Mirvish's 2014-15 Season to Feature Angela Lansbury in BLITHE SPIRIT, KINKY BOOTS, BUYER & CELLAR & More

David Mirvish has finalized all the details and shows for his 2014-15 line-up of shows. There will be seven shows in the Mainstage Subscription Series, three in the Off-Mirvish Subscription Series and nine bonus shows not on subscription. That brings the total to a record 19 shows for the 2014-15 season.

The Mainstage Subscription Series will include two new Tony Award winners and Canadian premieres - 2013 Best Musical, KINKY BOOTS, which will have a Canadian sit-down production at the Royal Alexandra Theatre; and Disney's© 2012 Best Score and Best Choreography-winner, NEWSIES.

Newly announced is a rare opportunity to see the legendary Angela Lansbury in director Michael Blakemore's acclaimed production of BLITHE SPIRIT by Noel Coward, fresh from a sell-out run in London's West End.

The Tony Award-winning TITANIC is newly confirmed for the Mainstage Subscription and will also hail from England, as will the swashbuckling spectacular from the Royal Shakespeare Company, THE HEART OF ROBIN HOOD, and 25th anniversary production of the riveting historical drama OUR COUNTRY'S GOOD!, considered a classic of contemporary writing.

From Canada, the Shaw Festival's 2013 sell-out success ARCADIA rounds out the Main Subscription.

The Off-Mirvish Subscription Series will consist of three comedies - the Tony Award-winning Best Play VANYA & SONIA & MASHA & SPIKE, the off-Broadway smash-hit BUYER & CELLAR and a new multimedia comedy from Rick Miller, BOOM.

The nine bonus shows not on subscription include: BLADES ON STAGE, a world premiere that will combine the best of an ice skating show with a theatrical musical presentation and will star such luminaries as Elvis Stojko, Shae-Lynn Bourne, Violetta Afansieva and Pete Dack: the return of everyone's favourite royal Dame Edna in GLORIOUS GOODBYE - THE FAREWELL TOUR; and an all-Canadian cast for the musical ONCE.

MAIN SUBSCRIPTION SEASON
The 7-show Subscription is priced from $135 to $639.

OUR COUNTRY'S GOOD
Directed by Max Stafford-Clark
By Timberlake Wertenbaker
Based on The Playmaker by Thomas Keneally

September 13 to October 26, 2014
Royal Alexandra Theatre

In 1788, Britain opened Australia's first penal colony with 734 men, women and children-criminals-sent into exile "for our country's good." This brilliant historical drama tells the powerful, true story of a ragbag cast of those first convicts who put on a play under the guidance of an earnest young marine officer. As the barriers between captors and captives break down, they start to discover each other, both onstage and behind the scenes.

On the 25th anniversary of its Olivier Award-winning premiere, original, acclaimed director Max Stafford-Clark brings us his new production of this great classic!

David Mirvish presents the Shaw Festival production of
ARCADIA
By Tom Stoppard
Directed by Eda Holmes

November 4 to December 14, 2014
Royal Alexandra Theatre

You are in for a dazzling Tom Stoppard tale of secrecy and intrigue that's been hailed by critics as a masterpiece. It's a mystery wrapped in a love story, wrapped in a scandal. In its unraveling, the play zigs and zags from mathematics to poetry, from sex to gardening! It's a time and mind-bending roller-coaster ride that is also one of Stoppard's funniest and most moving plays.

We are delighted to bring Toronto this record-breaking, sell-out, hit Shaw Festival production of an Olivier and Evening Standard Award-winner that The New York Times called "Stoppard's richest, most ravishing comedy to date, a play of wit, intellect, language, brio and emotion."

THE HEART OF ROBIN HOOD
By David Farr
Music by Parsonsfield
Lyrics by Parsonsfield and David Farr
Directed by Gisli Örn Gardarsson

December 23, 2014 to March 1, 2015
Royal Alexandra Theatre

Forget everything you ever knew about Robin Hood! Playwright David Farr and director Gisli Örn Gardarsson have reimagined the folklore to create an intelligent and inventive new legend all their own.

In this spectacular rendition of the fabled tale, Robin and his very unmerry gang of cutthroats may steal from the rich, but it's never occurred to them to give anything back to anyone! But, as the wicked Prince John threatens all, bold Marion steps up to protect the poor... and convert the thuggish Robin from outlaw to hero.

Originally commissioned by Britain's Royal Shakespeare Company, our rollicking production of this 2013 U.K. hit is filled with magic, adventure, romance, laughter and music performed by the acclaimed group Parsonsfield! Just be aware: Don't blink or you'll miss the shark!

