Grand Theatre Presents Timothy Findley's THE WARS

Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, the Grand Theatre will honour the sacrifices of our soldiers past and present with the Governor General Award-winning story, Timothy Findley'S THE WARS based on the book of the same name by one of Canada's most distinguished authors. Adapted and directed by Grand Theatre Artistic Director, Dennis Garnhum, Timothy Findley'S THE WARS launches the 18/19 season on the Spriet Stage, running from October 23 to November 11, Remembrance Day. The Title Sponsor for Timothy Findley'S THE WARS is BlueStone Properties.

This Canadian classic follows young Robert Ross from his Toronto family home to the muddy battlefields of France. Intense and powerful, Timothy Findley'S THE WARS reminds us, through one man's journey, of the sacrifice of our soldiers in the "war to end all wars."

"One of the greatest people I have ever worked with was Timothy Findley," said Dennis Garnhum. "He was intensely patriotic and his passion for Canada was extraordinary. When he talked about this novel, he reminded me that we all live many wars in our lives, and it is how we navigate them that defines us."

Timothy Findley'S THE WARS will star Alex Furber (Grand Theatre, CHARIOTS OF FIRE) as Robert Ross and will feature a cast of 16 including Jan Alexandra Smith as Mrs. Ross (Catalyst Theatre, VIGILANTE), Shannon Taylor in her Grand Theatre debut as Lady Barbara d'Orsey (Stratford Festival, SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE), and Omar Alex Khan as Captain Leather (Grand Theatre, A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS).

The set of Timothy Findley'S THE WARS will feature a total of 4000 poppies, which were created by Veterans and volunteers during a local community event in September in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care London's Parkwood Institute. Each crafted poppy, made simply with red cupcake liners and a touch of black paint, will proudly be displayed during the production's run. The POPPY DESIGN is a registered trademark of The Royal Canadian Legion, Dominion Command and is used under license.

"The event was a great way for Veterans, volunteers, and their families to be part of the community," said Veterans Arts instructor Doreen Campbell. "Many of our Veterans have so much pride and they appreciated the opportunity to recognize their fallen comrades."

THE WORLD REMEMBERS Exhibit - October 23 to November 11

The World Remembers is a powerful, unique, and Canadian-led expression of remembrance and reconciliation marking the centenary of WWI. This project respects the losses on both sides of the conflict and looks to the future with hope and understanding.

The Grand is honoured to be displaying this exhibit, which will recognize the name of each of the 1,0003,167 soldiers, nurses, and other military personnel from Canada and fifteen other participating nations who perished during the war. The display will be featured in the Grand's lobby throughout the run of Timothy Findley'S THE WARS.

This national and international project was created by Canadian actor and Governor General's Performing Arts Award winner R.H. Thomson and his production partner, lighting designer Martin Conboy.

Forces night at the grand - October 25

The Grand Theatre is proud to host a Forces Night on October 25 at 7:30 pm that will bring together our Veterans as well as those currently serving in the National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces. Tickets are available for our Forces Night to active military and Veterans at a 25% discount. To purchase tickets, please contact Monica Hodgson, Sales & Partnership Manager at groups@grandtheatre.com or 519-672-9030 ext. 291.

THE WALRUS TALKS REMEMBRANCE - November 5

In collaboration with the Grand, Western University presents THE WALRUS TALKS REMEMBRANCE on the Spriet Stage on Monday, November 5 at 7 pm. This national speaker series comes to the Grand for the first time. The evening will explore the nature of how our minds work, how memories define us, and how the past can shape the future. Artists, writers, business leaders, and more will give their own unique perspectives on remembrance. Tickets are $14.50. Learn more at grandtheatre.com/event/walrus-talks-remembrance.

ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE - THE WEDNESDAY SPEAK EASY

New to the Grand this season is the Wednesday Speak Easy series. Following each Wednesday performance on the Spriet Stage and McManus Stage, patrons can extend their theatre experience and get closer to the artists with exclusive talks, casual conversations, and spontaneous happenings in the relaxed atmosphere of the Poster Lounge or McManus Lounge.

Our Wednesday Speak Easy series will kick-off with Timothy Findley'S THE WARS on October 24 with Director Dennis Garnhum and the cast. Timothy Findley'S THE WARS will have two additional Wednesday Speak Easy event dates for patrons to enjoy on October 31 and November 7.

The Grand Theatre gratefully acknowledges Season Sponsor BMO Financial Group.

Tickets range from $29.95 to $86 and are available at grandtheatre.com, by phone at 519-672-8800, or at the Box Office, 471 Richmond Street. Veterans and those currently serving in the National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces are eligible for a 15% military discount. Prices include HST and are subject to change.

About the Grand Theatre - World Curious. London Proud.
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Dennis Garnhum and Executive Director
Deb Harvey, the Grand is a leading cultural hub located in the heart of downtown London, Ontario. The Grand offers diverse, relevant, and original stories from around the globe through collaborations with national and international performing arts organizations and is committed to developing, producing, and premiering original stories through COMPASS New Play Development program. The Grand supports educational programming with The High School Project, the only program of its kind in North America, and 100 Schools, a community initiative that brings professional theatre to London-area schools at no cost. The Grand's season runs from September to May.

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