JOIN THE PARTY!
WELCOME TO THEATRE CALGARY’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON! As you comb through the following pages, we hope you feel as excited as we did putting this season together. We start in Calgary and travel on to Montreal and New York City. We will revel in the park in the summer and get downright silly with Shakespeare and the Old Trouts in mid-winter; have our annual holiday visit with Scrooge and enjoy musicals small, medium, and large! There is truly a reason to celebrate all season long – join us! GET THE BEST SEATS AT THE BEST PRICE Purchase all five main stage shows as a subscription package and save up to 20% off regular ticket prices. Plus, as a subscriber you will enjoy these additional benefits:
SO MANY REASONS TO LOVE
IT’S A FUN NIGHT OUT:
Put down the remote, get out, and enjoy yourself!
ESCAPE THE EVERYDAY: As the house lights go down, feel your daily worries fade with them.
IT’S SOCIAL: Meet other Calgarians who are making the most of their city.
IT’S THE PERFECT DATE:
››free exchanges Exchange your tickets for FREE up to 2 business days prior to the date you cannot attend (normally $7 per ticket).
Book a sitter, treat yourself to a dinner you don’t have to make, and spend quality time with someone special!
››no service fees Subscribers NEVER pay service fees on their subscription tickets or any additional tickets.
IT’S ANOTHER WORLD:
››front of the line Get your tickets for A Christmas Carol, tc up close production Touch Me, and our collaboration with the High Performance Rodeo Onegin BEFORE they go on sale to the general public.
FEEL CONNECTED:
››flexibility Pay for your subscription with 3 easy payments. 1/3 of your total is payable on the date you renew, and the other 2 payments are due July 1 and August 1. ››and more� Visit our website for a full list of subscriber benefits.
SUBSCRIBE FOR AS LITTLE AS $200!
theatrecalgary.com 403-294-7447
Let a great story whisk you off to somewhere entirely new. Be reminded that we are more alike than we are different.
Here’s one more great reason:
IT’S OUR 50th ANNIVERSARY – JOIN THE CELEBRATION!
world premiere
BLOW WIND HIGH WATER by Sharon Pollock Directed by Simon Mallett September 5 to 30, 2017
It’s rainin’. And the Elbow’s risin’.
A raging flood threatens three generations of Calgarians as they struggle to come together to keep from going under. With a surging river and an aged patriarch trapped in time, the family attempts to create a legacy worth inheriting by future generations. A profound, playful, and magical new Canadian play. What better way to celebrate our 50th season than to debut a new play, with Calgary at its centre, by one of Canada’s greatest playwrights – Sharon Pollock. This play was commissioned and developed through fuse : The Enbridge New Play Development Program at Theatre Calgary. A thrilling start to our season. – Shari
Sisters:
The Belles Soeurs Musical
In 1960s Montreal, Germaine Lauzon, a working-class housewife, has just won the jackpot – one million trading stamps. But who can she trust when her jealous family and neighbours come over for a stampsticking party? This joyous windfall of humour, heart, and music is sure to pay off! Michel Tremblay’s original play is perhaps the most iconic work of French-Canadian theatre ever written. We’re proud to bring this new, English-language musical adaptation out West. You will revel in the jealousies and fantasies of these wonderful Montreal women. – Shari
new canadian musical
SISTERS: THE BELLES SOEURS MUSICAL Based on the play Les Belles-Soeurs by Michel Tremblay Book, Lyrics and Direction by René Richard Cyr Music by Daniel Bélanger English Book adapted by Brian Hill English Lyrics adapted by Neil Bartram Music Adaptation and Additional Music by Neil Bartram Orchestrations by Chris Barillaro October 10 to November 4, 2017
“Highly entertaining... deliciously funny.” MONTRE A L GA ZET TE
a copa de oro productions ltd. and segal centre for the performing arts production
TwelfthNight Twins Viola and Sebastian are separated in a shipwreck and forced to find their way in a strange new land on their own. Fortunately, Illyria holds much misadventure, love, and laughter for them both. This refreshing take on Shakespeare’s classic comedy will leave you rolling in the aisles and begging for a thirteenth night. Calgary’s Old Trout Puppet Workshop is world-renowned for their wildly fantastical and brilliantly inventive designs. Combine their imaginations with Shakespeare’s wit, and Jillian Keiley’s direction, and the results are truly original and hilarious. You’ve never seen the Bard like this. – Shari
delightfully silly classic
TWELFTH NIGHT by William Shakespeare Directed by Jillian Keiley As Imagined by The Old Trout Puppet Workshop Originally produced by Canada’s National Arts Centre January 30 to February 24, 2018
