1. art and entertainment
2. theatre

SEASON 2014 / 2015
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
/ PRESS RELEASE
SEGAL CENTRE 2014-2015 SEASON DREAMS BIG
Highlights of new season include two World Premiere Musical Adaptations of iconic Montreal stories;
Broadway legend Alan Menken; the directorial debut of filmmaker Jacob Tierney, and an original creation
in co-production with Toronto’s Crow’s Theatre.
With vibrant and diverse guest theatre, music, dance and more.
Montreal, March 27th, 2014 – Lisa Rubin, Artistic and Executive Director, and Paul Flicker, Artistic Producer, today
announced the Segal Centre for Performing Arts’ 2014-2015 Theatre Season, an ambitious seven-play offering
brimming with incredible talent that will dazzle with new takes on beloved stories and premiere musicals.
“Our 47th Season really responds to what our audiences have come to expect from us: rich and entertaining new
interpretations of classic stories, and, as always, the best talent from Montreal and beyond. We are thrilled that
world-class artists Alan Menken, René Richard Cyr, Jacob Tierney, and Damien Atkins have trusted our audiences
to be the first to respond to their works--works that we trust will surprise you, and make your imagination soar,”
says Lisa Rubin.
THE COMING OF AGE COMEDY THAT DEFINED A GENERATION...
The 2014-2015 Season will open with Terry Johnson’s sizzling stage adaptation of The Graduate, directed by Andrew
Shaver (Sherlock Holmes), starring Luke Humphrey as Benjamin Braddock, and Shaw Festival favourite Brigitte
Robinson as Mrs. Robinson. This fresh spin on a 60s classic will also feature live music by Juno Award-winning folk
artist Matthew Barber, composer of the cult favourite Montreal musical Haunted Hillbilly.
... THE STORY THAT FOREVER CHANGED QUEBEC’S THEATRICAL LANDSCAPE: NOW A BRAND-NEW MUSICAL!
The Segal Centre has teamed up with Copa de Oro Productions to present the World English Premiere of Belles
Sœurs: The Musical in October 2014. Preeminent theatre-maker René Richard Cyr (Book, Lyrics, Direction) and
Quebec rock star Daniel Bélanger (music) join forces with award-winning Canadian writers Neil Bartram and Brian
Hill to adapt this enormous 2010 francophone musical hit for English audiences.
Michel Tremblay’s iconic 1968 tragicomedy takes on a whole new dimension in this outrageously fun musical
celebration featuring a stellar all-female cast from Montreal and Toronto. Lili Connor, Élise Cormier, Lisa Horner,
Geneviève Leclerc, Anik Marten, Geneviève St. Louis, Stephanie McNamara, Marcia Tratt, Astrid Van Wieren,
Paula Wolfson, and Jocelyne Zucco have been cast as the heartbreaking and hilarious women of Belles Soeurs:
The Musical.
FOR INTERVIEWS AND MEDIA
INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Andrea Elalouf
Segal Centre
aelalouf@segalcentre.org
514.739.2301 # 8363
THE CLASSIC POP HITS OF THE 1950S IN PITCH PERFECT HARMONY...
After presenting Ain’t Misbehavin’ and The Mahalia Jackson Musical to sold-out houses, Copa de Oro will be remounting the popular Off-Broadway musical revue Forever Plaid as part of the Segal’s 2014-2015 Season. This
deliciously goofy musical romp featuring the classic pop hits of the 1950s is sure to capture the hearts of musical
theatre lovers of all ages.
A PLAYWRIGHT BECOMES OBSESSED, PROVOKED, POPULATED...
Keeping in its tradition of fostering national collaborations, the Segal Centre is proud to partner with Toronto’s
Crow’s Theatre for the creation of a new one-man show written and performed by award-winning actor Damien
Atkins (past Segal credits include Mozart in Amadeus and the Emcee in Cabaret). We Are Not Alone, co-directed by
Crow’s Artistic Director Chris Abraham and Christian Barry (2b Theatre), follows a playwright’s obsessive search
for the truth behind UFO phenomena.
