Theatre Calgary's Stafford Arima Announces 2019-20 Season of Compelling Stories Highlighting Calgary Artists

Theatre Calgary's Artistic Director, Stafford Arima, has announced our 2019-20 season of plays.

Continuing our commitment to utilizing Calgary's rich acting and creative talent, this season will see us go on a journey from farce to greed, from a 'humbug' to a prom, and from a prep-school to a meeting of legends. Our stage will be filled with shows that both resonate and delight, and will include a significant number of Calgary actors, designers, and play-wrights.

"Since the day I arrived in Calgary, I have seen how much our audiences want to be both challenged and entertained. This new season boasts a selection of rich stories, characters, and journeys that our longtime patrons and new audiences are looking for," says Arima. "I've also experienced how deep the design, directing, and performing talent pool is in our city, and I'm so happy that we can fill this season with so many local artists both onstage and off."

Theatre Calgary's 2019-20 season starts off in early September with a belly full of laughs in Michael Frayn's NOISES OFF.

What typically goes on behind the scenes? Watch as a group of actors humorously navigate their rehearsal just hours before performing British sex comedy "Nothing On." Often referred to as one of the best farces ever written, Noises Off is witty
and elegant, striking comedic-gold with unlimited energy and precise timing. Noises Off will be directed by Calgary's Mark Bellamy, and feature a predominantly Calgary acting and creative team (including designers Deitra Kalyn and Anton de Groot). "This established British comedy is the perfect way to start the season. The play is quite relatable to anyone who has been a part of the cast or crew of a production. And for those who haven't, it's an exaggerated glimpse at what can go wrong when bringing
a play to life," says Arima.

Our second production arrives in mid-October as Theatre Calgary presents ICELAND, by Canadian playwright Nicolas Billon, and directed by Theatre Calgary's Artistic Associate Jenna Turk (who served as assistant director on the 2012 world premiere). This powerful one-act play, which received the Governor General's Award for Drama in 2013, follows three expertly written, imperfect characters through their relationships with money, greed and righteousness. Told through three interconnected monologues, this dark comedy explores humanity and the state of capitalism. Iceland will also feature a Calgary acting and creative team (including designers Hanne Loosen and Cimmeron Meyer). "Iceland puts a theatrical
window up to capitalism, commenting on greed through satire. Nicolas Billon's expertly written play brings humanity and humour to those characters struggling with the guiding systems of capitalism," remarks Arima.

Next, Theatre Calgary celebrates 33 years of spirited tradition in our city with an all-new adaptation of our annual production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. We are thrilled to announce that Calgary playwright Geoffrey Simon Brown has adapted Charles Dickens' classic tale, and this production will also bring a beautiful new set and projection design by Scott Reid, costumes by Deitra Kalyn, along with a cast of all Calgary-based talent. Says Arima, "This brand-new family-friendly adaptation by Geoffrey Simon Brown brings the spirit of Christmas to life on our stage. Geoff has meticulously focused on creating the world of Dickens and Scrooge that will be very familiar to those that treasure this tale of redemption, family, and ghosts."

In January, we kick-off the new year by producing a large-scale musical to the stage that will be both vastly entertaining and immensely heartfelt. In association with Mary Young Leckie (Solo Productions), Theatre Calgary will present THE LOUDER WE GET, with a book by Kent Staines, lyrics by Akiva Romer-Segal, and music by Colleen Dauncey (all three are originally from Alberta). Directing will be Broadway and West End veteran Lonny Price, whose long career with musicals includes directing Glenn Close in the recent revival of Sunset Boulevard, and Sweeney Todd with Emma Thompson. The Louder We Get is a dazzling musical that follows the compelling and inspirational true story of Marc Hall as he fights for his right to take his boyfriend to prom. Featuring colourful pop-inspired songs, and heart-warming unity, this is an electric love story unlike anything seen before at Theatre Calgary. "I am so incredibly elated and thrilled that The Louder We Get will be presented in my home city, and at Theatre Calgary," says Hall. "This musical shares such important messages about love, acceptance, community, and resilience. Although based on events that happened in 2002, the story and learnings are relevant, timely, and what we need to hear right now. I am very much looking forward to sharing my story in this beautiful way."FOR