Angela Lansbury starring in
Noël Coward's BLITHE SPIRIT
Directed by Michael Blakemore

February 11 to March 15, 2015
Princess of Wales Theatre

Following the internationally acclaimed sold-out engagements on Broadway and London's West End, theatre legend, Oscar-recipient and five-time Tony Award-winner ANGELA LANSBURY returns to the stage this winter in her Tony Award-winning role as Madame Arcati, in Michael Blakemore's revival of Noël Coward's timeless comedy, BLITHE SPIRIT. Don't miss what New York Times hails, "A laugh machine sheathed in satiny sophistication!"

Wit... Style... Laughter... Why, it's the most spirited comedy you've seen in years.

TITANIC The Musical
Music & Lyrics by Maury Yeston
Book by Peter Stone
Directed by Thom Southerland

May 20 to June 21, 2015
Princess of Wales Theatre

The haunting tragedy of the great ship Titanic is transformed by composer and lyricist Maury Yeston (Nine, Grand Hotel) into a riveting musical in which the hopes and dreams of rich and poor, heroes and cowards, lovers and foes are woven together in a celebration of the human spirit.

The original Broadway production won five Tony awards, including Best Musical. Now, British director Thom Southerland's acclaimed reimagining will come direct from London for its North American premiere at the Princess of Wales Theatre!

Daryl Roth & Hal Luftig
By arrangement with David Mirvish present
KINKY BOOTS
Book by Harvey Fierstein
Music and Lyrics by Cyndi Lauper
Directed & Choreographed by Jerry Mitchell
Based on the MIRAMAX MOTION PICTURE KINKY BOOTS written by Geoff Deane & Tim Firth

Begins June 24, 2015
Royal Alexandra Theatre

Broadway's high-heeled hit! KINKY BOOTS tells the story of Charlie, who has inherited his father's nearly bankrupt shoe factory. Trying to save his family business, he finds inspiration-and much more-in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos.

With direction and Tony-winning choreography by Jerry Mitchell, a book by four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein and a score by Cyndi Lauper, this red-hot musical smash has sold-out audiences dancing-and strutting-in the aisles every night!

Winner of six Tony awards including Best Musical and Best Score!

This will be a sit-down Canadian production. Auditions for the cast will begin shortly.

Disney's
NEWSIES
Book by Harvey Fierstein
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Jack Feldman
Directed by Jeff Calhoun
Choreographed by Christopher Gattelli
Based on the DISNEY MOTION PICTURE NEWSIES, original screenplay by Bob Tzudiker & Noni White

July 8 to August 16, 2015
Ed Mirvish Theatre

They delivered the papers, until they made the headlines. Direct from Broadway comes NEWSIES, the smash-hit, crowd-pleasing new musical from Disney!

Based on true events, NEWSIES tells the captivating story of a band of underdogs who become unlikely heroes when they stand up to the most powerful men in New York. It's a rousing tale about fighting for what's right... and staying true to who you are.

With a score by Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast) and Jack Feldman (The Lion King II: Simba's Pride), book by Harvey Fierstein (La Cage Aux Folles, Kinky Boots), choreography by Christopher Gattelli (South Pacific) and direction by Jeff Calhoun (Big River), it's a high-energy explosion of song and dance you just don't want to miss!

Winner of the 2012 Tony awards for Best Score and Best Choreography!

OFF-MIRVISH SEASON

Off-Mirvish is our second stage series, bringing Toronto audiences adventurous new ideas and stimulating new experiences in theatre.

The 3-show Off-Mirvish subscription is priced at only $99 (rear orchestra) or $149 (front orchestra).

BUYER & CELLAR
The Hit Comedy By Jonathan Tolins
Starring Christopher J. Hanke
Directed by Stephen Brackett
November 12 to 30, 2014
Panasonic Theatre

BUYER & CELLAR is an outrageous new comedy about the oddest of odd jobs: "an underemployed Los Angeles actor going to work in Barbra Streisand's Malibu basement" (The New York Times). Broadway star Christopher J, Hanke plays the lucky actor in this brilliant, hilarious and outrageously inventive comedy.

David Mirvish presents the Kdoons and Wyrd Production

BOOM
Written, Directed & Performed By Rick Miller
January 15 to February 1, 2015
Panasonic Theatre

Part explosive performance, part riveting documentary (and part nostalgia trip), BOOM is a one man tour-de-force that captures the defining moments of the baby-boom generation.

Folding the past into the future with state-of-the-art multimedia, Gemini and Dora Award-winner Rick Miller guides us through 25 years of turbulent history and portrays the world's most influential politicians, activists and musicians. It's a mind-blowing experience for audiences of all generations!

