FUNNY GIRL and More Set for Segal Centre's 2015-16 Season
By: BWW News Desk Mar. 25, 2015
In 2015-2016, the Segal Centre will continue to lead the way in the creation and production of exceptional musical theatre while shining a spotlight on the most-talked about new plays in North America. Some of the country's brightest artists and performers including Peter Hinton, Sara Farb, Gabi Epstein and Rick Miller bring their singular vision and talent to the stage.
"This season, we have assembled an eclectic array of first-time Montreal productions to compel and entertain audiences," says Artistic and Executive Director, Lisa Rubin. "Ranging from Broadway and London hits, ambitious musical revivals, biting drama and comedy, there is something for everyone... even a touch of romance!"
Hello, Gorgeous! PETER HINTON helms dazzling musical revival
FUNNY GIRL, the poignant musical rags to riches story of Vaudeville sensation Fanny Brice, kicks off the new season in an eighteen-person song and dance spectacular under the direction of the visionary Peter Hinton. Multi-talented Canadian musical performer Gabi Epstein will dazzle in the titular role immortalized by Barbra Streisand in the classic 1968 film.
DARING DRAMA & BOLD COMEDY that will have everyone talking!
Next up is British playwright Nina Raine's internationally-acclaimed play TRIBES, a powerful look at the meaning of language, love and what it means to be understood. Jack Volpe (Seeing Voices Montreal) makes his professional theatre debut as Billy, the only deaf member of an eccentric, intellectual family. This evocative new production welcomes for the first time in Montreal, American director Sarna Lapine (War Horse, South Pacific).
In January 2016, THE SECRET ANNEX invites us to imagine what life would have been like for beloved historical icon, Anne Frank, had she survived the war; in a stirring and romantic new play out of Winnipeg by young playwright Alix Sobler and directed by Marcia Kash. Sara Farb, soon to be starring in the Stratford Festival's Diary of Anne Frank, will portray Anne as a 25-year old coming of age in New York City.
In what promises to be a comedic highlight of the Season, Joshua Harmon's breakout hit BAD JEWS asks the biting question: what do you choose to believe, when you're chosen? Artistic Director Lisa Rubin directs this exciting critically-acclaimed exploration of faith, family and legacy that has had North America abuzz since its Off-Broadway premiere in 2013.
RICK MILLER RETURNS TO MONTREAL with his "best solo show to date" - The Globe and Mail
Hailed by Entertainment Weekly as one of "the 100 most creative people alive today" Gemini and Dora Award-winning performer Rick Miller (MacHomer, Venus in Fur) explodes on to the Segal stage with his newest one-man, tour-de-force BOOM, a KDOONS & WYRD production co-presented by Copa de Oro Productions. Part explosive performance, part riveting documentary, and part nostalgic trip, BOOM captures the defining historical and musical moments of the baby-boom generation.
Romance is in the air
Also co-produced with Copa de Oro, the company behind such past successes as Belles Soeurs: The Musical, Forever Plaid and Ain't Misbehavin', comes a new production of Tony Award-winner Joe DiPietro's laugh-out-loud musical comedy I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE directed by Wade Lynch. Witty and whimsical, this incredibly popular Off-Broadway musical sensation deftly lampoons the stages and stumbling blocks of romantic relationships.
Mel Brooks' Broadway Smash-Hit premieres in Yiddish
The lights of Broadway will also shine brightly on the explosive final production of the Season: the World Yiddish-Language Premiere of Mel Brooks' record-breaking musical THE PRODUCERS, winner of twelve Tony Awards. The hysterically-funny tale of scheming showbiz producers Bialystock and Bloom will be revived in Yiddish by the esteemed Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre in June 2016. The company is proud to be associated with the Côte Saint-Luc Dramatic Society and director Anisa Cameron for their most ambitious production to date.
BEYOND THE STAGE: Segal welcomes Shakespeare's Globe Theatre film series
Audience Engagement plays a vital role in the Segal Centre's mission. To complement the productions being presented on stage, the Segal offers the ever-popular Sunday @ The Segal pre-show lecture series, an opportunity to explore the history, themes and ideas behind each production, and Monday Night Talkbacks a post-show chat with the creators of the play.
New this Season as part of the Segal's Beyond the Stage programming is SHAKESPEARE'S GLOBE ON SCREEN film series, presenting critically-acclaimed performances from Shakespeare's home, London's World Famous Globe Theatre. Screenings will take place in the intimate 77-seat CinemaSpace and be preceded by a pre-show discussion hosted by Repercussion Theatre, Montreal's home for Shakespeare in the Park. Official programming to be announced soon.
ALSO AT THE SEGAL...
The Segal Centre continues to be an artistic resource and hub for Montreal's independent, emerging and community artists and organizations to play, explore and grow.
This season welcomes back such diverse guest theatre companies as Teesri Duniya Theatre (State of Denial by Rahul Varma: October 8-25), Tableau D'Hôte Theatre (Angélique by Lorena Gale: November 30 - December 13), Youtheatre (Dreaming Now: January 11-15, 2016 & P@ndora: February 2-5, 2016) and Les Productions Pas de Panique (Le Visiteur by Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt, in French, March 20 - April 3, 2016).
Six-time Grammy nominated American jazz vocalist Tierney Sutton will launch the Segal's POWER JAZZ music Series in October. The eighth season, always as rich and diverse, also features the Jason Rosenblatt Quartet, Laila Biali, Piano Chameleons (John Roney & Matt Herskowitz) and a concert in partnership with the Consulate General of Israel.
Also as part of the Segal's additional programming: Broadway Café, an intimate open mic night for musical theatre aficionados to sing or simply enjoy their favourite showtunes; the Segal's own performing arts ACADEMY with unique after-school courses for aspiring performers running from October to May, and many more guest events with such valued community partners as the Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre, the Hebrew Theatre of the Jewish Public Library and The Communauté Sépharade Unifiée du Québec (CSUQ).
Segal Subscribers enjoy world-class theatre plus many outstanding benefits, including Free Indoor Parking, up to 30% off ticket prices, free ticket exchange and exclusive savings. 2015-2016 Subscriptions are now on sale. See all Seven 2015-2016 Productions for as low as $30 per show! Current Subscribers have until May 18th to renew their subscription. Individual tickets on sale July 20th. Renew or become a Segal subscriber today - call 514.739.7944 or visit segalcentre.org.
About the Segal Centre for Performing Arts - The Segal Centre for Performing Arts is a not-for-profit theatre company dedicated to nurturing, producing and presenting world-class English-language theatre, and to showcasing the best professional artists from Montreal and beyond. Founded in 1967, the Segal Centre has expanded to become a nationally recognized venue for the performing arts with a focus on creation, innovation, diversity and cross-cultural collaborations. Artistic programming emphasizes original interpretations of classic and contemporary works, new Canadian musicals and engaging productions with popular appeal. The Segal Centre is committed to strengthening our communities and developing the artists and audiences of tomorrow through the transformative power of the performing arts. www.segalcentre.org
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