Alumnae Theatre Company Media Page

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.

“Youll laugh, youll cry, youll want to bring your friends!”
“A must for all daughters.”

FOR THE PLEASURE OF SEEING HER AGAIN

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.”

PRIVATE LIVES

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

20TH ANNUAL NEW IDEAS FESTIVAL

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

DAUGHTER OF THE HOUSE

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.

ALUMNAE THEATRE'S 2007-2008 SEASON: The Directors

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, 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'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.

Alumnae 2007 - 2008 SEASON

ALUMNAE THEATRE COMPANY
70 Berkeley Street, Toronto, ON M5A 2W6 • 416-364-4170
contactus@alumnaetheatre.com

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ALUMNAE THEATRE'S 2008-2009 SEASON: The Plays

WIT by Margaret Edson

September 26 to October 11, 2008

TALKING HEADS by Alan Bennett

November 14 to 29, 2008

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE adapted by Christina Calvit

January 16 to 31, 2009

21st ANNUAL NEW IDEAS FESTIVAL

March 11 to 28, 2009

CLOSER by Patrick Marber

April 17 to May 2, 2009

ALUMNAE THEATRE'S 2007-2008 SEASON: The Plays

THE MEMORY OF WATER