Mirvish 2014-1015

OUR COUNTRY'S GOOD

September/October 2014
Royal Alexandra Theatre

In 1788, Britain opened Australia’s first penal colony with 734 men, women and children—criminals—sent into exile “for our country’s good.” This brilliant historical drama tells the powerful, true story of a ragbag cast of those first convicts who put on a play under the guidance of an earnest young marine officer. As the barriers between captors and captives break down, they start to discover each other, both onstage and behind the scenes.

Both Lisa and I rated this a 5 or 6 out of 10. I could not wait til the show was over and only stayed for the second half as Lisa insisted. Lot of empty seats in the theatre.


ARCADIA

November/December 2014
Royal Alexandra Theatre

You are in for a dazzling Tom Stoppard tale of secrecy and intrigue that’s been hailed by critics as a masterpiece. It’s a mystery wrapped in a love story, wrapped in a scandal. In its unraveling, the play zigs and zags from mathematics to poetry, from sex to gardening! It’s a time and mind-bending roller-coaster ride that is also one of Stoppard’s funniest and most moving plays.

We are delighted to bring Toronto this record-breaking, sell-out, hit Shaw Festival production of an Olivier and Evening Standard Award-winner that The New York Times called “Stoppard’s richest, most ravishing comedy to date, a play of wit, intellect, language, brio and emotion.”

Strike two! Lisa found it ok, but despite favourable reviews, we really did not like it and began to question why we purchased a season subscription. It deserves a 7 to be generous, but probably should be a 6 ot of 10.


THE HEART OF ROBIN HOOD

December 2014/March 2015
Royal Alexandra Theatre

Forget everything you ever knew about Robin Hood! Playwright David Farr and director Gisli Örn Gardarsson have reimagined the folklore to create an intelligent and inventive new legend all their own.

In this spectacular rendition of the fabled tale, Robin and his very unmerry gang of cutthroats may steal from the rich, but it’s never occurred to them to give anything back to anyone! But, as the wicked Prince John threatens all, bold Marion steps up to protect the poor… and convert the thuggish Robin from outlaw to hero.

Originally commissioned by Britain’s Royal Shakespeare Company, our rollicking production of this 2013 U.K. hit is filled with magic, adventure, romance, laughter and music performed by the acclaimed group Poor Old Shine! Just be aware: Don’t blink or you’ll miss the shark!

Finally, a play we both like. The show was funny and entertaining. Loved the music, story and gymnastics. This should do well when it finally arrives on Broadway. We give it a 9 out of 10.


Noël Coward's BLITHE SPIRIT

February 11 - March 15, 2015
Princess of Wales Theatre

Following the internationally acclaimed sold-out engagements on Broadway and London’s West End, television legend, Oscar-recipient and five-time Tony Award®-winner ANGELA LANSBURY returns to the stage this winter in her Tony Award®-winning role as Madame Arcati, in Michael Blakemore’s revival of Noël Coward’s smash-hit comedy, BLITHE SPIRIT.

Researching for his new novel, Charles Condomine invites the implausible medium Madame Arcati to his house for a séance. While consumed in a trance, Madame Arcati unwittingly summons the ghost of Charles’ dead wife Elvira. Appearing only to Charles, Elvira soon makes a play to reclaim her husband, much to the chagrin of Charles’ new wife Ruth. Now if he wants his latest marriage to stand a GHOST of a chance, he'd better conjure up a solution quickly. One husband, two feuding wives and a whisper of mischief in the air – who will win in Coward’s unworldly comedy?


TITANIC The Musical

May 19, 2015 - June 21, 2015
Royal Alexandra Theatre

The haunting tragedy of the great ship Titanic is transformed by composer and lyricist Maury Yeston (Nine, Grand Hotel) into a riveting musical in which the hopes and dreams of rich and poor, heroes and cowards, lovers and foes are woven together in a celebration of the human spirit.

This production was originally scheduled to open the season in August 2014.


KINKY BOOTS

Begins June 16, 2015
Royal Alexandra Theatre

Broadway’s high-heeled hit! KINKY BOOTS tells the story of Charlie, who has inherited his father’s nearly bankrupt shoe factory. Trying to save his family business, he finds inspiration—and much more—in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos.

With direction and Tony®-winning choreography by Jerry Mitchell, a book by four-time Tony® winner Harvey Fierstein and a score by Cyndi Lauper, this red-hot musical smash has sold-out audiences dancing—and strutting—in the aisles every night!


Disney's NEWSIES

July 8, 2015 - August 16, 2015
Ed Mirvish Theatre

They delivered the papers, until they made the headlines. Direct from Broadway comes NEWSIES, the smash-hit, crowd-pleasing new musical from Disney!

Based on true events, NEWSIES tells the captivating story of a band of underdogs who become unlikely heroes when they stand up to the most powerful men in New York. It’s a rousing tale about fighting for what’s right… and staying true to who you are.