2023-2024 Season Brochure

Welcome to Neptune Theatre's 61st season.

With so many changes in our lives the past few years, the desire and importance of coming together with friends and family, of being social and of making memories has never felt more essential or meaningful.

As we planned our 23-24 season, we took into account many things – the mood around us, your desire to be entertained – to laugh, to sing, to connect, to dance, to be inspired, to sit on the very edge of your seat and feel the range of emotions live theatre delivers.

Our 23/24 season promises all that and more. Outrageously funny comedies, a couple of returning hits, some modern classics, some drama and lots of music, including a season-closing musical that will be a riotously fun time. You’ll see joy, laughter, sadness, hope and the incredible resiliency of the human spirit.

I welcome you to Neptune Theatre. What an honour it has been for the last five years to be Artistic Director of this company. It is wonderful to have our crew, our staff, our artists and you, our patrons coming together for another season.

Now it's the time to subscribe to Neptune: to get those amazing deals on the seats you love; to receive all manner of extra special offers; to participate in the start of the next decade of Neptune's existence.

We have all been through the wringer - no doubt. We are here to whisk you away on a journey of light and sound, of laughter and heart, to give you all that we can give.

Neptune has now been here for sixty years. Here's to the start of the next sixty!

It's time to raise the curtain.

Jeremy Webb (he/him) ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, JWEBB@NEPTUNETHEATRE.COM

WITH YOUR SUPPORTWE DO GREAT THINGS. THANK YOU.

You know Neptune as a place for live theatre –a place you go to laugh, to sing, to feel all the emotions of live theatre. What many do not know is Neptune is a registered not-for-profit charity and we rely heavily on your support to do what we do.

With box office revenues covering only 50 percent of Neptune’s annual operating expenses, the cost of producing exciting live theatre, delivering educational and community programming, and nurturing the next generation of artists while maintaining affordable ticket prices, continues to be a challenge.

Your support has made Neptune Theatre a vibrant part of the Halifax and Nova Scotia community for six decades. Bravo! It is your patronage and belief in what we do together that ensures Neptune Theatre remains a respected leader in Canadian theatre and contributor to the artistic and economic vitality of our city. Your generosity helps Neptune:

Make theatre more accessible by offering relaxed performances, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted performances, and audio described performances.

Increase access for youth to experience live theatre through student matinees and the province-wide school tour. Inspire a life-long passion for theatre through Neptune classes, theatre camps and our Youth Performance Company (YPCo).

Prepare the next generation of directors and designers through Neptune’s RBC Chrysalis Project.

Please help keep Neptune a vital and valued arts leader in our community. Donations can be made by cheque or e-transfer (donations@neptunetheatre.com), online at neptunetheatre.com/donate or through Canada Helps. And, if you would like to discuss any of the many ways to give to Neptune and what is most meaningful for you, please let me know.

Leslie MacDonald (she/her) DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS LMACDONALD@NEPTUNETHEATRE.COM | NEPTUNETHEATRE.COM/DONATE

WANNABE: THE RETURN OF THE SPICE GIRLS

Spice Up Your Life!

With 90’s nostalgia in full swing, Wannabe is the perfect group to satisfy your craving for SPICE!

Jam-packed with The Spice Girls’ greatest hits, get ready for the ultimate high-energy dance party promoting positivity and Girl Power!

You really, really wanna see this show!

JULY 20 - 22, 2023 - FOUNTAIN HALL

CONCERT, POP MUSIC, 90’S NOSTALGIA

THE ARGYLE STREET KITCHEN PARTY

A toe-tapping, sociable good time!

Raise a glass and celebrate in fine East Coast style - full of singing, dancing and laughter. The Argyle Street Kitchen Party is the perfect way to experience a Nova Scotian tradition with Maritime music and the cries of “Sociable”.

Grab your friends and family - share a toast, a laugh and the convivial spirit of East Coast living.