“Laugh-out-loud funny.” THE GLOBE A ND M A IL
The Humans Peer inside a duplex tenement apartment in New York City’s Chinatown as the Blake family gathers for Thanksgiving. It isn’t long until old tensions boil over and personal secrets are laid on the table. One of the most critically-acclaimed plays from Broadway in recent years, The Humans is definitely something to be thankful for. Every once in a while a play comes along that so perfectly and honestly captures the fears, the hopes, and the humanity of our times. Winner of the 2016 Tony Award for Best Play and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, this play is both achingly real and piercingly funny. – Shari tony award-winning comedy-drama
THE HUMANS by Stephen Karam March 6 to 31, 2018
“Truly remarkable and exceptionally moving.” CHICAGO TRIBUNE
heart-warming broadway musical
THE SECRET GARDEN Book and Lyrics by Marsha Norman Music by Lucy Simon Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett April 17 to May 19, 2018
The
Secret Garden
All that garden needs is us to come wake it up. This beloved classic children’s book comes beautifully to life in this stunning Broadway musical. A young orphan girl is sent to live with her reclusive uncle on his dark and depressing estate. When she discovers the key to a neglected garden, she reawakens the magic locked inside the garden walls and her family’s heart. The original book has enchanted readers of all ages around the world for over a century. This musical adaptation is a glorious way to celebrate the transformative power of the imagination and the magic of theatre. A perfect way to close our 50th anniversary season! – Shari
I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
shakespeare by the bow
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Adapted and Directed by Dennis Garnhum Associate Director Simon Mallett Starring Stephen Hair as Ebenezer Scrooge November 23 to December 24, 2017
As You Like It
by William Shakespeare Directed by Samantha MacDonald June 20 to August 27, 2017 – this summer! This summer, follow our brave heroine Rosalind and her cousin Celia as they escape the rigid rules of court life for the wilds and freedom of the Forest of Arden. Here, they will fall in and out of love, encounter one of Shakespeare’s greatest fools, and discover the value of true friendship. Our Shakespeare by the Bow program has become one of the highlights of Calgary’s summer season. We are proud to showcase a company of emerging Alberta actors in our annual outdoor production. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and join us for a gorgeous evening in Prince’s Island Park. – Shari
All the world’s a stage. Shakespeare by the Bow takes place at Prince’s Island Park at 7pm. Visit theatrecalgary.com and follow @shakesbow for up-to-theminute information.
Victors, Villains, & Vixens Directed by Haysam Kadri Join us for a special presentation featuring Shakespeare’s most notorious characters. St. Patrick’s Island July 25 to 30 at 7pm Prince’s Island August 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, and 25 at 12 noon
Theatre Calgary’s annual production of Dickens’ classic tale has become a favourite holiday tradition. Let Tiny Tim, and the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future melt your heart with kindness and rejoice in the music of the season. Few stories can rival the power and timelessness of A Christmas Carol. On our golden anniversary, I can think of no better celebration of our history, our artists, and the support of our community than our annual production. To quote Mr. Dickens: “May it haunt your houses pleasantly.” – Shari
Onegin
theatre calgary and one yellow rabbit performance theatre present the arts club theatre company production of
“A fierce, funny, original work of new musical theatre.” CALGARY HERALD
Book, Music & Lyrics by Veda Hille and Amiel Gladstone Based on the poem by Pushkin and the opera by Tchaikovsky
Part of the 32nd Annual High Performance Rodeo, Calgary’s International Festival of the Arts
January 5 to 13, 2018
Touch Me: forte musical theatre’s
Songs for a (Dis)Connected Age Directed by JP Thibodeau Musical Direction by Joe Slabe September 26 to October 7, 2017
This passionate retelling of a Russian classic will blow your mind. Innovative and in-your-face, this is musical theatre at its best. A runaway hit in Vancouver last season, Onegin is undeniably charming and unreservedly sexy. Don’t let this lover get away. Raise a glass and toast to this utterly fresh and contemporary telling of an old Russian tale. It really doesn’t matter how you say it (it’s ohn-yaygin); it’s a great way to heat up a Calgary winter night. – Shari
tc up close presents big ideas in smaller spaces. Touch Me takes place in Arts Commons Big Secret Theatre.
