An invisible six-foot-tall rabbit. An eccentric leg lamp. A classic S&M novel. These are just some of the iconic images found in Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre’s 2013-2014 season, a playbill that includes classics, comedies and contemporary masterpieces which explore families in all their joyous, maddening and heartbreaking complexity.
THE JOHN HIRSCH MAINSTAGE
HARVEY
By Mary Chase
Oct. 17 – Nov. 9, 2013
“Harvey is the most delightful, droll, endearing, funny and touching piece of stage whimsy I ever saw…” –New York Daily News
Big-‐hearted Elwood P. Dowd makes friends wherever he goes, but his social-‐climbing sister has a problem with his dear friend Harvey, an invisible, six-‐foot-‐tall white rabbit. When she tries to have Elwood committed to save the family’s reputation, a comedy of errors ensues. Mary Chase’s Pulitzer Prize-‐winning comedy tells the tale of an unlikely friendship and the tug-‐of-‐war between the individual and society.
A CHRISTMAS STORY
By Philip Grecian
Based on the film by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark
Nov. 21 – Dec. 14, 2013
“You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!” –Santa
All nine-‐year-‐old Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder B.B. gun. In his hilarious quest, he encounters an eccentric leg lamp, tangles with a crotchety department store Santa, does battle with the schoolyard bully and stars in his own elaborate fantasies. Based on the beloved holiday movie, A Christmas Story is a nostalgic look at childhood that will delight kids of all ages.
JANE EYRE
Adapted by Julie Beckman
From the Novel by Charlotte Brontë
Jan. 9 – Feb. 1, 2014
“An energetic retelling of Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel, rich in passion, romance and humor” –theatrereview.com
After a destitute childhood, Jane Eyre finds work as a governess, only to fall in love with her employer – the unattainable Mr. Rochester. Amid rumours of a mysterious presence at Thornfield Hall, Jane embraces love on her terms and finds her own unique voice. In this fresh adaptation, Charlotte Brontë’s well-‐loved characters invite us into the very heart of the classic novel.
THE GLASS MENAGERIE
By Tennessee Williams
Feb. 13 – Mar. 8, 2014
“For nowadays the world is lit by lightning” –Tom
In Tennessee Williams’ autobiographical masterpiece, an aspiring poet makes one last, desperate attempt to provide for his mother and sister. A finely drawn observation of human strength and weakness, The Glass Menagerie spins a lyrical drama about four fragile people trapped by circumstance and lost in fantasy.
KIM’S CONVENIENCE
By Ins Choi
Mar. 13 – Apr. 5, 2014
“Stomach-‐hurtingly funny… dramatic and moving” –NOW Magazine
First-‐generation Korean-‐Canadian convenience store owner Mr. Kim longs for retirement. He always dreamed of passing on the store to one of his children, but they have other ideas. When a wealthy developer offers to buy the business, he must make a choice between modern convenience and old-‐world ideals. Hilarious and heartwarming, Kim’s Convenience is a Canadian classic in the making.
GOOD PEOPLE
By David Lindsay-‐Abaire
Apr. 17 – May 10, 2014
“Bracing, poignant, dazzling” –Chicago Sun-‐Times
In a working-‐class neighbourhood in Boston, single mother Margaret finds herself jobless and facing eviction. Desperate for employment, she tracks down an old flame who made it out of the projects and became a successful doctor. A powerful and fiercely funny play, Good People examines the nature of success and how day-‐to-‐day choices and blind luck determine who we become.
THE TOM HENDRY WAREHOUSE
VENUS IN FUR
By David Ives
Oct. 24 – Nov. 9, 2013
“Seriously smart and very funny… a suspense-‐packed study of the erotics of power.” –New York Times
When Vanda walks into an audition hoping to land the lead in Thomas’ play based on the classic S&M novel Venus in Fur, the actor and director quickly assume the roles of two people ‘handcuffed at the heart’. As they engage in the ultimate battle of the sexes, their role-‐playing blurs the lines between fantasy and reality, seduction and power, love and sex.
HIRSCH
Created by Alon Nashman and Paul Thompson
Nov. 28 – Dec. 14, 2013
“Gut-‐wrenching and emotionally charged… a tour-‐de-‐force” –Beat Magazine
Orphaned at 13, Hungarian refugee John Hirsch searches for a home and chooses a place far from danger – Winnipeg. He also finds a home in the world of theatre, where his fierce talent, stormy temperament and uncompromising drive propel him to great heights. As with any exceptional artist, there are casualties along the way. In a thrilling performance, Alon Nashman brings Hirsch home to MTC.
THE SEAGULL
By Anton Chekhov
Translated by David French
Jan. 23 – Feb. 8, 2014
“I do have some money. But I’m an actress. My wardrobe alone is enough to ruin me.” – Arkadina
A famous actress, her writer lover, her playwright son and a free-‐spirited ingénue congregate at a tranquil country estate. Soon, passions collide, fuelled by rivalry and the pursuit of fame. One of Anton Chekhov’s most celebrated works, The Seagull is MTC’s contribution to ChekhovFest 2014.
THE SECRET ANNEX
By Alix Sobler
Feb. 20 – Mar. 8, 2014
*World Premiere*
“Who am I if I am not a writer? No one. Absolutely no one.” – Anne Frank
Anne Frank has survived the war, and at the age of 25, she’s ready to start a new chapter in New York City. Eager to publish a memoir of her time in hiding, Anne is sure it will launch her career as a writer. But when the only interested publisher demands drastic rewrites, Anne questions the meaning of her new life. Why did she survive, if not to share her stories? In her compelling and provocative play, Manitoba playwright Alix Sobler asks – can the past be rewritten?
