Crazy to Kill at Harbourfront Centre Theatre

Can no one stop the murderer who is stalking the dim halls of the Elmhurst, a private southwestern Ontario asylum? What is the nature of the relationship between Detective Fry and “model patient” Agatha Lawson? What is the significance of the life-sized dolls Lawson creates as part of her rehabilitation? Will the madness never end?

When celebrated Canadian playwright James Reaney first read Ann Cardwell’s Crazy to Kill in 1941, he was inspired to become a writer. When Reaney and his longtime collaborator composer John Beckwith were commissioned to write an opera for the 1989 Guelph Spring Festival, they adapted Crazy to Kill into Canada’s first detective opera.

Come see the long-awaited Toronto premiere of the piece with a star-studded cast, including singers Kimberly Barber, Doug MacNaughton and Shannon Mercer, actors Ingrid Doucet and Brendan Wall and 18 puppets, representing the staff and guests of Elmhurst. Veteran Canadian director and Reaney enthusiast David Ferry directs, with music direction by Gregory Oh and lighting design by Gabriel Cropley.

Home-grown mystery, gory intrigue, affecting characterization and a brilliantly inventive musical score: Crazy to Kill is a work of great depth and beauty that will have you on the edge of your seat!