In March of 2020, we bring the sharp social wit of Bad Jews playwright Joshua Harmon back to our stage with his new play, ADMISSIONS. As the admissions director at a New England prep school, Sherri Rosen-Mason aims to change the school for the better through increasing inclusivity and diversity. When her son and his Black American best friend both apply to Yale, Sherri's vision for her son's future gets in the way of her liberal, white beliefs. Admissions is yet another stunning, raw, honest and hilarious depiction of humanity by Harmon. Directing the show will be Calgary's Jamie Dunsdon, with designs from Andy Moro and Victoria Krawchuk. "From parenting to privilege, this contemporary American play is as thought
provoking as it is relevant. This astonishing piece of playwriting challenges the notion of privilege and deserving a seat at the table," remarks Arima.

Our 2019-20 season will close out with Theatre Calgary's production of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, with book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, and directed by Dean Paul Gibson. Four rock n' roll legends are brought together in Memphis Tennessee at Sun Record Studios for an impromptu jam session. Prepare for a blast from the past! It's December 4, 1956, you are in the recording studio with Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley. You see them play together for the first and only time. These nostalgic rock n' roll classics will have you wanting to jump out of your seat to dance. Joining the creative team are Joe Slabe, Katharine Zaborsky, Scott Reid, Deitra Kalyn and Alan Brodie. "Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this nostalgic musical with hit-after-hit songs including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Great Balls of Fire," and "I Walk the Line." It's the perfect way to escape and reminisce through the magic of music and theatre," says Arima.

Theatre Calgary is also pleased to continue the tradition of Shakespeare by the Bow, as we officially kick-off our 2019-20 season this summer with A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM, directed by Ted Dykstra, and adapted by Dykstra and Jenna Turk. One of Shakespeare's most popular works, A Midsummer Night's Dream follows four young lovers and a group of six amateur actors through the forest as they are influenced and manipulated by a band of forest-dwelling fairies. The show will once again feature a company of Alberta's up-and-coming actors and every performance is pay-what-you-will. "We are so happy to once again be able to support, and present, the next generation of theatre artists as they take on this magical tale and lead you through a frenzy of love and mischief," says Arima.

Theatre Calgary Commissions

Theatre Calgary is also excited to announce four new commissions. These works fall under our tcScribes program, part of our ongoing commitment to developing new voices, new plays, and new musicals.

FORGIVENESS by Mark Sakamoto, Adapted for the stage by Hiro Kanagawa. A co-commission with Vancouver's Arts Club Theatre, Forgiveness is Mark Sakamoto's family memoir of World War II. The book won the Canada Reads 2018 competition, and is currently being developed into a TV miniseries. "Theatre Calgary is thrilled to be collaborating with Ashley and the Arts Club on bringing Mark Sakamoto's Forgiveness to the stage. Having such a personal connection to the subject matter of the Japanese Canadian internment, I am excited to see how Hiro Kanagawa shapes these intriguing characters into a narrative for theatre." - Arima

Mark Sakamoto is a lawyer by training, and has enjoyed a rich and varied career. He began his professional career in live music, working with several international acts. He has worked at a national law firm, a national broadcaster and has served as a senior political advisor to a national party leader. He is an entrepreneur and investor in digital health, digital media and real estate. He sits on the Board of the Ontario Media Development Corporation. Sakamoto lives in Toronto with his wife and two children.

Hiro Kanagawa is an actor and a Governor General's Award-winning playwright who lives in Vancouver. His distinctions include Jessie Richardson Awards for both acting and writing, an Asians on Film award, and numerous other nominations. His plays Tiger of Malaya and The Patron Saint of Stanley Park have been performed across Canada. His most recent play, Indian Arm received the 2017 Governor-General's Literary Award for Drama.

RUN by Lisa Codrington
Run is an exploration of why black people run. Whether it's for fun, for work or for our lives; the play asks whether black people should keep pace, stop, or run even faster.
"Lisa Codrington is a thrilling force to be reckoned with. I am deeply moved by her ideas, thoughts, and mile-long investigations within this project entitled, RUN." - Arima

Lisa Codrington is a Toronto-based actor and writer. Her writing has been produced in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean. Select writing credits include The Adventures of the Black Girl in Her Search for God, Up the Garden Path and Cast
Iron, which was short listed for the Governor General's Literary Award for Drama. Lisa is a recipient of the Carol Bolt Award for Playwrights and the K.M. Hunter Theatre Award.

