The Grand Theatre to Present the World Premiere of GROW
GROW follows Amish twins, Hannah and Ruth, as they leave the comfort of their sheltered community to explore the modern world for the first time.
By: Chloe Rabinowitz Apr. 12, 2022
Is the grass always greener on the other side? From April 19 to 30, this age-old question will be theatrically explored as London's Grand Theatre presents the World Premiere of the Canadian musical comedy GROW.
GROW follows Amish twins, Hannah and Ruth, as they leave the comfort of their sheltered community to explore the modern world for the first time. After arriving in Toronto, their plans quickly go up in smoke and they wind up crashing with a down-on-his-luck illegal cannabis dealer. Their sisterhood is tested when the creation of the "world's greatest weed" launches one of the twins to astronomical heights. Packed with soaring songs, big laughs, and unforgettable characters, this brand-new musical comedy examines the bonds of family, the value of community, and the choices we make in order to grow.
"When I first encountered GROW in 2016, I knew I was in the presence of something uniquely-exceptional," remarks Grand Theatre Artistic Director and GROW Director, Dennis Garnhum. "Although GROW tells an entirely original story, addressing the anonymities of Amish culture, its themes of family and personal choice are incredibly relevant and deeply relatable. Is your family defined by blood? Or, is your family the ones you choose to be with? Audiences will be left to decide as they become some of the firsts in the world to experience this beautiful, heart-warming, and "high"-larious musical."
The book for GROW was written by Sarnia-born playwright, Matt Murray (Myth of the Ostrich, Ross Petty Pantomimes, Going Under, Maggie: a new musical written with award-winning recording artist Johnny Reid). Canadian song-writing team, Colleen Dauncey and Akiva Romer-Segal penned the musical's memorable music and lyrics. Celebrated by the Globe and Mail as "the Canadian musical's next power duo," the pair have written the scores to Going Under, Bremen Rock City and The Louder We Get (formerly Prom Queen: The Musical), which was staged during the Grand's 2018/2019 Season as its High School Project.
At the invitation of prominent Canadian producer, Michael Rubinoff, in 2016 GROW was first developed through Sheridan College's Canadian Music Theatre Project, where the Broadway smash hit Come From Away originated. It was further workshopped at the prestigious Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals in East Haddam, Connecticut in 2020.
GROW brings renowned international and Canadian talent to the Spriet Stage. Making their Grand Theatre debut are: Ann Paula Bautista, Megan Dallan, Izad Etemadi, Christina Gordon, Arinea Hermans, Taran Kim, Sweeney MacArthur, Clea McCaffrey, Adam Sanders, and Jenny Weisz. Returning cast includes: Andrew McAllister, who last appeared at the Grand in the 2012 production of Hair ; Scarborough-born, Masini McDermott who captivated audiences with her powerful vocals in the Grand's holiday spectacular, Home for the Holidays (2021); and notable Canadian actor, director, and instructor, Jan Alexandra Smith who has appeared in seven seasons at the Grand- perhaps most notably remembered as Johannah Donnelly in the cultural epic, Vigilante and Scrooge in A Christmas Carol.
A COMPASS New Play Development production, GROW was scheduled to have its world premiere at the Grand Theatre in April 2020 but was suspended in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Determined to bring the compelling musical to its London audience, the Grand postponed the show to close its 2021/2022 season on the Spriet Stage.
"It's been a long two years for us all," says GROW producer, Michael Rubinoff. "After all that GROW, and we as a society have gone through, I couldn't be happier that audiences will finally experience this joyous, beautiful, and compelling piece of Canadian theatre. But, even more than that, I am honoured that the London community will join us in making theatre history by being among the first to see GROW."
GROW is on the Spriet Stage from April 19 - 30, 2022 for an estimated run time of 120 minutes (plus intermission). Tickets are $59.89 total for all seats and are available at www.grandtheatre.com, by phone at 519-672-8800, or at the Box Office, 471 Richmond Street.
The Grand Theatre gratefully acknowledges the continued support of the 2021/22 returning Season Sponsor BMO Financial Group, GROW Title Sponsors, Michael & Stephanie McDonald, and Hospitality Sponsor, Tourism London.
To learn more about GROW, please visit: https://grandtheatre.com/event/grow. Additional facts, photos, and updates can also be found by following @thegrandlondon and #GROWattheGrand on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE
AfterWORDS
On Wednesday evenings, immediately following the performance, audience members are invited to the Drewlo Lounge for a brief guided discussion with Grand staff members, guest artists, and creative team members. This unique opportunity provides patrons the informal chance to dive deeper into the show's content while mingling with patrons and artists.
The Grand's Wednesday AfterWORDS series for GROW will take place on April 20 and 27.
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 its COMPASS New Play Development program. The Grand supports educational programming through initiatives like the High School Project and Subsidized Student Matinees. The Grand completed a $9.5 million renovation to its lobby spaces and backstage areas in Fall 2021. After the cancellation of its 2020-21 Season in June 2020 due to the global pandemic, the Grand officially reopened its doors in November 2021.
THE CAST (in alphabetical order)
Ann Paula Bautista - Emma / Brenda
Megan Dallan - Hannah & Ruth Understudy
Izad Etemadi - Samuel / Owen
Christina Gordon - Sarah / Gloria
Arinea Hermans - Hannah
Taran Kim - Moses / Kevin
Sweeney MacArthur - Father / Larry
Andrew McAllister - Ephraim / Alan
Clea McCaffrey - Martha / Janis
Masini McDermott - Mary / Alexis
Adam Sanders - Jacob / Skor
Jan Alexandra Smith - Miriam / Susan
Jenny Weisz - Ruth
THE PRODUCTION TEAM
Matt Murray - Book Writer
Colleen Dauncey - Composer
Akiva Romer-Segal - Lyricist
Michael Rubinoff - Producer
Dennis Garnhum - Director
Wayne Gwillim - Musical Supervisor / Orchestrations
Andrew Petrasiunas - Music Director
Linda Garneau - Choreographer
Saccha Dennis - Associate Director
Bretta Gerecke - Set & Costume Designer
Kevin Fraser - Lighting Designer
Jamie Nesbitt - Projection Designer
Brian Kenny - Sound Designer
Cameron Fraser - Assistant Projection Designer
Stephan Ermel - Music Copyist
Kelly Luft - Stage Manager
Melissa Cameron - Assistant Stage Manager
Logan McNutt - Apprentice Stage Manager
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