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...A BRILLIANT FILMMAKER MEETS BRILLIANT DIALOGUE: TIERNEY TAKES ON STOPPARD
Award-winning Montreal filmmaker Jacob Tierney (The Trotsky, Good Neighbours) will turn to the stage to direct
Tom Stoppard’s Tony Award-winning play Travesties, which recounts an achingly funny meeting of the minds
between James Joyce, Vladimir Lenin and Dadaist poet Tristan Tzara in 1917 Switzerland. In resonance with the
100th Anniversary of World War I, the play uses wit and humor to examine the role and importance of the artist and
the thinker during a time of conflict.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
/ PRESS RELEASE
MONTREAL MEETS BROADWAY...
The 2014-2015 English Season will close with a bang with the world premiere of The Apprenticeship of Duddy
Kravitz: The Musical, with music by Alan Menken, eight-time Academy Award-winning composer of Disney hits
Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, which just premiered on Broadway. This new musical adaptation
of Mordecai Richler’s landmark novel combines the extraordinary talents of David Spencer (book & lyrics) and
director Austin Pendleton. An American film, television and stage actor and director, Pendleton has been seen in A
Beautiful Mind, My Cousin Vinny and the HBO television series Oz and is currently an ensemble member of Chicago’s
Steppenwolf Theatre.
DORA WASSERMAN YIDDISH THEATRE BRINGS BACK A CLASSIC YIDDISH DRAMA AND HONOURS ITS FOUNDER
For its 2014-2015 Season, the Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre (DWYT) will revisit their critically-acclaimed Yiddish
production The Dybbuk, directed by Bryna Wasserman and Rachelle Glait. Written by S. Ansky, this seminal gothic
tale of Jewish theatre celebrates its 100 years in 2014.
The I ♥ Yiddish Series continues to celebrate Yiddish Language and culture year-round with a diverse lineup of play
readings, sing-a-longs and film screenings leading up to the DWYT’s main stage production. A Gala marking the
10th anniversary of the passing of the theatre’s founder, Dora Wasserman, CM, CQ, is planned for May 14, 2015.
GUEST THEATRE & DANCE
Black Theatre Workshop (BTW) and Youtheatre will once again make the Segal Studio their home for the 20142015 Season. BTW will present the Montreal premiere of Donna-Michelle St. Bernard’s Gas Girls and Youtheatre will
bring Simon & The Egg and Oxymorons to young audiences. Other guest productions include Quintette pour cordes
sensibles, a new French creation by emerging playwright Sophie Gemme, which earned its spot by bringing home
the Segal Centre’s Most Promising Ensemble Prize at the 2013 Montreal Fringe Festival, and Bunny Bunny: Gilda
Radner – A Sort of Love Story, a new solo show presented by Red Body Productions about writer Alan Zweibel’s
friendship with SNL Star Gilda Radner.
A proud contributor to the development and vitality of contemporary dance, the Segal continues to partner with Les
Maisons de la Culture CDN/NDG and the City of Montreal for the Conseil des Arts de Montréal en Tournée. Next
season, dance lovers will have the chance to see works by Daniel Léveillé Danse, Sinha Danse and Nyata Nyata
Danse free of charge.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLIVER JONES!
The best of jazz and beyond is on offer with the Power Jazz Series. On September 11, 2014 to the day, Montreal Jazz
legend Oliver Jones celebrates on the day of his 80th birthday and launches the 7th year of the series in the company
of Ranee Lee and special guests. Lee will also give jazz fans something to sing about later in the season when she
portrays legendary songstress Billie Holiday in a special presentation of White Gardenia: The Billie Holiday Musical,
written and directed by Roger Peace.