Equal parts hilarious and heart wrenching, this modern musical revue impresses with its soaring vocals and refreshingly true depictions of our most private technological transgressions. Winner of three Calgary Critics’ Awards, Touch Me is bound to get you thinking about the connections in your life. Forte Musical Theatre has become a vibrant force in the Calgary musical theatre scene. This original musical so brilliantly presents the ironies, complexities, and downright absurdities of how we interact in the age of smartphones and social media. It’s one you’ll definitely want to Tweet about. – Shari
“You’re lucky you’re alive right now – you get to see Onegin.” GEORGIA STRAIGHT
A STELLAR CAST Theatre Calgary’s work on stage and in the community would not be possible without a strong supporting cast. These organizations have demonstrated a commitment to community building by investing in the performing arts. Theatre Calgary is proud to acknowledge the extraordinary generosity of these contributors.
IMPORTANT DATES AT A GLANCE April 28, 2017 – Early Bird Deadline Renew early for the best seats at the very best price
June 16, 2017 – Renewal Deadline Renew by this date to keep your same seats
June 20, 2017 – Shakespeare by the Bow, As You Like It July 25, 2017 – Single Tickets on Sale Buy early for the best seats and the best prices
MAX BELL THEATRE BALCONY 2
BALCONY 1
MEZZANINE
ORCHESTRA
STAGE
Price Level 1 Price Level 2 Price Level 3 Price Level 4
(single tickets) Please contact for Box Pricing
SUPPORT THE THEATRE YOU LOVE Theatre Calgary is a charitable organization that depends on engaged community partners and generous donors. To learn more about how you can have an impact, visit theatrecalgary.com or call 403-294-7447. Art Direction and graphic design by Punch & Judy Inc. Photography by David Cooper including Meg Roe in Onegin. Allison Lynch in A Christmas Carol is a composite image using photographs by David Cooper and Trudie Lee. Photos of the cast of Sisters: The Belles Soeurs Musical, and Tristan D. Lalla, Bruce Dow, and Janelle Cooper in Twelfth Night by Andrée Lanthier. Photo of Shakespeare by the Bow by Trudie Lee. Theatre Calgary thanks the models who appear in this season’s brochure illustrations: Stephen Hair, Molly Spratt, Antoine Yared, Henry Bendik, Karen Bendik, Allysha Witt, Judith Horner, Marli Sanders-Beaudry, and Selina Wong. Special thanks to the Grand Theatre and the Stratford Festival.
September 5, 2017 – Season Opens with Blow Wind High Water September 26, 2017 – tc up close Touch Me: Songs for a (Dis)Connected Age October 10, 2017 – Sisters: The Belles Soeurs Musical November 23, 2017 – A Christmas Carol, 31 years of spirited tradition January 5, 2018 – Onegin, High Performance Rodeo January 30, 2018 – Twelfth Night March 6, 2018 – The Humans April 17, 2018 – The Secret Garden
theatrecalgary.com 403-294-7447 220 9th avenue se calgary, alberta t2g 5c4
theatre calgary performs in arts commons max bell theatre, at the corner of 9 ave and macleod trail se cover photo of the cast of belles soeurs: the musical, segal centre 2014, by andrée lanthier.
Come and join us as we celebrate 50 years! BLOW WIND AS YOU HIGH WATER LIKE IT
shakespeare by the bow
SISTERS: THE BELLES SOEURS MUSICAL high performance rodeo
ONEGIN
THE HUMANS
TWELFTH A CHRISTMAS NIGHT CAROL
THE TOUCH ME: SECRET SONGS FOR A (DIS) CONNECTED AGE GARDEN tc up close
theatrecalgary.com 403-294-7447