Leonard Cohen Lives on at The Gladstone, 10/26- 11/4

Bear & Co.'s No Way to Say Goodbye: Songs of Leonard Cohen showcases Cohen's work in all its power and delicacy. Four talented actor-musicians perform an evening of his songs, inviting you into the conversation as they explore their personal connections to the legendary poet and songwriter.

Accompanying themselves on a variety of instruments, this strong vocal ensemble celebrates Cohen the man, the seeker after truth, the obsessive lover, the unrelenting artist. In new musical arrangements by the ensemble, No Way to Say Goodbye digs deep into Cohen's songbook, sampling his days as a folk balladeer and the early acoustic hits such as "Suzanne," his surprising foray into pop-rock in the 70s and 80s, and the renewed creative energy of his later years, including last fall's remarkable and bittersweet final album You Want It Darker.

The show was born in the Gladstone dressing room last fall, during Bear & Co.'s production of Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well & Living in Paris, and brings back much of the same creative team. Acclaimed actor Pierre Brault joins director Eleanor Crowder and performers Rachel Eugster, Robin Guy, and Scott Richardson from the Brel production. And on most nights, you may just hear a local choir at select moments . . . and find yourself joining in, as well.

Leonard Cohen, towering Canadian icon, is in our blood. Join Bear & Co. to honour his legacy, and to voice our collective Goodbye.

Eleanor Crowder directs Pierre Brault, Rachel Eugster, Robin Guy, and Scott Richardson. Our approach, tinged with echoes of Cohen's voice, is a very personal response to the gift he gave the world. No Way to Say Goodbye: Songs of Leonard Cohen is the culmination of a year of reflection on Cohen's place in the Canadian canon-and in our hearts.

October 26-November 4 (preview October 25), Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m.. Matinees October 29 at 2:30 p.m., Nov. 1 at 11:00 a.m., and Nov 4 at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at The Gladstone: http://www.thegladstone.ca/no-way-to-say-goodbye-songs-of-leonard-cohen/

About Bear & Co. Compelling theatre, close to home. Eleanor Crowder (actor/director/producer) and Rachel Eugster (actor/singer/music director) form the core of this professional indie collective: www.bearandcompany.ca; bearandcompanytheatre@gmail.com.

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