AUGUST 1 - 27, 2023 - SCOTIABANK

MUSIC, TRADITIONAL, MARITIME

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STOO METZ

STAGE

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG

Broadway’s funniest smash hit!

Welcome to opening night of the Cornley Drama Society’s newest production, The Murder at Haversham Manor, where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. This 1920s mystery has everything you never wanted in a show—an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines). Nevertheless, the accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences!

SEPT 26 - OCT 22, 2023 - FOUNTAIN HALL COMEDY, PARODY, FARCE, SLAPSTICK

PAWAKAN MACBETH

Cree culture meets the Bard in this groundbreaking reimagining of Shakespeare’s darkest playhelby

Set in pre-colonial Alberta, when true autonomy existed among Indigenous Peoples. The Canadian Government under the leadership of Sir John A. MacDonald is making their way west bringing immense fear, starvation, and uncertainty – awakening the darkest of Cree spirits, the Wihtiko – a being with insatiable greed.

OCTOBER 3 - 8, 2023 -

DRAMA, SHAKESPEAREAN

SCOTIABANK STAGE

BY AKPIK THEATRE | CO PRESENTED WITH PRISMATIC ARTS FESTIVAL

MURDER FOR TWO

A killer musical comedy

Officer Marcus Moscowicz is a small town police officer with dreams of making it to detective. One fateful night, an act of murder is committed in the small town. With the nearest detective an hour away, Marcus jumps at the chance to prove his sleuthing skills. With the help of his silent partner, Lou, Marcus is under the gun to solve this whodunit.

OCT 17 - NOV 5, 2023 -

SCOTIABANK STAGE

MUSICAL, COMEDY, WHODUNIT

CO-PRODUCTION WITH FESTIVAL ANTIGONISH

DICKENS’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Celebrating its 20th Seasonby

Ebenezer Scrooge is a mean-spirited and selfish old man who hates Christmas. One cold Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future and forced to face his greedy ways. This dramatic re-telling of this holiday classic is often hilarious and sometimes spooky, Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a story about redemption and charity that will warm your hearts.

NOV 30 - DEC 30, 2023 -

SCOTIABANK STAGE

HOLIDAY CLASSIC, COMEDY, FAMILY TRADITION

CINDERELLA

If the shoe fits…

Based on the age-old tale, Cinderella tells the story of a young woman who longs for a better life away from her menacing stepsisters. To help make her dreams come true, an amateur fairy godmother appears and grants her wish to attend the royal ball. Cinderella is in a race against the clock to try and find her prince before the spell is broken at the stroke of midnight.

Packed full of pop songs, belly-laughs and fun surprises, this show leaves you with the magical feeling of love and joy.

NOV 21, 2023 - JAN 7, 2024 - FOUNTAIN HALL

HOLIDAY MUSICAL, COMEDY, POP MUSICAL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STOO METZ

ROSENCRANTZ & GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD

Fate leads our two heroes to a tragic but inevitable end

Hamlet is turned topsy-turvy in this brilliant modern comedic masterpiece that thrusts Shakespeare’s two minor characters to the forefront with no rules except one: they are destined to die. Reality and illusion mix as bewildered Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are trapped in a universe where their lives are left to chance with the flip of a coin. Can our hapless protagonists triumph in a battle of wits, escape their fate, and make sense of a senseless world?

JAN 30 - FEB 25, 2024

- FOUNTAIN HALL ABSURDIST,

TRAGICOMEDY, SHAKESPEAREAN

THE LAST SHOW ON EARTHTM!

The world is ending. Are you watching the livestream?

With 201 days left till the end of the world, Eli works overtime at the fruit roll up factory, trying to save enough to secure a black market Fleedom Ticket to safety. But when a ghost from his past becomes the poster child of the apocalypse, things get a little bit sticky.

A new play infused with film from the exciting multi-disciplinary artist, poet & playwright Breton Lalama.

