by Shelagh Stephenson
September 28 to October 13, 2007 THE MAIN STAGE
Directed by Barbara Larose
The Memory of Water is a beautifully written comedy a touching story of three sisters brought together to arrange their mother's funeral. While they deal with their sad duty, a few familial gripes some great, some petty refuse to stay buried. This wonderful play will touch the hearts of everyone.
Olivier Award for Best Comedy - 2000
Youll laugh, youll cry, youll want to bring your friends!
A must for all daughters.
by Michel Tremblay
November 16 to December 1, 2007 THE STUDIO
Directed by Lee Poulin
Tremblay's homage to the colourful, down-to-earth mother who nurtured his imagination, his reclusive reading habits and his love for the theatre and the arts. In a compelling balance of humour and poignancy, Tremblay offers glimpses of himself and his mother at five different stages of their lives together.
. . . a magnificently cathartic theatrical moment.
Earthy, effervescent, unabashedly loving tribute an entertaining raconteur. Nana has the soul of an artist.
by Noel Coward
January 18 to February 2, 2008 THE MAIN STAGE
Directed by Ed Rosing
One of the most flippant plays ever written. Elyot and Amanda, once married and now honeymooning with new spouses at the same hotel, meet by chance, reignite the old spark and impulsively elope. After days of being reunited, they again find their fiery romance alternating between passions of love and anger, eventually leading to a knock-down, drag out fight. A unique play with four successful Broadway runs.
Gorgeous, dazzling, fantastically funny N.Y. Times
A gleaming and gleeful comedy. N.Y. Post
A brilliant comedy. A very funny play. Newsweek
Three Weeks of New Works
March 5 to 22, 2008 THE STUDIO
Since 1989, the New Ideas Festival has showcased never-before-produced short scripts, in an engaging mix of stories and styles. This annual juried festival also affords the audience an opportunity to give feedback to writers, directors and actors. Join us for a new lineup each week, and get involved via optional talkback sessions or feedback forms. Have your say in the development of new Canadian theatre!
The Alumnae's New Ideas Festival is an ideal environment in which to develop new work: smart, supportive and secure. - Dave Carley, playwright, 1992's Taking Liberties
by Lucy Brennan
April 18 to May 3, 2008 THE MAIN STAGE
Directed by Jane Carnwath
An Alumnae first! We proudly present the premiere of a play by one of our own members. Set in 1950s Dublin, Daughter of the House tells the story of Eileen, torn between her desire to follow her man to Canada and her duty, as the only daughter, to stay and care for her mother. All members of the family express their views with intensity and humour - no holding back in this household! A poignant, witty exploration of richly nuanced characters - with a surprise at the end.
Barbara Larose - The Memory of Water September 28 to October 13, 2007
Barbara Larose studied theatre at Concordia University in her home town of Montreal and has worked as an actor, director, dramaturge, and acting coach for many years. At the Alumnae Theatre, Barbara has previously directed Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Wendy Wasserstein's The Sisters Rosensweig; the critical hit, Michel Tremblay's The Real World? and most recently, Oscar Wilde's Lady Windermere's Fan. She has also indulged her interest in the development of new works and has directed Really Great Hats, The Poet's Wife, Time and Longings and The Meeting as well as the staged readings of Spitting Distance and Fast Track in successive New Ideas Festivals. Other directing credits include the critically acclaimed Toronto Fringe productions of Edward Albee's The American Dream for Fireplay Productions and Rick Jones' Millennium Madness Sale! for Thick & Thin Theatre as well as the box-office hit, Franca Miraglia's Life on a Diet for By the Word Productions.
Lee Poulin - For The Pleasure of Seeing Her Again November 16 to December 1, 2007
Lee moved from Montreal to Toronto seven years ago to pursue his career as an actor. He is trained in acting, singing and dance, and decided to explore the realm of Directing upon graduating from the Randolph Academy. As a performer, past credits include Macduff in Macbeth: Reloaded (Upper Canada Repertory Company), John Proctor in The Crucible (RAPA), Conrad Birdie in Bye, Bye Birdie (RAPA), Napthali and the Butler in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (Fallen Rock), Sonny in Grease (Escape Productions), and Guy in Homeward Bound (Alumnae Theatre). Lee has worked as a Teacher's Assistant for Scene Study and Improv classes, he has produced and directed his own shows, and was most recently the Assistant Director for The Crucible at the Randolph Academy. Lee has also worked as a dancer and choreographer for various live performances, concerts and music videos.
Ed Rosing - Private Lives January 18 to February 2, 2008
Ed Rosing, an English/Drama Major, received his BA at Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He went on to study at Yale Drama School and completed his education at Central School in London, England. He has been learning ever since. This past year he has done Lighting for If We Are Women, Lady Windermere's Fan (Alumnae Theatre), In Love's Kitchen (Abrams Studio Theatre), The Chekhov Vaudevilles (Robert Gill Theatre) and The Taming Of The Shrew (Dancemakers Theatre).
Jane Carnwath - Daughter of the House April 18 to May 3, 2008
Jane Carnwath's most recent Alumnae directorial assignment was last season's Homeward Bound. Before that she directed After You, A View From The Roof, The Gut Girls, The Madwoman Of Chaillot and Wild Honey. Among productions in which she she has appeared as an actor at the Alumnae were If We Are Women, Amy's View, The Cocktail Party, The House Of Bernarda Alba and He Who Gets Slapped. Jane recently retired as acting instructor for the Music Theatre Department at Sheridan College. For several years she has been a participant in R. Murray Schafer's wilderness-theatre project, And Wolf Shall Inherit The Moon. And, at the risk of dating herself, she admits to having played Shane's mom (and therefore Emma's Grandma!) in the first generation of De Grassi High.
Big Ideas: Press Release
Daughter of the House: Press Release
Daughter of the House: Photos
2008 New Ideas Festival: New Ideas 2008 Press release
2008 New Ideas Festival: New Ideas 2008 Call for Submissions
2008 New Ideas Festival: New Ideas 2008 Call for Directors
2008 New Ideas Festival: New Ideas 2008 Call for Dramaturgs
2008 New Ideas Festival: New Ideas 2008 Call for Technical Director
2008 New Ideas Festival: New Ideas 2008 Call for Stage Managers
Private Lives: Press Release
Private Lives: Photos
The Memory of Water: Press Release
The Memory of Water: Cast & Crew Bios
The Memory of Water: Photos
For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again: Press Release
For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again: Cast & Crew Bios
For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again: Photos
2007 - 2008 Season: Press Release
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