FOR INTERVIEWS AND MEDIA
INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Andrea Elalouf
Segal Centre
aelalouf@segalcentre.org
514.739.2301 # 8363
The Joe Sullivan Big Band featuring Lorne Lofsky and Kirk MacDonald, percussionist Aldo Mazza, and the
incomparable Doxas Brothers with Lorne Lofsky and Kieran Overs and the Altsys Jazz Orchestra (30th Anniversary
Concert) make up the rest of this always inspiring music series.
WORLD THEATRE DAY
The Segal Centre is proud to launch its 2014-2015 Season on World Theatre Day. Created in 1961 by UNESCO, World
Theatre Day is celebrated annually on March 27th by theatre communities around the globe. The impetus behind World
Theatre Day is to honour and further the goal of UNESCO’s International Theatre Institute (ITI) to celebrate the power of
theatre as an indispensable bridge-builder for mutual international understanding and peace as well as to promote
and protect cultural diversity and identity in communities throughout the world. As a member of the Professional
Association of Canadian Theatres, we celebrate this worldwide event from a uniquely Canadian perspective.
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THEATRE
::: SEGAL THEATRE
THE GRADUATE
AUGUST 31 TO SEPTEMBER 21, 2014
A Play Adapted by Terry Johnson • Based on the novel by Charles Webb and the Motion Picture
Screenplay by Calder Willingham & Buck Henry • Directed by Andrew Shaver
::: THEATRE
THE COMING OF AGE COMEDY THAT DEFINED A GENERATION
When a dazed college graduate becomes entangled in a love triangle with a mother and daughter,
he finds himself caught between the allure of experience and the promise of a bright future. The
spirit and sounds of the 1960s come alive in this sizzling stage adaptation of the classic film.
Starring Luke Humphrey & Brigitte Robinson • With Live Music by Matthew Barber
A Segal Centre Production • Production sponsor Delmar
By special arrangement with Studio Canal
BELLES SOEURS: THE MUSICAL
OCTOBER 19 TO NOVEMBER 9, 2014
WORLD PREMIERE!
Based on the play Les Belles-soeurs by Michel Tremblay • Book, Lyrics and Directed by René
Richard Cyr • Music by Daniel Bélanger • English Book Adapted by Brian Hill • English Lyrics
Adapted by Neil Bartram • Music Adaptation and Additional Music by Neil Bartram
::: THEATRE
THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED MUSICAL SENSATION IN ENGLISH FOR THE FIRST TIME!
When a Plateau Mont-Royal housewife wins one million trading stamps from a department store,
her life is turned upside down. Michel Tremblay’s landmark piece of Quebec theatre takes on a
whole new dimension in this outrageously fun musical celebration performed in English by a stellar
all-female cast.
Presented by Copa de Oro Productions & the Segal Centre • Production sponsor BMO
FOREVER PLAID
FEBRUARY 1 TO FEBRUARY 22, 2015
Directed by Roger Peace • Written, Originally Directed and Choreographed by Stuart Ross •
Musical Continuity Supervision and Arrangements by James Raitt • Originally produced by Gene
Wolsk
::: THEATRE
THE CLASSIC POP HITS OF THE 1950s IN PITCH-PERFECT HARMONY!
A quartet of male singers takes a detour to heaven when their car crashes on the way to their first big
concert. The aspiring harmony group is miraculously revived to fulfill their dream and get one final
chance at musical glory. A delightfully nostalgic musical romp featuring your favourite pop hits of
the 1950s, Forever Plaid is one of the most popular and successful musical revues in recent memory.
FOR INTERVIEWS AND MEDIA
INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Andrea Elalouf
Segal Centre
aelalouf@segalcentre.org
514.739.2301 # 8363
Starring Chris Barillaro, Gab Desmond, Michael Daniel Murphy and Jonathan Patterson
A Copa de Oro Production
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WE ARE NOT ALONE
FEBRUARY 22 TO MARCH 15, 2015
IN THE SEGAL STUDIO - WORLD PREMIERE!
Written and performed by Damien Atkins • Directed by Chris Abraham & Christian Barry
::: THEATRE
A PLAYWRIGHT BECOMES OBSESSED, PROVOKED, POPULATED.