FEB 6 - 18, 2024 - SCOTIABANK STAGE

RUMOUR HAS IT

A powerful night of music, soul and laughter

Bringing the songbook of Adele to life, renowned actor and singer, Kelly Holiff performs Adele’s most iconic songs. With her powerful voice, huge heart and hilarious stories, Kelly brings her own interpretation of Adele’s music to the stage. Backed by a world-class band led by musical director Sarah Richardson.

FEB 29 - MAR 3, 2024 - FOUNTAIN HALL

CONCERT, THE DISCOGRAPHY OF ADELE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STOO METZ

ADDICTED

A tour-de-force multidisciplinary monodrama that will unapologetically get you hookedy

Penelope Day is an alcoholic at the end of her rope who finds herself at the mercy of Saving Grace, an unconventional rehab facility and its motley crew of residents. While in treatment, Penelope comes face to face with her inner demons, revealing the ugly truth about her family’s destructive past - leaving Penelope to question what is real, what is not, and if in fact she will survive.

MARCH 12 - 24, 2024 - SCOTIABANK

DRAMA

DRAMATURGED BY D’BI.YOUNG ANITAFRIKA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY A JORDAN

STAGE

THE FULL MONTY

A

raucous, pop-rock-musical

of gender expectations and stereotypes... that takes it all off

While spying on their wives at a “Girls’ Night Out,” a group of unemployed steelworkers see how much they enjoy watching male strippers. Jealous, out of work and feeling emasculated, the men come up with a bold and unclothed way to make some quick cash.

They find themselves extremely exposed; physically and emotionally. As they conquer their fears, self-consciousness and prejudices, the men come to discover that they’re stronger as a group, and the strength that they find in each other gives them the individual courage to “let it go.”

MARCH 26 - MAY 19, 2024 - FOUNTAIN HALL

COMEDY, POP-ROCK MUSICAL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STOO METZ

Neptune Theatre School offers classes for all ages and experience levels. We also provide workshops, outreach, mentorship programs and annually tour productions to schools province-wide. Contact school@neptunetheatre.com

NEPTUNETHEATRE.COM/SCHOOL

Book & Lyrics by CHAD BEGUELIN

Book by BOB MARTIN

Music by MATTHEW SKLAR

BASED ON AN ORIGINAL CONCEPT BY JACK VIERTEL

ORIGINAL BROADWAY PRODUCTION DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY CASEY NICHOLAW

ORIGINALLY PRODUCED ON BROADWAY BYBILL DAMASCHKE,

Neptune's Youth Performance Company presents:

ALMOST, MAINE

NOV 14 - 19, 2023

THE PROM

APRIL 16 - 28 2024

Touring Spring 2024!

GRUMPY AND GRIMM

WRITTEN BY LAURA CASWELL

SHAKESPEARE ON TRIAL

WRITTEN BY JEREMY WEBB

DORI BERINSTEIN, JACK LANE

IT’S TIME TO SAVE

Subscriptions are your ticket to extraordinary shows at the best prices, plus extra perks.

• Be the first to get the best seats, at the best prices

• Exclusive Early Bird Discount – Save $20 off Tier 1 and Tier 2 regular ticket prices on your tickets to Cinderella and Dickens’ A Christmas Carol until June 1, 2023

• An extended discount of 20% off your tickets to Cinderella and Dickens’ A Christmas Carol until October 1, 2023

• 15% discount on additional show tickets

• Exchange tickets up to 30 minutes before your show

• One free exchange per show

• Club Neptune card with even more discounts at local restaurants and merchants

• Save 10% on Theatre School classes

• Pay in three (3) monthly installments – must subscribe before July 1, 2023

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT

NEPTUNETHEATRE.COM/CLUB-NEPTUNE

IT’S TIME FOR A NIGHT OUT

Neptune Theatre is Atlantic Canada’s premier destination for live professional theatre.