With unforgettable characters in a stunning solo performance, BOOM made its festival premiere this January, presented by Theatre Calgary and One Yellow Rabbit. Be among the first to see its premiere run in Toronto and see why Entertainment Weekly has called Rick Miller "one of the 100 most creative people alive today!"

VANYA & SONIA & MASHA & SPIKE
By Christopher Durang
Directed by Dean Paul Gibson

Starring:
Steven Sutcliffe as Vanya
Fiona Reid as Sonia
Jennifer Dale as Masha
Luke Humphrey as Spike
Ellen Denny as Nina
Audrey Dwyer as Cassandra

March 14 to April 5, 2015
Panasonic Theatre

TONY AWARD BEST PLAY

What's in a name? It can be quite a lot... if your parents have named you and your siblings for dysfunctional characters in the plays of Chekhov.

Middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia are so wallowed in boredom, depression, self-pity and resentment that they can't even change out of their pajamas... until sister Masha comes home with a new boy-toy in tow. Can the hunky Spike deliver these lost souls from misery?

This outrageous, Tony Award -winning farce by Christopher Durang (Sister Mary Ignatius Explains it All For You, Beyond Therapy, The Marriage of Bette and Boo) was Broadway's comedy hit of 2013! You're going to love this Canadian premiere production, even if you can't tell your Uncle Vanya from your Seagull.

BONUS SHOWS

WICKED
By Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman
Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire
Musical Staging by Wayne Cilento
Directed by Joe Mantello

Now On Stage until November 2, 2014
Ed Mirvish Theatre

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Variety calls WICKED "a cultural phenomenon," and it continues to break box office records across North America. Winner of over 50 major awards, including a Grammy and three Tony awards, WICKED is "Broadway's biggest blockbuster" - The New York Times.

Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the Land of Oz. One-born with emerald green skin-is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for "the most complete-and completely satisfying-musical in a long time" - USA Today.

THE BOOK OF MORMON
Book, Music & Lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone
Co-directed by Trey Parker and Casey Nicholaw
Choreographed by Casey Nicholaw
Now On Stage until November 30, 2014
Princess of Wales Theatre
MORMON'S BACK!

The New York Times calls it "the best musical of this century." The Washington Post says, "It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals." Entertainment Weekly says, "Grade A: The funniest musical of all time." And Jon Stewart of The Daily Show calls it "A crowning achievement. So good it makes me angry."

It's THE BOOK OF MORMON, the nine-time Tony Award- winning Best Musical from the creators of South Park.

For more information please visit BookofMormonTheMusical.com

Contains explicit language.

THE BEST OF THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL

Every August over a million people descend on the city of Edinburgh in Scotland to partake of over 3,000 different stage shows. Most shows barely make a ripple, but those that manage to captivate audiences often go on to worldwide touring success. The Edinburgh Fringe is unlike any other festival, and in this inaugural mini-festival at the Panasonic Theatre we present two very different shows that highlight what the Edinburgh Fringe does best:

JULIE MADLY DEEPLY
Conceived by and Starring Sarah-Louise Young
Musical director Michael Roulston
Directed by Russell Lucas

September 30 - October 19 (in rep with THE BOY WITH TAPE ON HIS FACE)
Panasonic Theatre

Adored by millions, Dame Julie Andrews is a genuine legend of showbiz around the globe. This charming and cheeky musical show features songs from The Sound Of Music, My Fair Lady, Mary Poppins, Victor/Victoria and many more. Julie's incredible career is celebrated by a true super-fan: the award-winning singer, West End actress and international cabaret star Sarah-Louise Young, who has been named by Time Out as one of London's Top Ten cabaret performers.

The brilliant songs are linked by stories and anecdotes about Andrews' own life, from her beginnings as a child star to the recent challenges of losing her famous singing voice. What emerges is a delightfully funny and candid love letter to a true show business survivor.

THE BOY WITH TAPE ON HIS FACE
Starring Sam Wills
October 1 - October 19 (in rep with JULIE MADLY DEEPLY)
Panasonic Theatre

This unique silent comedy phenomenon has won standing ovations across the globe, including a sold-out season in London's West End and playing for the Queen as part of the esteemed Royal Variety Performance. Now, The Boy With Tape On His Face comes to Toronto for the first time in this strictly limited season.

'The Boy' is New Zealand's Sam Wills, whose piercing blue eyes stare out above a mouth that remains firmly sealed with gaffer tape throughout the show. Everyday objects are put to incredible new uses, with the help of genius slapstick imagination and a brilliant popular soundtrack. Each carefully prepared scene builds suspense until its hilarious and unpredictable climax... sometimes with the help of audience volunteers!

