2013 Next Stage Theatre Festival Opens Tonight

Now in its 6th year, The Next Stage Theatre Festival (NSTF) is Toronto's premiere winter theatre event featuring work by veteran Canadian theatre artists and the hottest emerging talent in our city. Produced by The Toronto Fringe, the 12 day festival showcases a thrilling variety of theatre from drama to comedy, and musical theatre to a multimedia "live-film" production. The line-up includes 10 productions whose actors, directors and playwrights have been recognized by many prestigious awards including a total of 11 Dora Award Nominations, Canadian Comedy Awards, a Governor General's Award for Drama, and many more.

Shows such as: Awake, created and directed by Chris Tolley & Laura Mullin, a hit of the 2011 Fringe which explores the ripple effect of gangs in an at-risk Toronto community; The Peace Maker, written by Natasha Greenblatt takes us on a journey through Israel and Palestine in search of identity, justice and peace; Sudden Death, by Charlotte Corbeil-Coleman tells the story of the last night of hockey legend John "Rambo" Kordic's life; Throne of Games, from Bad Dog Theatre is a comedic take on the HBO series Game of Thrones; Memorial, by Steven Gallagher follows a man who is about to get married while dealing with the knowledge that he is dying; Post Eden, from playwright and director Jordan Tannahill is a 'live film' about a fantastical day in the life of a fractured suburban family; Salt Baby, by Falen Johnson explores one woman's indigenous Canadian identity as she navigates life on the Rez and in the city as a 'white looking Indian' with fair skin and curly hair; With Love and a Major Organ, by playwright Julia Lederer-the sold-out hit of the 2012 Fringe-examines love, fate, pheromones, and the TTC; Liza Live! by Jennifer Walls is a hilarious and heart-warming look at one of the most dynamic (and dysfunctional) female stars of the last 60 years; and Pitch Blond, by Laura Anne Harris explores Judy Holliday's early career and her notorious courtroom appearance during the McCarthy-era inquisitions.

Join us this evening, Wednesday, January 2nd at 7:30 pm for opening night celebrations in our heated beer-tent featuring catering by Shanghai Cowgirl and Sky Blue Sky Sandwiches.

For media tickets call 416-966-1062x8 or buy online at www.fringetoronto.com. Don't delay - ticket sales are at an all-time high! Some opening night performances have already sold out!