Toronto’s Mirvish Theatre announces a season of musicals with something for everyone
I won’t lie, the show I was most hoping would be announced at today’s launch was The Book of Mormon. Obviously I was not the only one. It was the first show announced, and in the opening bars of the music, before a word was spoken, the audience erupted into cheers.
The Book of Mormon (brought to us by Trey Parker and Matt Stone of South Park and Team America fame) will be playing at Mirvish in the coming year. There are a few other shows that I’m personally pretty excited about, like La Cage Aux Folles, and Honeymoon in Vegas.
Below you’ll find more details on the season, and some pictures from the launch to whet your appetite.
I was a little surprised to be excited about Honeymoon in Vegas. It came from listening to Jason Robert Brown playing the piano and singing some songs we could expect from the show. It felt like old fashioned jazzy musical fun to me, which is the kind of thing I love.
And, yes, I’d decided I wanted to see it *before* they announced the cast would include Tony Danza. That just sweetened the pot. Oh, and made my teenage-self squeal with delight. My 36 year old self couldn’t help noticing he’s even dreamier with salt and pepper hair. Plus, it turns out he can sing, which is a nice added bonus.
The theme this year seems to be musicals that were movies first.
One of the ‘movie first’ offerings is The Wizard of Oz. In case you’re thinking ‘yeah yeah, been there, done that’ this is the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice re-imagined version, not the standard stage version that’s been around forever.
This one will still have the songs you remember, but with some additional stuff, to make it more ‘stage friendly’. That translates to more big musical numbers, and songs for all the major characters. It probably also translates to a much more fun stage show.
In the ‘from movies’ category, there is also Backbeat, Flashdance, Sister Act, and of course, the aforementioned La Cage Aux Folles and Honeymoon in Vegas.
In fact, of the eight shows on offer this season, only two of them do not have a companion movie. Those are The Book of Mormon, and the greatly anticipated new Canadian musical Bloodless, a Theatre 20 production directed by Colm Wilkinson.
I think this is going to be a pretty great season, might be time to snatch up your season subscription, even if it’s just to guarantee yourself a ticket to The Book of Mormon, which has been sold out on Broadway basically since it opened. It’s going to be a tough one to get a ticket for. Plus you’ll get the bonus of a bunch of other really great looking shows.
See the press release below for details on each show:
DAVID MIRVISH presents
THE 2012-2013 MIRVISH SUBSCRIPTION
THEATRE SEASON
6 Great Musicals
Canadian Premiere THE BOOK OF MORMON
North American Premiere BACKBEAT
Canadian Premiere LA CAGE AUX FOLLES
Canadian Premiere SISTER ACT
World Premiere HONEYMOON IN VEGAS
North American Premiere THE WIZARD OF OZ
Plus Bonus Shows –
FLASHDANCE and BLOODLESS
David Mirvish is delighted to announce the 2012-2013 Mirvish Subscription Theatre Season. The subscription season consists of six shows. In addition, there are two shows off-subscription that will be available to Mirvish subscribers on a priority basis and at special prices.
Background to the Mirvish Subscription
Mirvish subscriptions were first offered more than 40 years ago by “Honest” Ed Mirvish, soon after he bought the Royal Alexandra Theatre. The program has now grown to include three other magnificent theatres in downtown Toronto, in addition to the Royal Alex – the Princess of Wales, the Ed Mirvish, (formerly the Canon), and the Panasonic. The Mirvish subscription has become Toronto’s most popular entertainment choice and draws theatre-goers from all over Ontario and the United States. It’s now one of the largest theatre subscriptions in North America!
The 2012-2013 Subscription Season Shows
(in chronological order)
BACKBEAT
Directed by David Leveaux
Written by Iain Softley and Stephen Jeffreys
Based on the Universal Pictures Film
JULY/AUGUST 2012
DIRECT FROM LONDON
BACKBEAT is the story of how the Beatles ‘became’ the Beatles—when John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Pete Best and Stuart Sutcliffe embarked on their journey from the famous docks of Liverpool to search for success in the seedy red light district of Hamburg.