THE F WORD by Keshia Cheesman and Bianca Miranda

The F Word (the f word, in this case, being "fat") is a piece that fuses song, movement, poetry, and narratives confronting fat phobia, diet culture, and celebrating Keshia's and Bianca's personal journeys towards body acceptance. Through this piece, they challenge audiences to re-define the type of bodies deserving to be seen or heard on stage.

"The F Word brings together a diverse treasure trove of theatrical delights through the incredible voices of Keshia and Bianca. These Calgarian artists have been willing and open to bare their souls, their lives, and their art within this unique piece" - Arima

Keshia Cheesman is a Caribbean-Canadian Calgary based creator, educator, and performer who is passionate about experiencing and creating performances rooted in the truth of humanity, and stories based on diverse and marginalized communities. In her work, she loves to combine her love for dance and movement with her passion for theatre.

Bianca Miranda is a Filipino-Canadian actor and theatre-maker based in Treaty 7 territory (Calgary, AB) and also the Artistic Associate at Handsome Alice Theatre. As an artist, she aims to authentically tell stories, elevate and support under-represented voices, and continuously advocate for diversity and equity in the arts.

MAUDIE book by Kent Staines, music and lyrics by Sarah Slean
Based on the original dramatic motion picture MAUDIE written by Sherry White and produced by Mary Young Leckie, Heather Haldane, Mary Sexton, Bob Cooper and Susan Mullen "I fell in love with this beautiful film called Maudie, and the love-affirming, however complex, relationship between Canadian folk artist, Maud Lewis and a fish seller named Everett Lewis. Their story was meant to sing, and I'm so thrilled to be collaborating with Kent Staines, Sarah Slean, and Mary Young Leckie on this exciting new musical." - Arima

2019-20 SEASON OF PLAYS

Shakespeare by the Bow
A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM - June 27 to August 18, 2019
By William Shakespeare Adapted by Ted Dykstra and Jenna Turk
Directed by Ted Dykstra
Design by Rebecca Toon
Composer Ted Dykstra
Performed in Prince's Island Park

NOISES OFF - September 10 to October 5, 2019
By Michael Frayn
Directed by Mark Bellamy
Set and Lighting by Anton de Groot
Costumes by Deitra Kalyn

Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

ICELAND - October 15 to November 2, 2019
By Nicolas Billon
Directed by Jenna Turk
Set and Costumes by Hanne Loosen
Lighting by Cimmeron Meyer

A CHRISTMAS CAROL - November 28 to December 28, 2019
By Charles Dickens Adapted for the stage by Geoffrey Simon Brown
Directed by Stafford Arima
Associate Director Haysam Kadri
Choreographer Marc Kimelman
Set and Projections by Scott Reid
Costumes by Deitra Kalyn
Lighting by Michael Walton
Composer Allison Lynch
Dramaturg Jenna Turk

This production is made possible by the generous support of The Cal Wenzel
Family Foundation

Theatre Calgary, in association with Mary Young Leckie (Solo Productions), presents
THE LOUDER WE GET - January 28 to February 22, 2020
Book by Kent Staines Lyrics by Akiva Romer-Segal Music by Colleen Dauncey
Based on the true story of Marc Hall
Directed by Lonny Price
Set by James Noone
Costumes by Cory Sincennes
Lighting Jason Hand

ADMISSIONS - March 10 to April 4, 2020
By Joshua Harmon
Directed by Jamie Dunsdon
Set by Andy Moro
Costumes by Victoria Krawchuk

Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
Originally produced by Lincoln Center Theatre, New York City, 2018

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET - April 21 to May 24, 2020
By Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux
Originally concept and direction by Floyd Mutrux
Inspired by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins
Directed by Dean Paul Gibson
Music Director Joe Slabe
Choreographer Kathy Zaborsky
Set and Projections by Scott Reid
Costumes by Deitra Kalyn
Lighting by Alan Brodie

 

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