THUNDER BAY – Magnus Theatre are getting set to launch their next season of exciting entertainment filled with music, song, comedy, and drama.
For this 39th Magnus Theatre season Artistic Director Mario Crudo has programmed a fast paced, inspiring, and intriguing line-up of plays and musicals.
It is certain to have audiences humming along, tapping their toes, laughing together and talking about their experiences following the performances; gaining a whole new appreciation for live professional theatre.
“I have a feeling our patrons will love the shows we’ve putting on this season,” says Artistic Director Mario Crudo. “I encourage people who’ve never been to a Magnus play to give it a try. When we ask people who don’t attend the theatre why they don’t go, more often than not, the answer is that it just never seems to cross their mind. This year we are making a concerted effort to encourage residents and visitors to Thunder Bay to consider it, to let it cross your mind, at least once this season, come out to a show. Just try it. We really think you’ll like it…a lot!”
Magnus Theatre’s theme for 2010/11 is “GO LIVE!” In a way, the theme expresses a challenge, a dare to explore the magic of a live experience at least once this season. You won’t be disappointed!
Certainly there is no shortage of excitement in the six plays the Artistic Director has chosen for the season, comprised of three very unique and highly entertaining musicals, a hilarious comedy by one of the country’s best comedic playwrights, a critically acclaimed touring production from the Maritimes, and a thought provoking story for audiences of all ages.
The new season kicks off with a musical celebration of a Canadian icon, THE LIGHT GETS IN: THE WORDS AND MUSIC OF LEONARD COHEN, a reinterpretation of a highly popular Magnus hit from the past, conceived and directed by Bryden MacDonald. Five “beautiful losers” tell their stories through the love, sorrow, pain, hope, regret, and the plethora of emotions that fuel the music and poetry Cohen has released over a career that has spanned more than five decades. The show runs from September 16 to October 2, 2010.
The second show of the season is the critically acclaimed, Theatre Newfoundland Labrador production, TEMPTING PROVIDENCE, by Robert Chafe. The simple yet elegant story is about one of the first outpost nurses, Myra Bennett, also known as the Florence Nightingale of the North. She was one of the first group of outpost nurses who became a legend for performing a variety of medical tasks, from delivering babies to setting bones to extracting teeth, in all manner of weather and often by lamplight. Scheduled for October 21 to November 6, 2010.
For the holiday season, a special nostalgic treat for returning audiences and a fascinating gift for newcomers, is sure to please audiences of all ages. The upbeat and festive musical PLAID TIDINGS by Stuart Ross, the holiday season sequel to Forever Plaid, one of the most popular shows ever presented at Magnus. Frankie, Sparky, Jinx, and Smudge are back! Four young singers killed in a car crash on their way to their first concert, now miraculously return to bring their audience a new rollicking version of The Ed Sullivan Show as well as their version of A Plaid Caribbean Christmas. Runs November 25 to December 11, 2010.
In the New Year the season continues with the world premiere production of THE (POST) MISTRESS, a unique musical theatre experience by world renowned playwright, novelist, and composer Tomson Highway. This sensual, inspiring, and captivating musical is a story of a woman who works at the local post office, and appears to have a special ability of divining the contents of letters that pass through her fingers. The music is fun and sexy, yet thoughtful and will leave audiences craving more. Runs 27 to February 12, 2011.
The Theatre’s fifth show, HANA’S SUITCASE, written by Karen Levine and adapted into a play by Emil Sher, is a suspenseful journey into the fate of a young girl who’s name was found on the side of an old suitcase. This story has become an international phenomenon. Much like The Diary of Anne Frank, it is used in elementary schools to educate children about the atrocities of the Holocaust. March 3 to March 19, 2010.
Magnus wraps up with the hilarious comedy, OLD LOVE, by one of Canada’s most popular comedic playwrights, Norm Foster. This very funny and romantic tale proves it’s never too late to fall in love! April 7 to April 23.
Season tickets are available by calling the Box Office at (807) 345-5552, or by visiting the Theatre at 10 Algoma St South. Magnus Theatre also has information about its season on their website: www.magnus.on.ca, by joining their Facebook page, or by following Magnus on Twitter.