Every day there are new reports of mysterious sightings in the skies, grainy videos of humanoid
shapes moving in shadows, intricate crop circle formations that appear overnight… Are these
phenomena for real, or are we being deceived? Join multitalented writer and performer Damien
Atkins in his fascinating one-man show that asks: what do you believe?
A Segal Centre & Crow’s Theatre Co-Production
ADD TO YOUR SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGE AND SAVE UP TO 23%!
TRAVESTIES
APRIL 12 TO MAY 3, 2015
By Tom Stoppard • Directed by Jacob Tierney
::: THEATRE
FROM THE AWARD-WINNING WRITER OF SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE AND ROSENCRANTZ AND
GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD
As World War I rages throughout Europe, in pacific Switzerland, three of the 20th Century’s most
revolutionary minds – communist leader Vladimir Lenin, author James Joyce and Dadaist founder
Tristan Tzara, take centre stage. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play, Tom Stoppard’s brilliant and
riotously funny modern masterpiece Travesties is a dazzling exploration of art, philosophy and politics.
A Segal Centre Production
THE APPRENTICESHIP OF DUDDY KRAVITZ
JUNE 7 TO JUNE 28, 2015
WORLD PREMIERE!
Music by Alan Menken • Book & Lyrics by David Spencer • Based on the novel by Mordecai
Richler • Directed by Austin Pendleton
::: THEATRE
THE NEWEST MUSICAL BY EIGHT-TIME OSCAR-WINNING COMPOSER ALAN MENKEN!
On the streets of 1950s Montreal, ambitious rascal Duddy Kravitz hustles to climb the social
ladder and make his name even at the expense of those he loves. From the mastermind behind the
Broadway hits The Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and Little Shop of Horrors Alan Menken
comes an uproarious new musical adaptation of Mordecai Richler’s beloved novel.
A Segal Centre Production • Production sponsor Muse Entertainment
THE DYBBUK
AUGUST 9 – 27, 2015
By S. Ansky • Directed by Bryna Wasserman & Rachelle Glait
::: THEATRE
THE YIDDISH THEATRE’S GOTHIC MASTERPIECE
This quintessential Yiddish tale of desire, darkness and exiled spirits tells the story of love caught
between two worlds, and a community torn among religion, superstition and spiritualism. Two
children, betrothed by their parents before birth, are drawn together years later in a desperate web
of ill-fated love and possession.
Presented in Yiddish with English and French supertitles.
FOR INTERVIEWS AND MEDIA
INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Andrea Elalouf
Segal Centre
aelalouf@segalcentre.org
514.739.2301 # 8363
A Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre production • Production sponsor Peerless Clothing
ADD TO YOUR SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGE AND SAVE UP TO 23%!
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::: GUEST PRODUCTIONS
QUINTETTE POUR CORDES SENSIBLES
SEPTEMBER 18 TO 23, 2014
By Sophie Gemme • Directed by Kathleen Aubert
Presented in French
::: THEATRE
WINNER of the Segal Centre’s Most Promising Ensemble Production Prize - 2013 St. Ambroise
Montreal Fringe Festival
Playwright Sophie Gemme’s Quintette pour cordes sensibles stages five women, fighting their own
demons, battling their own neurosis, coping with their own predicaments and voicing their troubles
in different ways. Five different characters, yet one universal woman : at once a mother, father,
child, she is funny, bitter, cynical even. She is lucid, powerless and out of breath; a real woman, in
every complex aspect of what it might mean to be one.
Presented by Les Productions Aequo
GAS GIRLS
OCTOBER 21 TO NOVEMBER 8, 2014
MONTREAL PREMIERE!
By Donna-Michelle St. Bernard • Directed by Quincy Armorer & Liz Valdez
::: THEATRE
“LOVE FOR GAS. GAS FOR CASH. CASH FOR LIVING. LIVING FOR LOVE.”
