Written by: David Greig
Directed by: Jennifer Tarver
Assistant Director: Birgit Schreyer Duarte
Set and Costume Designer: Julie Fox
Dialect Designer and Coach: Eric Armstrong
Lighting Designer: Robert Thomson
Production Designer: Jeremy Mimnagh
Movement Consultant: Susanna Hood
Stage Manager: Nancy Dryden
Assistant Stage Manager: Sandy Plunkett
Starring Tom Barnett, Raoul Bhaneja, Fiona Byrne, David Jansen, Tony Nappo, Sarah Wilson

Preview: Our Class

Liza and I very excited to be heading to the Berkeley Street Theatre this evening to see our friend David Beazely in the North American Premiere of the muched talked about new show, Our Class. The world premiere of Our Class was held in the National Theatre in London, in September 2009. It was translated by British writer Ryan Craig and directed by Bijan Sheibani. The Polish premiere of the play is scheduled for later this month at the ‘Na Woli’ Theatre in Warsaw, which Tadeusz Słobodzianek took over this season as Artistic Director.


Show Description:

In 1925 Poland, a group of Jewish and Catholic schoolchildren declare their ambitions: to be a fireman, a film star, a doctor. As the children grow up their country is torn apart by invading armies, and internal grievances deepen as fervent nationalism develops. The tension escalates into violence as these ordinary people carry out an extraordinary and monstrous act.

Our Class explores the events leading up to a dark moment in history and follows the fortunes of ten one-time classmates from one century into the next. This haunting play is a courageous examination of loyalty and treason, individual bravery and collective cowardice and the actions that ripped apart a small community during the Second World War. Studio 180 is proud to present its North American premiere in association with Canadian Stage.

Our Class recently won the 2010 NIKE Award, Poland’s top literary prize. It is the first time the prestigious award has gone to a play.

For tickets please click here!

OUR CLASS
BY Tadeusz Slobodzianek
ENGLISH VERSION BY Ryan Craig

DIRECTED BY Joel Greenberg
FEATURING David Beazely, Jonathan Goad, Jessica Greenberg, Ryan Hollyman, Mark McGrinder, Kimwun Perehinec, Alex Poch-Goldin, Dylan Roberts, Michael Rubenfeld & Amy Rutherford
SET & COSTUME DESIGN John Thompson
LIGHTING DESIGN Kimberly Purtell
SOUND DESIGN Michael Laird
MUSICAL DIRECTOR Lily Ling
ORIGINAL SCORE Sophie Solomon
STAGE MANAGER Robert Harding
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER Liz Campbell
PRODUCTION MANAGERS Derek Bruce & Nathaniel Kennedy

Preview: Project Humanity's The Middle Place

EAP is very excited to be see Project Humanity's The Middle Place tonight. We have heard nothing but wonderful things about the show and we are really intrigued by its subject matter and staging choices.

Show Description:

In 2007, a young, white, middleclass playwright ventured into one of Toronto’s roughest neighbourhoods with a video camera to interview youth about life in a shelter. The result is The Middle Place, a touching and brutally real examination of the aspirations, frustrations and bravery of these homeless youth. Without sentimentality or condescension, this docu-drama explores the heart-wrenching lives of its subjects through their own words. Five actors bring to the stage the extraordinary voices of sixteen homeless youth, three tireless caseworkers and one outsider in this disquieting yet humorous and hopeful play.

For tickets please click here!

Project Humanity's The Middle Place
Berkeley Street Theatre
February 14 to March 12
Written by Andrew Kushnir
Transcribed by Andrew Kushnir and Catherine Murray
Directed by Alan Dilworth
Performed by Akosua Amo Adem, Antonio Cayonne, Jessica Greenberg, Andrew Kushnir and Kevin Walker