Toronto’s Mirvish announces their 2014-2015 season
The biggest game in town, Mirvish, have unveiled their 2014-2015 season, and it’s massive: Kinky Boots, Titanic and Newsies for musical-lovers; Buyer & Cellar, Arcadia and Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike for those who like their theatre more cerebral; a few greatest-hits productions see a return engagement (Jersey Boys, The Lion King, Book of Mormon); and a few more get their Toronto premiere. (Rick Miller’s Boom, Our Country’s Good, Robin Hood and Return to Grace)
The popular Off-Mirvish season is also returning, offering three shows in the intimate Panasonic Theatre with a more experimental bent–and the selection of Bonus Shows (which includes a tour of Wicked and–for the whole family–the fresh-from-Australia Dinosaur Zoo Live) will surely be an enticement to subscribers.
For ticket prices and a full list of productions, click the jump. But steel yourself: when I said Mirvish seasons are big, I meant it.
From press release:
In the 2014-15 season, David Mirvish will present 16 shows in Toronto, consisting of seven shows in the Mainstage Subscription Series, three in the Off-Mirvish Subscription Series and six shows off-subscription.
The Mainstage Subscription Series will include two new Tony Award®-winners and Canadian premieres – 2013 Best Musical, KINKY BOOTS, which will have a Canadian sit-down production at the Royal Alexandra Theatre; and Disney’s© 2012 Best Score and Best Choreography-winner, NEWSIES.
Also in the Mainstage Series will be three shows that originated in England: the swashbuckling spectacular from the Royal Shakespeare Company, THE HEART OF ROBIN HOOD; the acclaimed London revival of the landmark musical TITANIC; and a stunning new production of the riveting historical drama OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD!
The Shaw Festival’s 2013 sell-out success ARCADIA and a new musical yet to be announced round out the Mainstage Subscription Season.
The Off-Mirvish Subscription Series will consist of three comedies — the Tony Award®-Winning Best Play VANYA & SONIA & MASHA & SPIKE, the off-Broadway smash-hit BUYER & CELLAR and a new multimedia comedy from Rick Miller, BOOM.
The six bonus shows in addition to those of the 2014 – 2015 Subscription Series include the return of four audience favourites – THE BOOK OF MORMON, WICKED, JERSEY BOYS and Disney’s THE LION KING – and the Toronto premieres of two new shows, RETURN TO GRACE, from Quebec, and DINOSAUR ZOO LIVE, from Australia.
MAIN SUBSCRIPTION SEASON
The 7-show Subscription is priced from $135 to $639. Current subscribers have the opportunity to renew their seats first, until the renewal deadline (April 11). New subscribers will then be accepted on a first-come basis.
David Mirvish and Barry and Fran Weissler present
TITANIC The Musical
Music & Lyrics by Maury Yeston
Book by Peter Stone
Directed by Thom Southerland
July/August 2014
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.
The original Broadway production won five Tony® awards, including Best Musical. Now, director Thom Southerland’s acclaimed revival is on course for New York, but you will see it first, in its North American premiere at the Royal Alexandra Theatre!
Karl Sydow presents an Out of Joint and Octagon Theatre Bolton production
OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD
Directed by Max Stafford-Clark
By Timberlake Wertenbaker
Based on The Playmaker by Thomas Keneally
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.
On the 25th anniversary of its Olivier Award-winning premiere, original, acclaimed director Max Stafford-Clark brings us his new production of this great classic!
David Mirvish presents the Shaw Festival production of
ARCADIA
By Tom Stoppard
Directed by Eda Holmes
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 thatThe New York Times called “Stoppard’s richest, most ravishing comedy to date, a play of wit, intellect, language, brio and emotion.”
David Mirvish and Barry and Fran Weissler present
THE HEART OF ROBIN HOOD
By David Farr
Music by Poor Old Shine
Lyrics by Poor Old Shine and David Farr
Directed by Gisli Örn Gardarsson
December 2014/January 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!
A NEW MYSTERY MUSICAL
December 2014/January 2015
Princess of Wales Theatre
Well, we really can’t tell you at the moment. But we promise it will be a musical at the magnificent Princess of Wales Theatre.
What will it be? We will make the announcement very soon.
Daryl Roth & Hal Luftig
By arrangement with David Mirvish present
KINKY BOOTS
Book by Harvey Fierstein
Music and Lyrics by Cyndi Lauper
Directed & Choreographed by Jerry Mitchell
Based on the MIRAMAX MOTION PICTURE KINKY BOOTS written by Geoff Deane & Tim Firth
Begins June 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!
Winner of six Tony® awards including Best Musical and Best Score!
This will be a sit-down Canadian production. Auditions for the cast will begin shortly.
Disney’s
NEWSIES
Book by Harvey Fierstein Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Jack Feldman
Directed by Jeff Calhoun
Choreographed by Christopher Gattelli
Based on the DISNEY MOTION PICTURE NEWSIES, original screenplay by Bob Tzudiker & Noni White
July/August 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.
With a score by Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast) and Jack Feldman (The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride), book by Harvey Fierstein (La Cage Aux Folles, Kinky Boots), choreography by Christopher Gattelli (South Pacific) and direction by Jeff Calhoun (Big River), it’s a high-energy explosion of song and dance you just don’t want to miss!
Winner of the 2012 Tony® awards for Best Score and Best Choreography!
OFF-MIRVISH SEASON
Off-Mirvish is our second stage series, bringing Toronto audiences adventurous new ideas and stimulating new experiences in theatre.
The 3-show Off-Mirvish subscription is priced at only $99 (rear orchestra) or $149 (front orchestra).