Trading sex for gas along country borders, Gigi and Lola search for hope against a backdrop of
economic depression and a heavy patriarchal society. Struggling to stay alive, the two embark
on a beautifully epic journey of self-discovery, fighting against the forces that seek to prevent
them. This award-winning and powerful story, written by one of Canada’s most celebrated voices,
explores the extreme lengths one will go to in order to survive and find love.
A Black Theatre Workshop Production
BUNNY BUNNY, GILDA RADNER: A SORT OF LOVE STORY
NOVEMBER 20 TO NOVEMBER 29, 2014
By Alan Zweibel • Starring Rosaruby Kagan • Directed by Tanner Harvey • Lighting Design by Jody
Burkholder
::: THEATRE
Returning to Montreal after a successful North American tour, this hilarious, heart-warming
adaptation of Alan Zweibel’s homage to Gilda Radner recounts the “most cherished memories”
of his long friendship with the comedy-icon in a mélange of vignettes sketched in dialogue. From
‘complicated’ beginnings during their Saturday Night Live heyday, to Gilda’s battle against cancer,
Rosaruby Kagan brings to life this intimate memoir with a compassion and foolhardiness that’s sure
to affirm that, “the love and loyalty of a true friend may be the best kind of love there is.” (Glenn Close,
on Zweibel’s original “Bunny Bunny”)
Presented by Red Body Productions
FOR INTERVIEWS AND MEDIA
INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Andrea Elalouf
Segal Centre
aelalouf@segalcentre.org
514.739.2301 # 8363
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SIMON & THE EGG
MARCH 17 TO MARCH 22, 2015
::: THEATRE
Written and Directed by Michel Lefebvre • Set and Costume Design by Véronique Bertrand •
Lighting Design by Caroline Ross • Sound Design by Martin Messier & Guillaume Poulin • Video
Design by foumalade
Theatre for Young Audiences / 7 – 12 years old
Mysterious packages containing clues and riddles lead The Man to a fragile island state called
Penumbra. Once beautiful and full of life, Penumbra is dying from the effects of climate change and
environmental catastrophes. Unsure of why he is sent there, The Man slowly realizes that Penumbra
reflects his own world, the planet Earth. He is awakened to the idea that we need to respect our
environment and not abandon hope that we can make a difference and turn things around.
A Youtheatre Production
OXYMORONS
MARCH 23 TO APRIL 2, 2015
By Nadège Grebmeier Forget • Directed by Michel Lefebvre
::: THEATRE
Theatre for Young Audiences / 13 and up
Multidisciplinary artist Nadège Grebmeier Forget will dissect the social tension between beauty,
body image and food in a performance/installation piece commissioned by Youtheatre. Reaching
beyond the boundaries of traditional theatre, Oxymorons will be an immersive experience, offering
the audience an opportunity to interact and reflect on a patchwork of junk-food-for-thought.
A Youtheatre Production
DORA WASSERMAN YIDDISH THEATRE
Celebrating over 50 years of Yiddish theatre, language and culture!
I ♥ YIDDISH SERIES PROGRAM
LAKHN IZ GEZUNT (LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE)
An Evening of Yiddish Humour
September 14, 2014
Tickle your funny bone with comic skits, funny songs and hilarious monologues from the great
Yiddish comedians.
::: DWYT
SING-A-LONG
With the Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre singers
December 10, 2014
Featuring old favourites and new songs, join in and sing along!
THE NEW JEWISH SCENE
May 4-10, 2015
Innovative English programmes with deeply Jewish roots. The New Jewish Scene presents new plays
and original films that mirror, inspire and connect us.
FEATURING:
COVERS
A play by Ruvyn Gilman & Boris Zilberman • Directed by Alexandre Marine
The Lost & Found Project / National Yiddish Theatre - Folksbiene
A JEWISH FILM SERIES
In collaboration with the Toronto Jewish Film Festival
FOR INTERVIEWS AND MEDIA
INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Andrea Elalouf
Segal Centre
aelalouf@segalcentre.org
514.739.2301 # 8363
DORA’S LEGACY
A Gala in honour of DORA WASSERMAN, C.M., C.Q., z”l
May 14, 2015
Dora Wasserman made a major contribution to the quality of life of her community, city, country and
people. Yiddish Theatre members and special guest artists pay homage to her memory and legacy.