In The Boy's world of possibilities, the only certainty is laughter. That's why audiences of all ages the world over have been flocking to his shows for five years, with many compelled to return and enjoy it all over again.

Don't miss this unique blend of stand-up comedy with no talking, drama with no dialogue, and punch lines without words. Witness how this global hit speaks for itself through gales of laughter

DONNY & MARIE: A BROADWAY CHRISTMAS
December 9 to 21, 2014
Princess of Wales Theatre

In the holiday tradition of the "Osmond Family Christmas" television specials, the legendary Donny and Marie invite you and your family to celebrate the spirit of the season in true Osmond fashion. With a dash of Christmas spirit and their trademark show-stopping production numbers, DONNY & MARIE: A BROADWAY CHRISTMAS features Christmas songs and cheer plus hits from their illustrious careers all mixed with their irresistible chemistry that made them international stars.

This wildly popular Christmas blockbuster, seen by more than 125,000 fans on Broadway, in Chicago, Los Angeles and across the country, is finally coming to the Princess of Wales Theatre. Entertainment Weekly raved: "INSANELY ENTERTAINING. A song and dance spectacular."

JERSEY BOYS
Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice
Music by Bob Gaudio and Lyrics by Bob Crewe
Choreography by Sergio Trujillo
Directed by Des McAnuff

December 17, 2014 - January 4, 2015
Ed Mirvish Theatre

"TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!" raves the New York Post for JERSEY BOYS, the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the true story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide-all before they were 30!

JERSEY BOYS features their hit songs "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Rag Doll," "Oh What a Night" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You." Richard Ouzounian, of The Toronto Star, says "You'll cheer in your seats! This is the real thing". The JERSEY BOYS creative team comprises two-time Tony Award-winning director and Toronto native Des McAnuff, book writers Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, composer Bob Gaudio, lyricist Bob Crewe and choreographer Sergio Trujillo, another Toronto native.

BLADES ON STAGE: A Broadway Holiday Spectacular On Ice
Directed & Choreographed by Steven Cousins
Production & Lighting Design by Gary Wilson & Errol Reinhart
Costumes by Denis Pizzacalla
Organized & Produced by Disson Skating

December 24, 2014 to January 4, 2015
Princess of Wales Theatre

Canada's finest skating artists are being brought from the ice rinks into the legitimate theatre. Elvis Stojko, Shae-Lynn Bourne, Violetta Afansieva & Pete Dack are among the luminaries who will star in this brand new show specifically created for the Princess of Wales Theatre. The massive stage of this state-of-the-art theatre will be frozen to allow these world champions and Olympians to present their brilliant moves to an audience enjoying the comfort of a real theatre. They will be interpreting many of the standards of musical theatre, with a few holiday favourites thrown in. BLADES ON STAGE promises spectacular holiday entertainment for the whole family.

DAME EDNA'S GLORIOUS GOODBYE - THE FAREWELL TOUR

April 9 - 19, 2015
Royal Alexandra Theatre

In a side-splitting, historic finale, Dame Edna Everage is capping a spectacular career spanning 50 years of bravura showmanship in this farewell celebratory, sold-out performances show across the world. With her take-no-prisoners comedy and hijinks, Dame Edna is not going out with a whimper: No one is safe from the Dame's wicked tongue.

ONCE
Playwright Enda Walsh
Music & Lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová
Directed by John Tiffany

Begins February 10, 2015
Ed Mirvish Theatre

Toronto fell in love with ONCE in December 2013, when the first touring company of the Tony Award-winning musical played here for a limited run; a critical and popular hit, it sold out every single seat during its six-week run. The Toronto Star called ONCE "a perfect illustration of the magic that musical theatre at its best is capable of." The Globe and Mail awarded it four stars, its highest rating.

The response to ONCE was so strong, David Mirvish committed to producing a sit-down production starring an all-Canadian cast.

After extensive cross-country auditions, he has announced the cast.

IAN LAKE will star as Guy and TRISH LINDSTRÖM will star as Girl.

Also featuring STEPHANIE CADMAN as Ex-Girlfriend, NATHAN CARROL as Andrej, EMILY LUKASIK as Reza, JON-ALEX MACFARLANE as Bank Manager, BRANDON MCGIBBON as Svec, STEPHEN GUY-MCGRATH as Billy, LAURIE MURDOCH as Da, BRENDAN WALL as Eamon, JEREMY WALMSLEY as Emcee, BEN CAMENZULI, GABI EPSTEIN, JUSTIN RAISEBECK, ALICIA TONER and SEANA-LEE WOOD.

Photo: David Mirvish with Elvis Stojko wearing a pair of "Kinky Boots." By Alan Henry.