Featuring an International Hit on an Exclusive Canadian Stop, New Collaborations, New Play Development & More

LONDON, Ontario, March 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Grand Theatre is thrilled to announce its 2018/19 Season. It is a season that brings the internationally acclaimed National Theatre from London, England to London, Ontario, and introduces collaborations with Canada’s leading theatrical companies including Stratford Festival, National Arts Centre, Catalyst Theatre, Charlottetown Festival, and Crow’s Theatre, among others. And, finally, works of Margaret Atwood and Timothy Findley, which have been adapted for the stage, come to the theatre.

Twelve productions on two stages plus a five-concert series, the Grand’s 2018/19 Season is proudly sponsored by BMO Financial Group.

“Since we introduced our new vision ‘World Curious, London Proud’ last year, it’s become foundational to our season planning. In this 2018/19 season, some very exciting theatre companies and exceptional artists are coming to London,” said Garnhum. “We continue to tell our stories on our stages, explore our theatre spaces, look for new ways to immerse audiences, and enrich the theatre experience for everyone.”

Marking a first for the Grand, a co-production of England’s National Theatre, Fuel, and West Yorkshire Playhouse brings the international hit BARBER SHOP CHRONICLES to London, Ontario for its only Canadian stop. From its world premiere at the National Theatre in England, followed by tours in Australia and New Zealand, the production launches its North American tour this fall and comes from California to the Grand for an exclusive 12-show run in November.

Opening the season is Garnhum’s adaptation of TIMOTHY FINDLEY'S THE WARS. Garnhum worked with the renowned author to create this stage adaptation which premiered at Theatre Calgary in 2007. The Grand’s production commemorates the 100^th anniversary of the end of the Great War and closes on November 11.

In addition to THE WARS, Grand’s ‘made in London’ productions include Margaret Atwood’s stage adaptation of her novella, THE PENELOPIAD. Megan Follows, who starred in the lead role of Penelope in the 2012 premiere at Nightwood Theatre, directs this all-female cast.

The Grand is also creating a daring new immersive production of CABARET, directed by Garnhum. PROM QUEEN: THE MUSICAL, also directed by Garnhum, is the Grand’s High School Project production. And finally, the Pulitzer Prize-winning play  AUGUST WILSON'S FENCES will be directed by Djanet Sears and star Factory Theatre’s Nigel Shawn Williams.

New collaborations include a co-production with Charlottetown Festival to premiere MAMMA MIA! at the Grand, which then travels to Charlottetown for the summer season; Crow’s Theatre with its production of THE BOY IN THE MOON; and timeshare’s new production of MAGGIE AND PIERRE, directed by Rob Kempson. Plus the Grand’s SILENCE, which had its world premiere here in January 2018, heads to the NAC’s English Theatre in Ottawa to open its 50th Anniversary Season.

Due to the overwhelming demand, Catalyst Theatre brings the ghosts of the Donnellys back to London in VIGILANTE with the original cast, including Jan Alexandra Smith. And Garnhum’s adaptation of A CHRISTMAS CAROL returns as a new holiday tradition with an added Victorian market in the lobby.

COMPASS New Play Development
The season is punctuated with the evolution of new works under the Grand’s COMPASS New Play Development program launched last year. In a limited four-show run, Spontaneous Theatre will workshop Rebecca Northan’s new improv adventure, AN UNDISCOVERED SHAKESPEARE on the McManus Stage as part of COMPASS and the Stratford Festival Laboratory.

Also just announced under the COMPASS umbrella, Trina Davies, who wrote SILENCE, will be the playwright for AMBROSE SMALL: AN EXTRAVAGANTLY MUSICAL, MYSTERIOUSLY GRAND GHOST STORY. Melanie Florence has been confirmed as the new playwright for STARLIGHT TOURS, which was originally commissioned to be written by Playwright Cathy Elliot who passed away suddenly last fall. Florence will work with Composer and Lyricist Leslie Arden. 

For the full release and show descriptions, go to grandtheatre.com/media-room.

The Grand Theatre would like to extend its appreciation to all funding partners with special thanks to Season Sponsor, BMO Financial Group, and Production Title Sponsors Western Fair District, Bluestone Properties, McCormick, London Life, 3M, rTraction and VersaBank. Additional funding support from Libro Credit Union, Downtown London, Thames Valley District School Board, and London Catholic District School Board is also gratefully acknowledged along with many other community partners and donors.

Season subscriptions, with savings of up to 25% off the regular single ticket price, are now on sale to subscribers at grandtheatre.com, by phone at 519-672-8800, or at the Box Office, 471 Richmond Street. 

About the Grand Theatre
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Dennis Garnhum and Executive Director Deb Harvey, the Grand is a leading cultural hub located in the heart of downtown London, Ontario.  The Grand’s season runs from September to May.

For more information, contact:
Kate Rapson, Communications Manager, Grand Theatre
519-672-9030 ext. 247 | krapson@grandtheatre.com

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