Theatre Calgary Announces Dynamic 59th Season Lineup
Theatre Calgary has revealed its highly anticipated fall season, promising a vibrant mix of chaos, comedy, and classic productions that will captivate audiences from September through June. Artistic director Stafford Arima has curated a diverse program that includes musical revivals, world premieres, and enduring holiday favorites, showcasing both local talent and innovative collaborations.
Season Opens with Award-Winning Love Story
The 59th season launches on September 8-27 with First Metis Man of Odesa, a Canadian play written and performed by Matthew MacKenzie and Ukrainian actor Mariya Khomutova. Arima was immediately drawn to the production after it won Toronto's Dora Mavor Moore Award for best new play in 2024. He insisted on programming it only if the original creators could reprise their roles, as they did in the Toronto premiere. The play will be staged in the intimate Martha Cohen Theatre, traditionally home to Alberta Theatre Projects.
"It's a beautiful love story set against the pandemic and the Ukrainian conflict," Arima explained. "It's living proof that love conquers all, and it is all the more special because the people who lived the story will be telling it on stage. In that way, it is a bit like Farren Timoteo's Made in Italy."
Musical Revival and Holiday Tradition
Returning to its home venue, the Max Bell Theatre, Theatre Calgary will present the musical Little Shop of Horrors from September 29 to October 25. This comedic rock musical, based on the 1960 film, features a man-eating plant's planetary takeover and enjoyed a successful five-year Broadway run beginning in 1982. Last staged by the company in 1996, audience demand has prompted its revival.
"People have definitely been asking us to bring it back," Arima noted. "It has such a great rock, pop score, and those wonderful puppets. It's a hoot." He selected director Tracey Flye after being impressed by her production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at Stratford.
The holiday season will see the return of A Christmas Carol for its 39th year, running from November 26 through December 27. Arima describes Theatre Calgary's version as "absolutely exuberant" and a cherished tradition that combines singing, dancing, and ghostly elements.
New Year Brings Classic Drama and Austen Adaptation
In February, the season continues with Sam Shepard's American classic True West, exploring sibling rivalry and the American Dream from February 2-21. The production will feature real-life Calgary brothers Stafford and Joe Perry, adding a unique dimension to the performance. "We are going to watch real-life brothers duking it out, as Shepard's brothers," Arima said. "This adds a wonderful dimension to an already great play."
From March 30 to April 25, Theatre Calgary will collaborate with Edmonton's Citadel Theatre to present the world premiere of Daryl Cloran and Jessica B. Hill's adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. Arima expressed excitement about this costume extravaganza, noting it's the first time Theatre Calgary has staged a version of this Austen classic. "This is the kind of costume extravaganza TC should be doing because our audiences love them," he remarked.
Season Closes with High-Flying Comedy
The season concludes in May and June with Peter Pan Goes Wrong, created by the team behind The Play That Goes Wrong. Arima promises "even bigger laughs and bigger chaos" in this production, which replaces the traditional season-closing musical with a comedy. "We've seen how much people love to laugh," he explained.
Accessibility and Pricing Initiatives
Although Theatre Calgary's Theatre For All three-year program concludes this season, the company will continue offering affordable pricing options. For every performance, 120 main floor seats will be available for $49 for both single tickets and subscribers. Additionally, the three rows closest to the stage will be accessible to single ticket buyers, ensuring broad audience engagement.
This season's lineup reflects Theatre Calgary's commitment to artistic diversity, community collaboration, and audience enjoyment, setting the stage for a memorable theatrical year in Calgary.