The compelling triangular relationship between the band’s original bassist Stuart Sutcliffe, the striking German photographer Astrid Kirchherr with whom he fell in love, and his best friend John Lennon, became an intrinsic part of The Beatles’ story—and put them on an unstoppable trajectory onto the world stage.
Directed by the award-winning David Leveaux, BACKBEAT features all-time rock ‘n’ roll classics including Love Me Do, PS I Love You, Twist & Shout, Rock ‘N’ Roll Music, Long Tall Sally, Please Mr Postman and Money—live on stage as performed by The Beatles.
LA CAGE AUX FOLLES
Book by Harvey Fierstein
Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman
Directed by Terry Johnson
Choreographed by Lynne Page
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012
DIRECT FROM BROADWAY
WINNER! 2010 TONY AWARD® for BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL
WELCOME TO LA CAGE AUX FOLLES! Winner of three 2010 Tony® Awards, including the award for BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL, this hilarious new production of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES was the biggest hit of the 2010 Broadway season, leaving audiences in stitches night after night!
LA CAGE starring George Hamilton and Christopher Sieber, tells the story of Georges (George Hamilton), the owner of a glitzy nightclub in lovely Saint-Tropez, and his partner Albin (Christopher Sieber), who moonlights as the glamorous chanteuse Zaza. When Georges’ son brings his fiancée’s conservative parents home to meet the flashy pair, the bonds of family are put to the test as the feather boas fly! LA CAGE is a tuneful and touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together… stay fabulous… and above all else, stay true to themselves!
With a glorious score of hummable melodies and a dynamite cast featuring the “notorious and dangerous Cagelles,” LA CAGE is an indisputable musical comedy classic… and this extraordinary new version shows you why!
SISTER ACT
Book by Cheri & Bill Steinkellner and Douglas Carter Beane
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Glenn Slater
Directed by Jerry Zaks
Choreographed by Anthony Van Laast
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012
DIRECT FROM BROADWAY
SISTER ACT is Broadway’s feel-amazing musical comedy smash! The New York Post calls it “RIDICULOUSLY FUN,” and audiences are jumping to their feet in total agreement! Featuring original music by 8-time Oscar®-winner ALAN MENKEN (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors), SISTER ACT tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look—a convent! Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, SISTER ACT is reason to REJOICE!
HONEYMOON IN VEGAS
Starring Tony Danza as Tommy Korman
Book by Andrew Berman
Music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Directed by Gary Griffin
Choreographed by Denis Jones
DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013
WORLD PREMIERE
Get ready for Toronto’s biggest new jackpot! HONEYMOON IN VEGAS is an irresistible new musical comedy based on the hilarious film! It tells the story of Jack, a regular guy with an irregular fear of marriage. When his girlfriend Betsy puts the pressure on, Jack finally pops the question and they head to Sin City for a whirlwind wedding weekend! But the moment card shark Tommy catches a glimpse of the stunning bride-to-be, he challenges Jack to a “friendly” poker game that puts an unexpected – and uproarious – hitch in the nuptial plans.
Featuring a book by the film’s original screenwriter Andrew Bergman, a score by TonyAward®-winner Jason Robert Brown (Parade) and direction by Gary Griffin (The Color Purple), this dazzling new musical has everything from showgirls to show-stoppers to a troupe of skydiving Elvises. Odds are you’re gonna love it!
THE WIZARD OF OZ
Music by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by E Y Harburg
Original Background Music by Herbert Stothart
Additional Music and Adaptation by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Additional Lyrics by Tim Rice
Directed by Jeremy Sams
Choreographed by Arlene Phillips
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013
DIRECT FROM LONDON
“We’re off to see….”
The most magical adventure of them all.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of THE WIZARD OF OZ is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic, totally reconceived for the stage by the award-winning creative team that recently delighted Toronto audiences of all ages with the revival of The Sound of Music.
Developed from the ever popular MGM screenplay, this new production contains all the beloved songs from the Oscar®-winning movie score, all the favourite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way, including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto, as they journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their hearts’ desires. Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys as you rediscover the real story of Oz in this fantastic musical treat for all the family
THE BOOK OF MORMON
Book, Music & Lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone
Co-directed by Trey Parker and Casey Nicholaw
Choreographed by Casey Nicholaw
MAY/JUNE 2013
DIRECT FROM BROADWAY
THE BOOK OF MORMON features book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone. Parker and Stone are the four-time Emmy Award-winning creators of the landmark animated series, “South Park.” Tony Award®-winner Lopez is co-creator of the long-running hit musical comedy, Avenue Q. The musical is choreographed by Tony Award® -winner Casey Nicholaw (Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Drowsy Chaperone) and is directed by Nicholaw and Parker.
