CanStage Announces New Season
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, CanStage Offers Up Some Gems
Apr 13, 2007
In a press release announcing the anniversary season, Martin Bragg, the Artistic Producer states, “Celebrating this anniversary season, we have reflected on what is at the heart of CanStage today, and the amazing theatrical journey that has brought us here. We have chosen a season of powerful, relevant and exciting plays and musicals and have invited artists who have appeared on our stages over the last 20 years to come home and celebrate. Over the last 20 years we have built a rich tradition of contemporary storytelling. Embracing our history, we have programmed a season filled with extraordinary stories. The Bluma season will be filled with poignant and universal productions. There will be humour, suspense and drama; there will be laughter and tears. There is fabulous music from the rock ‘n’ roll and gospel in Fire, to the Motown and doo-wop in Little Shop of Horrors. Each of these stories will touch and enthrall the audience in a different way. The Berkeley season has a focus on edgier subject matter — our Berkeley Street audiences have come to expect and embrace intense theatrical experiences. The three plays of 2007-2008 are powerful stories of incredible human lives that will open your eyes and move you in unexpected ways.”
The season is as follows:
A Midsummer Night's Dream
June 26th - September 2nd, 2007
By William Shakespeare
Directed by ahdri zhina mandiela
June 26th - September 2nd, 2007
TD Dream In High Park
This is the 25th Anniversary production of Dream In High Park, held annually outdoors in Toronto's largest park.
The Elephant Man
October 8th - November 3rd, 2007
Written by Bernard Pomerance
Directed by Robin Phillips
Bluma Appel Theatre
Based on real events, The Elephant Man focuses on the grotesque Merrick, who suffers from Elephant Man disease. His disfigured figure turns him into a local celebrity, and ultimately leads to his demise.
Little Shop Of Horrors
November 15th - December 15th, 2007
Written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman
Directed by Ted Dykstra
Bluma Appel Theatre
A hit Off-Broadway musical and popular cult-film, Little Shop Of Horrors tells the tale of Seymour and his alien plant, who craves human blood.
The Clean House
February 11th - March 8th, 2008
By Sarah Ruhl
Directed by Alisa Palmer
Starring Fiona Reid
Bluma Appel Theatre
Mathilde is the funniest person in Brazil, yet she works as a Maid in a Doctors house. She hates to clean, and spends her time trying to conjure up the perfect joke.
Fire
March 20th - April 19th, 2008
Written by Paul Ledoux and David Young
Directed by James MacDonald
Starring Ted Dykstra
In co-production with the Citadel Theatre (Edmonton)
Bluma Appel Theatre
Winner of 4 Dora Awards, Fire is loosely based on the lives of rocker Jerry Lee Lewis and his cousin, Evangelist Jimmy Swaggert.
Misery
May 1st - May 31st, 2008
By Stephen King
Adapted for the stage by Simon Moore
Directed by David Storch
Starring Nicola Cavendish
Bluma Appel Theatre
Novelist Paul Sheldon is in a car accident, and he wakes up in the care of his fan, Annie Wilkes. Soon he realizes he is not being tended to as a patient, but rather a hostage.
The Pillowman
September 17th - October 27th, 2007
Written by Martin McDonagh
Directed by David Ferry
Produced in association with BirdLand Theatre
Berkeley Street Theatre Downstairs
A smash Broadway play that was nominated for numerous Tony Awards in 2005, The Pillowman tells the story of a writer who is interrogated following several murders of children.
The Palace Of The End
January 14th - February 23rd, 2008
Written by Judith Thompson
Directed by David Storch
Berkeley Street Theatre Downstairs
Written by one of Canada's foremost playwrights, The Palace Of The End deals with three points of view from those involved in the struggles with Saddam Hussein and Iraq.
The December Man
April 7th - May 17th, 2008
Written by Colleen Murphy
Directed by Micheline Chevrier
Berkeley Street Theatre Downstairs
After a tragic event, a family tries to rebuild and help their son deal with his guilt and rage.
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