2011/12 SEASON
Mainstage | Warehouse




GRUMPY OLD MEN: THE MUSICAL
Book by Dan Remmes, Lyrics by Nick Meglin,
Music by Neil Berg
Based on the Warner Bros. film written by
Mark Steven Johnson
Produced with permission of Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures

                                                  
                                                  October 13 – November 5, 2011 | Previews Oct. 10, 11, 12

                                                  “You don’t fish, you drown worms.” – Max

What’s there to be grumpy about in Wabasha, Minnesota? There’s lots of ice, tonnes of fish and a gorgeous new neighbour for long-time rivals John and Max to fight over. Criticized by their children for not embracing change, these two aging co-curmudgeons stand firm, content to fuel the fire of their decades-long feud. But, like it or not, everything is about to change in Wabasha. A story about the true nature of friendship and an appreciation of life’s fragility, this poignant and laugh-out-loud musical stays true to the double entendres and small-town feel of the beloved feature film.

ROMEO AND JULIET
By William Shakespeare 

November 24 – December 17, 2011 I Preview Nov. 23

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet” – Juliet

“Two households, both alike in dignity” … but not much else. Director Steven Schipper re-envisions Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, setting the tale in the imagined Verona district of present-day Jerusalem. Muslim Capulets, Jewish Montagues and Christian friars bring the world’s greatest and enduring love story to a heightened relevancy. Staying true to Shakespeare’s language, this incarnation of the play shows how compassion and love, rather than conflict and violence, have the power to heal and redeem us.

ShIRLEY VALENTINE
By Willy Russell
Starring Nicola Cavendish

January 5 – 28, 2012 | Preview Jan. 4

 

“Nicola Cavendish is simply magnificent – a sure-fire smash hit” – CBC Radio

 

For Shirley Bradshaw, maiden name Valentine, the years have gone by far too quickly, and she is now mired in an “unused life.” Unhappy in her marriage, taken advantage of by her children and ignored by pretty much everyone, Shirley jumps at the chance to escape. With wit and a colourful vocabulary, Shirley commits subtle anarchy and has the adventure of a lifetime, but what does she do when it is time to head home? Heartwarming and inspiring, Nicola Cavendish returns to MTC to reprise her role in Shirley Valentine, a play that speaks to everyone who has ever wanted more.

THE FIGHTING DAYS
By Wendy Lill

February 9 – March 3, 2012 | Preview Feb. 8

 

“I am thankful to be living in these fighting days, when there are so many things waiting to be done” – Fran

 

“Never retract, never explain, never apologize – get the thing done and let them howl,” said Nellie McClung, who sets the tone for The Fighting Days, a story about winning the vote for women and finding one’s self in the process. Francis Beynon, a farm girl, comes to the big city to stay with her sister. She lands a job at a local newspaper and is introduced to Nellie, who at first appears quite heroic. Soon, Francis begins to feel that moral concessions are being made by the suffragists in order to serve their own agenda. Powerful and shocking, this Manitoba story will leave you looking at this volatile time in a whole new way.

 

God of Carnage

By Yasmina Reza

Translated by Christopher Hampton

 

March 15 – April 7, 2012 I Preview Mar. 14

 

“There's much to be said for intelligent entertainment, and God of Carnage fills that bill with more than enough room to spare” – Wall Street Journal

 

The gloves come off as two couples come together to discuss a playground scrap. When the façade of politeness and social niceties fades away, chaos ensues, and alliances are created and broken in a fraction of a second. This knock ‘em down, drag ‘em out battle, with clafouti and Espresso, has the god of carnage reigning supreme. With surgical precision, Reza breaks down barriers and bulldozes suburban decorum in this Tony- and Olivier Award-winning play while asking what, exactly, we have sacrificed to fit the mould.

 

A co-production with Vancouver Playhouse 

Next to Normal

Music by Tom Kitt

Book & Lyrics by Brian Yorkey

Starring Jennifer Lyon

 

April 19 – May 12, 2012 I Preview April 18

 

“A brave, breathtaking musical” – New York Times

 

Who defines “normal” anyway? For many families, normal is a relative term, but for Diana and her loved ones, normal is a long way away. Against the backdrop of their own crippling pain, Diana’s daughter and husband try to cope with her mental illness and the toll it takes on the family. In this Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning “feel-everything musical,” Diana’s family decides being next to normal will just have to be enough.

 

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In the Next Room or the vibrator play

By Sarah Ruhl

 

November 3 – 19, 2011 I Preview Nov. 2

 

“Sparkles with wit and invention” – Variety

 

In the twilight of the Victorian age, the respectable Dr. Givings generates a buzz when he uses a newfangled electrical device to cure his female patients of hysteria. The treatment helps the women find relief from their maladies and restores them to a healthy glow. The treatment’s success arouses the curiosity of the doctor’s wife, who longs for her husband’s healing touch but is cursed with good health. Provocative, funny and touching, Sarah Ruhl’s stimulating comedy shines a light on the desire for physical connection and emotional intimacy in an era when women were coming into their own.

 

A co-production with Tarragon Theatre

Mrs. Warren’s Profession

By George Bernard Shaw

 

January 19 – February 4, 2012 | Preview Jan. 18

 

“Wicked balance of anger and comedy”

– New York Post

 

Mrs. Warren has worked hard to provide a good life for her daughter. But when Vivie finds out the truth about her mother’s profession, sparks fly between the two independent working women. Armed with wicked wit and astute insight, George Bernard Shaw pits mother against daughter to expose the corruption and hypocrisy of Victorian society. Will their relationship survive a battle about sex, love, money, career and morality? A sparkling comedy, Mrs. Warren’s Profession is also a scathing indictment of the social conditions for women of the era.

 

MTC presents George Bernard Shaw’s play as part of the 12^th annual Master Playwright Festival.

August: Osage County

By Tracy Letts
Starring Martha Henry

 

March 8 – 24, 2012 | Preview Mar. 7

 

“An astonishing creation – riveting, extraordinary, and incredibly funny” – Associated Press

 

When their patriarch disappears, the Weston clan reunites to deal with the crisis. But with the Westons, family time is blood sport. Leading the way through a minefield of dark secrets, repressed truths and emotional savagery is the pill-popping mommy dearest, who stirs the toxic brew with perverse delight. Rich with insight and crackling humour, August: Osage County has been hailed as the first great classic of the 21^st century. Don’t miss the Pulitzer Prize-winning tragic comedy that has audiences riveted and critics raving.



Kevin McCollum presents Rebecca Northan in

Blind Date

 

April 5 – 21 | Preview Apr. 4

“A flight of theatrical fancy that is absolutely magical” – Toronto Star 

 

Mimi, a sexy Parisian temptress, waits for her blind date to show up. When he doesn’t, she plucks a willing man from the audience to take his place. In Mimi’s hands, the date promises to be flirty, funny, sweet and maybe a little saucy. Described as “one part Tina Fey, one part Bridget Jones, and never less than totally engaging” (Calgary Herald), Blind Date is a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants fusion of clown, improvisation, theatre and social experiment.

 

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The 2011 Regional Tour 
The Melville Boys by Norm Foster