By Henry Lewis, Henry Shields & Jonathan Sayer Directed by Dennis Garnhum OCT 16 – NOV 9, 2024 Despite their spotty track record, the Cornley Drama Society has high hopes for their new production. The Murder at Haversham Manor should be a real crowd pleaser. Who doesn’t love a murder mystery set in a grand manor – during a fancy engagement party, no less? Sadly, if you believe this show will go off without a hitch, you’d be dead wrong. Thwarted by missing props, a malfunctioning set and some questionable acting choices, this ill-fated production unravels at an alarming rate. By the end of the show, solving a murder is the least of everyone’s worries. Called “a riotous explosion of comedy” (The Daily Beast) and “a gut-busting hit” (New York Times), The Play That Goes Wrong is the right choice if you’re looking for a hilarious night at the theatre. A co-production with Citadel Theatre and Theatre Calgary
Based on the books Little Women & Good Wives by Louisa May Alcott Adapted for the stage by Jordi Mand Directed by Katie German NOV 20 – DEC 14, 2024 In 1860s Massachusetts, Jo March and her sisters struggle to make ends meet while their father is away serving in the Civil War. With societal pressures to get married, ideally to a rich suitor no less, Jo tries to go against the current and forge her way as a young writer with bigger dreams. While Marmee bestows the virtue of self-sacrifice on her daughters, Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy must learn to navigate the complicated and exciting world of adulthood. Filled with adventure, heartbreak and a deep sense of hope, the struggle of these “Little Women” has inspired generations of independent young women to trust their voice in a world trying to shape them. With buoyant and memorable characters, this timeless classic is a perfect tale for the holiday season.
Book by Jessie Nelson | Music & Lyrics by Sara Bareilles Based upon the motion picture written by Adrienne Shelly Directed by Ann Hodges JAN 7 – FEB 1, 2025 At Joe’s Pie Diner, Jenna is a small-town waitress who puts her passion into incredible pie-baking. When she finds herself pregnant in a dead-end relationship with her no-good husband and falling fast for her quirky new OB/GYN, she realizes she must address her life, and find her true self in a world that has been passing her by. When a pie-making contest is announced in a nearby county, she sees the opportunity for a fresh start. But forging a path isn’t as simple as mixing the ingredients for one of her signature pies. With the support of her fellow waitresses, and one curmudgeonly regular, Jenna finds the strength to pursue a long-abandoned dream. Hilarious and heartfelt, with gorgeous original music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winning Sara Bareilles, this Broadway hit musical serves up more than delicious pie.
By Paula Vogel Directed by Kelly Thornton FEB 12 – MAR 8, 2025 From Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel comes a stunning play about one of the most shocking events in theatre history. Indecent tells the true story of the rise and explosive demise of the 1923 Broadway debut of Sholem Asch’s The God of Vengeance, where its producer and entire cast were arrested on the grounds of obscenity. Asch’s play originated in Poland in 1907, and while criticized by his peers, it wowed audiences across Europe and in the Yiddish theatre scene of downtown New York City. But when an English translation opens on Broadway, the play's inclusion of the first same-sex kiss on an American stage proves too scandalous for the public. Told through music, song, dance and comedy, Indecent is an arresting play about forbidden love, artistic censorship and the enduring power of theatre.
By Nick Green Directed by Andrew Kushnir MAR 19 – APR 12, 2025 Thomas wasn’t planning to be at Casey House much longer but an upcoming visit from Princess Diana gives him a reason to stick around. Soon he’s rallying the other residents to hang on for seven more days. But in a hospice for people living with AIDS, a week is a long time. As they wait impatiently for the big day, Thomas entertains everyone with his gallows humour, his roommate frets about unfinished business and they both struggle with family relationships. Inspired by Princess Diana’s historic visit to Toronto’s Casey House in 1991, Casey and Diana is a tremendously moving and surprisingly funny portrait of the men at the heart of the AIDS crisis, their devoted caregivers, and the ‘People’s Princess’ who had the spirit to touch their hearts and the compassion to hold their hands when no one else would. A co-production with Theatre Aquarius
By David McLeod Directed by Herbie Barnes APR 23 – MAY 17, 2025 What happens when your elevator gets stuck on the way to a high-profile meeting, Jonesie and Tallahassee are about to find out! As tempers rise, the shrinking space becomes a pressure cooker, as the men struggle to get it back up and running. Told with hilarious hijinks, the two attempt a series of adventurous escapes, and through these mishaps, a brutal and bitingly funny conversation about power emerges. Will the elevator become unstuck? Developed in the Pimootayowin Creators Circle, ELEVATE: Manaaji ' idiwin is a fast-paced exploration of reconciliation and what it means to see the humanity of another person.