BUYER & CELLAR
The Hit Comedy By Jonathan Tolins
Directed by Stephen Brackett
November 2014
Panasonic Theatre
Winner! 2013 Drama Desk Award: Outstanding Solo Performance
BUYER & CELLAR is an outrageous new comedy about the oddest of odd jobs: “an underemployed Los Angeles actor going to work in Barbra Streisand’s Malibu basement.” (The New York Times)
David Mirvish presents the Kdoons and Wyrd Production
BOOM
Written, Directed & Performed By Rick Miller
January 2015
Panasonic Theatre
Part explosive performance, part riveting documentary (and part nostalgia trip), BOOM is a one man tour-de-force that captures the defining moments of the baby-boom generation.
Folding the past into the future with state-of-the-art multimedia, Gemini and Dora Award-winner Rick Miller guides us through 25 years of turbulent history and portrays the world’s most influential politicians, activists and musicians. It’s a mind-blowing experience for audiences of all generations!
With unforgettable characters in a stunning solo performance, BOOM made its festival premiere this January, presented by Theatre Calgary and One Yellow Rabbit. Be among the first to see its premiere run in Toronto and see why Entertainment Weekly has called Rick Miller “one of the 100 most creative people alive today!”
David Mirvish presents
VANYA & SONIA & MASHA & SPIKE
By Christopher Durang
March/April 2015
Panasonic Theatre
TONY AWARD® BEST PLAY
What’s in a name? It can be quite a lot… if your parents have named you and your siblings for dysfunctional characters in the plays of Chekhov.
Middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia are so wallowed in boredom, depression, self-pity and resentment that they can’t even change out of their pajamas… until sister Masha comes home with a new boy-toy in tow. Can the hunky Spike deliver these lost souls from misery?
This outrageous, Tony Award® -winning farce by Christopher Durang(Sister Mary Ignatius Explains it All For You, Beyond Therapy, The Marriage of Bette and Boo) was Broadway’s comedy hit of 2013! You’re going to love this Canadian premiere production, even if you can’t tell your Uncle Vanya from your Seagull.
BONUS SHOWS
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
Returns September 16, 2014
Princess of Wales Theatre
MORMON’S BACK!
The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.” Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: The funniest musical of all time.” And Jon Stewart of The Daily Show calls it “A crowning achievement. So good it makes me angry.”
It’s THE BOOK OF MORMON, the nine-time Tony Award®- winning Best Musical from the creators of South Park.
For more information please visit BookofMormonTheMusical.com
Contains explicit language.
WICKED
By Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman
Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire
Musical Staging by Wayne Cilento
Directed by Joe Mantello
September 3 – November 2, 2014
Ed Mirvish Theatre
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Variety calls WICKED “a cultural phenomenon,” and it continues to break box office records across North America. Winner of over 50 major awards, including a Grammy® and three Tony® awards, WICKED is “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” – The New York Times.
Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the Land of Oz. One—born with emerald green skin—is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for “the most complete—and completely satisfying—musical in a long time” – USA Today.
JERSEY BOYS
Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice
Music by Bob Gaudio and Lyrics by Bob Crewe
Choreography by Sergio Trujillo
Directed by Des McAnuff
December 17, 2014 – January 4, 2015
Ed Mirvish Theatre
“TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!” raves the New York Post for JERSEY BOYS, theTony®, Grammy® and Olivier Award-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the true story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide—all before they were 30!
JERSEY BOYS features their hit songs “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh What a Night” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” Richard Ouzounian, of The Toronto Star, says “HHHH! You’ll cheer in your seats! This is the real thing”. The JERSEY BOYS creative team comprises two-time Tony Award®-winning director and Toronto native Des McAnuff, book writers Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, composer Bob Gaudio, lyricist Bob Crewe andchoreographer Sergio Trujillo, another Toronto native.
RETURN TO GRACE
Book by Robert Asselstine
Music and Lyrics by Various
Choreography by Jeff Dimitriou
Directed by Robert Asselstine
July 8 – 20, 2014
Ed Mirvish Theatre
A glorious heartfelt tribute to a musical icon, RETURN TO GRACE traces the greatest musical moments of a generation with song favourites that include “Heartbreak Hotel”, “All Shook Up”, “Love Me Tender” and more! From the early years, through to the amazing ’68 Comeback Special, to the historic Aloha from Hawaii concert, experience RETURN TO GRACE to re-live the music that changed rock and roll forever!
Disney’s THE LION KING
Music and Lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice
Directed by Julie Taymor
April 30 – June 15, 2014
Princess of Wales Theatre
Experience the phenomenon of Disney’s THE LION KING. Marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by award-winning director Julie Taymor, whose visual images for this show you’ll remember forever. Thrill to the pulsating rhythms of the African Pridelands and an unforgettable score, including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Oscar®-winning song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and Oscar®-nominated hit “Circle of Life.” Let your imagination run wild at the Tony Award®-winning Broadway sensationNewsweek calls “a landmark event in entertainment.” Toronto’s most eagerly awaited return will leap onto the Princess of Wales stage this April.
ERTH’S
DINOSAUR ZOO Live
Written and directed by Scott Wright
July 8 – 20, 2014
Panasonic Theatre
Direct from Australia, Erth’s DINOSAUR ZOO Live brings an awesome array of prehistoric creatures to life on stage. Your family will observe and interact with extraordinary, life-like creatures – from cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants – in this highly imaginative, entertaining and educational live show.
For more information about subscriptions and the new season:
Be advised that this press release has been slightly altered to remove industry information.
Photo of the Broadway company of NEWSIES. Photo by Deen Van Meer.