Located in the heart of Halifax’s entertainment district, Neptune Theatre is steps away from some of Nova Scotia’s finest restaurants and hotels. Treat yourself to the ultimate night out with a delicious meal and an unforgettable show with a Dinner & Show Package or escape for the night with a Hotel, Dinner & Show Package.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT

NEPTUNETHEATRE.COM/PACKAGES

THE FULL MONTY

Save 25% off regular single ticket prices

- The best deal!

Includes one ticket to the following shows:

• The Play That Goes Wrong

• Pawâkan MacBeth

• Murder for Two

• Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead

• The Last Show on Earth

• Addicted

• The Full Monty

NEPTUNE 4

Save 20% off regular single ticket prices

Includes one ticket to the following shows:

• The Play That Goes Wrong

• Murder for Two

• Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead

• The Full Monty

SCOTIABANK STAGE SERIES

Save 20% off regular single ticket prices

Includes one ticket to the following shows:

• Pawâkan MacBeth

• The Last Show on Earth

• Addicted

FLEX PACKAGES

A subscription package that suits your lifestyle, schedule, and needs, plus all of the perks of Club Neptune membership. Our Pick 3 and Pick 5 packages give you full flexibility to customize your subscription with any price level, show and seat.

PICK 3 PACK

Save 15% off regular single ticket prices

Includes one pre-paid ticket to any 3 shows of your choice in our 23/24 season.

PICK 5 PACK

Save 20% off regular single ticket prices

Includes one pre-paid ticket to any 5 shows of your choicein our 23/24 season.

Discounts apply to Tier 1 & Tier 2 seating prices

ACCESSIBILITY

Neptune Theatre is pleased to offer a variety of options to ensure everyone feels welcome to experience the joys of live theatre in our space. Accessible washrooms are available in both the Scotiabank and Fountain Hall Stage lobbies.

American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation

On select dates throughout the season, Neptune Theatre is pleased to offer ASL interpretation live, and close to the action on our stages. Please contact the box office directly to ensure you are in a seat that will allow you the best view of the interpreters as it will vary for each production.

Relaxed Performances

These selected performances are designed to welcome audience members who could benefit from a more relaxed environment, including (but not limited to) those with sensory sensitivities, neurodivergence, and first-time theatergoers. Minor production changes are also made to reduce startling effects. We invite all patrons to attend, be themselves and experience live theatre!

Audio Described Performances

A live describer onsite will narrate the action and design elements of the show over our in house radios and headsets. These are provided by the theatre, and should be requested in advance through box office when booking your ticket. Note that audio descriptions can only be heard by people using the headsets.

Assistive Listening Devices

Assistive Listening Devices are available free of charge to patrons on site. A small radio and headset will be provided upon request through the Front of House staff upon arrival.

Wheelchair Seating

Both Fountain Hall and the Scotiabank Stage are fully accessible for wheelchair patrons, including elevators and washrooms. If you require wheelchair seats, please notify the Box Office when booking your tickets.

Companion Ticket

By using an Access2 card, a support person may accompany a person with a permanent disability free of charge. To book a complimentary companion ticket please contact the box office at agent@neptunetheatre.com or call 902 429 7070.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT NEPTUNETHEATRE.COM/ACCESSIBILITY

2023/2024 SEASON LISTING

WANNABE: THE RETURN OF THE SPICE GIRLS

JULY 20 - 22, 2023

THE ARGYLE STREET KITCHEN PARTY

AUGUST 1 - 27, 2023

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG

SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 22, 2023

PAWAKAN MACBETH

OCTOBER 3 - 8, 2023

MURDER FOR TWO

OCTOBER 17 - NOVEMBER 5, 2023

DICKENS’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL

NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 30, 2023

CINDERELLA

NOVEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 7, 2024

ROSENCRANTZ & GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD

JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 25, 2024

THE LAST SHOW ON EARTHTM!

FEBRUARY 6 - 18, 2024

RUMOUR HAS IT

FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 3, 2024

ADDICTED

MARCH 12 - 24, 2024

THE FULL MONTY

MARCH 26 - MAY 19, 2024