THE BOOK OF MORMON is the winner of nine Tony® Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score (Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, Matt Stone), Best Book (Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, Matt Stone), Best Direction (Casey Nicholaw, Trey Parker), Best Featured Actress (Nikki M. James), Best Scenic Design (Scott Pask), Best Lighting Design (Brian MacDevitt), Best Sound Design (Brian Ronan) and Best Orchestrations (Larry Hochman, Stephen Oremus); the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical; five Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, Best Music (Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, Matt Stone), Best Lyrics (Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, Matt Stone), Best Director (Casey Nicholaw, Trey Parker) and Best Orchestrations (Larry Hochman, Stephen Oremus); four Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score (Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, Matt Stone), Best Actor in a Musical (Josh Gad) and Best Director (Casey Nicholaw, Trey Parker) and the Drama League Award for Best Musical.
THE BOOK OF MORMON features set design by Scott Pask, costume design by Ann Roth, lighting design by Brian MacDevitt and sound design by Brian Ronan. Orchestrations are by Larry Hochman and Stephen Oremus. Music direction and vocal arrangements are by Stephen Oremus.
BONUS SHOWS – Save up to 45%
More Great Shows NOT INCLUDED IN THE 2012-2013 SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGE
Every season we offer our subscribers extra attractions that are not part of the Subscription Package. But subscribers have the best access to tickets at the best prices!
FLASHDANCE
Book by Tom Hedley and Robert Cary
Music by Robbie Roth
Lyrics by Robert Cary and Robbie Roth
Directed and Choreographed by Sergio Trujillo
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012
PRE BROADWAY NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
The Mirvish Subscription Theatre season is honored to welcome home creative team members and Torontonians Tom Hedley, Sergio Trujillo and Robbie Roth with the North American debut of their new musical FLASHDANCE on its road to Broadway
FLASHDANCE tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex Owens, a working-class girl from Pittsburgh with a dream of becoming a professional dancer. She works by day as a steel mill welder, and a bar dancer at night while aspiring to be accepted at a prestigious ballet academy. When Alex catches the eye of her boss Nick Hurley, their romance shows her the meaning of love and drives her ambition to pursue her dream.
The original Paramount Pictures film was a worldwide smash hit that became a pop culture phenomenon, grossing over $150 million and featuring a Grammy Award-winning soundtrack. FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL features a score including the hit songs from the movie, all of which became Top Ten hits on the radio around the world including the Academy Award-winning title song “Flashdance – What a Feeling,” “Maniac,” “Gloria,” “Manhunt,” “I Love Rock & Roll.” In addition to these hits, 16 brand new original songs have been written for the stage by Robbie Roth and Robert Cary.
FLASHDANCE features a book by Tom Hedley (co-writer of the original screenplay with Joe Eszterhas), and Robert Cary, music by Robbie Roth, lyrics by Robert Cary and Robbie Roth and direction and choreography by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis).
BLOODLESS
Book, Music and Lyrics by Joseph Aragon
Directed by Colm Wilkinson
A THEATRE 20 Production
BEGINS OCTOBER 2012
TORONTO PREMIERE
A morbidly entertaining new Canadian musical based on the true story of the West Port murders.
BLOODLESS marks the directorial debut of internationally renowned performer Colm Wilkinson and the launch production of Theatre 20’s inaugural season. A wickedly entertaining musical spectacle, BLOODLESS tells the true story of two 19th century Irish serial killers who go into business selling corpses to anatomy schools in Edinburgh.
Reminiscent of Sweeney Todd, this raucous, eerie tale of deceit, murder, and mayhem is told in memorable song, macabre humour, and compelling lyrics.
2012-2013 MIRVISH SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW ON SALE
The six-show package is priced at only $129 to $589.
Phone 416-593-4225 or 1-800-771-3933
Subscription Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
Online: www.mirvish.com