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DANCE
CONSEIL DES ARTS DE MONTRÉAL EN TOURNÉE
The Maisons de la Culture with the borough of Côte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grâce in
collaboration with the Conseil des arts de Montréal en tournée and the Segal Centre present
another series of energetic and engaging works by some of the city’s most dynamic companies.
2014-2015 Line-up to be announced soon.
FREE PROGRAMMING
::: DANCE
MUSIC
THE POWER JAZZ SERIES
The best of Jazz and beyond – now in its 7th season!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLIVER!
80th Birthday Celebration Concert featuring Ranee Lee & Special Guests!
September 11, 2014
::: MUSIC
JOE SULLIVAN BIG BAND WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
October 5, 2014
ALDO MAZZA AND FRIENDS
November 9, 2014
DOXAS BROTHERS WITH LORNE LOFSKY & KIERAN OVERS
February 1st, 2015
WHITE GARDENIA: THE BILLIE HOLIDAY MUSICAL
March 26 - 29, 2015
Written and Directed by Roger Peace
Starring Ranee Lee as Billie Holiday
Taurey Butler on piano
A Copa de Oro Production
Ranee Lee
ALTSYS JAZZ ORCHESTRA
30th Anniversary Concert
May 3, 2015
FOR INTERVIEWS AND MEDIA
INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Andrea Elalouf
Segal Centre
aelalouf@segalcentre.org
514.739.2301 # 8363
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SEASON 2014 / 2015
SEGALCENTRE.ORG
FACEBOOK/SEGALCENTRE
@SEGALCENTRE.ORG
#SEGAL1415
SUBSCRIBE NOW TO THE SEGAL CENTRE’S BLOCKBUSTER
2014-2015 SEASON!
SAVE UP TO 14$ PER TICKET AND ENJOY FREE INDOOR PARKING!
Segal Centre 2014-2015 subscriptions are now on sale - choose your own 4 or
5-Play Package!
Photo: Andrée Lanthier
NEW! Upgrade your Subscription package by selecting We Are Not Alone and/or
The Dybbuk and save 23 % on each production!
Aiza Ntibarikure in Ain’t Misbehavin’
2013-2014 Season
OUTSTANDING SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS INCLUDE:
• 30 % off regular ticket prices
• Free indoor parking!
• Student Subscriptions for as low as $20 a play!
• Preferred seating
• Discounted tickets to select Segal productions
• Free ticket exchange by phone with 24 Hours’ notice
Current Subscribers have until May 18th to renew their subscription. Individual
tickets on sale July 7th.
RENEW OR BECOME A SEGAL SUBSCRIBER TODAY!
5170 ch. de la Côte-Ste-Catherine
Montreal, Quebec (H3W-1M7)
514.739.7944 / segalcentre.org
ABOUT THE SEGAL CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
New season, new design!
For the first time, the Segal Centre was
proud to partner entrust with to Écorce
Atelier Créatif in the creation of its
2014-2015 Season visuals.
The Segal Centre is a meeting place for all of the performing arts, showcasing
the best professional artists from here and abroad and playing a leading role
in the artistic development of Montreal’s youth and the creation of its cultural
legacy. Through theatre, music, dance, and educational programs, the Segal
Centre is setting a broad vision by recognizing the importance of building bridges
through the arts and supporting multicultural projects in Montreal. The Centre’s
commitment is to ensure that creativity resonates within our community and that
it remains accessible and inspiring each and every day. www.segalcentre.org
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FOR INTERVIEWS AND MEDIA INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Andrea Elalouf, Segal Centre - aelalouf@segalcentre.org or 514.739.2301 # 8363
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