The 2012-2013 Ottawa theatre season is well underway and there’s much to choose from. You know what to expect from some of the big players - don’t miss out on your season tickets - but here are some of the highlights outside the big three you can look forward to in Ottawa over the next year.
This summary is by no means all-inclusive, of course. To keep on top of what’s going on in theatre, be sure to reference our Event Calendar here and follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@hithereottawa). If you missed the breakdowns, here’s the lowdown on the Ottawa Little Theatre, Great Canadian Theatre Company and The Gladstone.
Here’s an overview of what’s on this year, with theatre categories to suit everyone’s tastes:
SEASON’S GREETINGS! Here are a few shows to get you in the mood for Christmas:
The Story of Holly and Ivy by Rag and Bone Theatre (Nov. 23-25, Dec. 7-9, 2012) - Adapted from the book by Rumer Godden, this is the story of a toy who wishes for a child, a child who wishes for a toy, and a couple who wishes for a little girl - brought to life by puppets, a choir and a real live girl.
A Christmas Carol: The Musical by GNAG Theatre (Nov. 28-Dec. 2, 2012) - Charles Dickens’ beloved classic is as much a part of Christmas as the pudding! Ebenezer Scrooge humbugs good will until the ghosts conjured by his deceased partner Jacob Marley induce him to embrace the true spirit of Christmas.
Miracle on 34th Street: The Radio Show by Plosive Productions (Dec. 13-23, 2012) - Could the Macy’s department store Santa be the real thing? This holiday season, Plosive takes you back to the Golden Age of Radio with a new adaptation of a much-loved holiday classic and treat for families of all ages!
If MUSICALS make you want to dance and sing:
Then it’s not too late to get your subscription to Orpheus Musical Theatre Society‘s 106th season. On offer this year are Footloose (Nov. 23-Dec. 2, 2012), The Drowsy Chaperone (Mar. 8-17, 2013) and Carousel (May 31-Jun. 9, 2013).
Another local favourite, the Savoy Society of Ottawa, continue their tradition of performing Gilbert and Sullivan with the Pirates of Penzance (Mar. 22-24, 2013), easily one of G&S’s most popular musicals.
If you’re ready to try something new, check out Capital City Opera’s next production, Il Barbiere di Siviglia (Dec. 20 & 22, 2012). A new player to Ottawa’s musical theatre scene and in their inaugural year, CCO performs at Ottawa’s historic Mayfair Theatre.
And finally, just a short drive to Perth will get you Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris by BarnDoor Productions (Apr. 12-14, 19-21, 2013), one of the biggest smash hit cult musicals of all time, featuring songs by, of course, Jacques Brel.
Feeling ADVENTUROUS? Drawn to edginess or serious drama?
When plans for staging Dr. Horrible at The Gladstone fell through, director Dave Dawson came up with a suitably quirky replacement: Bat Boy: The Musical by Black Sheep Theatre (Jan. 15-Feb. 2, 2013) - Inspired by a 1992 story in the Weekly World News, this pop-rock musical tells the strange tale of Edgar, a mysterious creature found in a cave in rural West Virginia and his integration into society.
Rabbit Hole by Kanata Theatre (Feb. 5-9 and 12-16, 2013) - Recently made into a movie starring Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart, this play deals with a couple whose child dies in an accident, and the wife’s growing relationship with the young driver of the car that killed him.
The Triangle Factory Fire Project by Red.Collective (Apr. 4-7, 2013) - A gripping drama based on the true story of the deaths of hundreds of immigrant workers in a factory fire and the subsequent trial of the factory owners.
Can’t go wrong with SHAKESPEARE, and as usual, Ottawa’s got plenty on hand:
Salamander Theatre presents MacBeth (Oct. 14 and 20, 2012), Ottawa Shakespeare Company presents Julius Caesar (Oct. 24-Nov. 3, 2012), Sock ‘n Buskin gives their take on Othello (March 2013, dates TBA), and as mentioned in our Gladstone preview, Bear & Co. is taking on The Taming of the Shrew (with an all-male cast!) (Apr. 18-May 5, 2013).
Looking for some FAMILY-FRIENDLY fare?
Puss in Boots: A Pantomime by Lakeside Players (Nov. 8-11, 2012) - If you’ve never seen a pantomime, you’re in for a treat and your kids will love it. Singing, dancing, comedy, and the Princess of Marmaladia!
Willy Wonka by Kanata Theatre Young Audiences (Dec. 27-30, 2012) - It all begins with a rare golden ticket. You are invited to an amazing chocolate factory, where you will be given a delectable tour and share in a few sweet secrets. At your journey’s end, one lucky winner will receive a special prize beyond their wildest imaginations!
Annie (Jr.) by Mississippi Mudds Youth Theatre (Feb. 22-24 and Mar. 1-2, 2013) - An endearing and uplifting tale of rags to riches follows the shenanigans of Annie and her wayward friends at the orphanage run by the nasty Miss Hannigan.
Fiddler on the Roof by Suzart Productions (May 24-26, 2013) - The story centers on Tevye, the father of five daughters, and his attempts to maintain his family and Jewish religious traditions while outside influences encroach upon their lives.
IMPROV - Terrifies some actors; gives others a rush. Often brilliant, always unpredictable, we recommend you give this performance art form a go at least once:
Crush Improv appears at Elmdale Tavern (1084 Wellington St. W.) on the first Monday of every month. Also new this year is their Spotlight On… series offered at The Gladstone Theatre, a format created for the 2010 Fringe Festival - each show will highlight a different director from The Gladstone’s 2012-2013 season.
Crystal Basement offers up their improv, sketch comedy and musical parodies on the first Tuesday of every month at Atomic Rooster (303 Bank St.).
And newest on the scene is GRIMprov, playing the first and last Wednesday of the month at the Imperial (329 Bank St.).
More Production Ottawa season highlights:
Special Plans for Ottawa Little Theatre’s Centennial
The Great Canadian Theatre Company Unveils a Season of Heart and Humour
Even More Theatre at the Gladstone for the 2012 Season
Preview article prepared by: Reena Belford, with information from the Phoenix Players website.
We’d like to know! Please share your comments below.
