Co-Production with Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company
In Seven Days
February 13 to March 2, 2024
Opening Night February 16
Spriet Stage
By Jordi Mand
Directed by Philip Akin
Running Time: 90 minutes (no intermission)
Age Recommendation: 16+
Content Advisory: This production contains strong language and mature themes including medically assisted death and loss of a parent.
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THE STORY
When Rachel returns to her family home in London, Ontario, her only concern is whether she bought the right bagels for her step-mother to bring to Temple. But when her father reveals his decision to end his life by medically-assisted death in seven days, poppy-seed bagels become the least of her concerns. Torn between love, her Jewish faith, and conscience, Rachel must decide: does she try to change the mind of the family patriarch or does she honour the wishes of her ailing father?
A world premiere co-production with the Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company, In Seven Days is a powerful reminder of the preciousness of life and the challenges of saying goodbye to the people we love most.
Enhance Your Experience
AfterWORDS
On select Wednesday evenings, immediately after the performance, join host Breanne Ritchie in theatre's lounge for a brief guided discussion with guest artists, creative team members, and Grand staff members.
- Wednesday, February 14, 2024 - Special guest: Playwright, Jordi Mand
- Wednesday, February 21, 2024 - Special guests: Shaina Silver-Baird (Rachel) & Mairi Babb (Shelley)
- Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - Special guests: Brendan McMurtry-Howlett (Darren) & Ralph Small (Eli)
Tea Talks
Moderated by Breanne Ritchie, a thought-provoking discussion with special guests: Eunice Gorman from the Thanatology Department at King’s and Julie Campbell, a Nurse Practitioner and experienced MAID provider.
Open Caption Performance
For patrons who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or who enjoy watching a performance with surtitles, we invite you to sit in house right of the Orchestra for best viewing of the Open Captions screen. Click the link below or call the Box Office for more information: 519-672-8800.
The Cast
Mairi Babb
Shelley
For the Grand Theatre: Debut.
Theatre Credits (Selected): The Great Divide (Harold Green Jewish Theatre); King Lear (Shakespeare Bash'd); As You Like It (Dream in High Park); War Horse (Mirvish); Spider's Web (Aquarius); Guys and Dolls (RMTC/Citadel/TC); Rocky Horror Show (RMTC/Canstage); Requiem for a Gumshoe (Eldritch); Baskerville (Lighthouse); Educating Rita (RMTC); Brief Encounter (RMTC/VP). DIRECTING: Two Weird Tales (Eldritch Theatre); february - a love story (Sudden Spark); Early August (Lighthouse); Diminished (Trafalgar24).
Film and TV Credits (Selected): Ruby and The Well; Aunty B's House; Run the Burbs; Alice, Darling; What We Do In The Shadows
Theatre Credits (Selected): The Great Divide (Harold Green Jewish Theatre); King Lear (Shakespeare Bash'd); As You Like It (Dream in High Park); War Horse (Mirvish); Spider's Web (Aquarius); Guys and Dolls (RMTC/Citadel/TC); Rocky Horror Show (RMTC/Canstage); Requiem for a Gumshoe (Eldritch); Baskerville (Lighthouse); Educating Rita (RMTC); Brief Encounter (RMTC/VP). DIRECTING: Two Weird Tales (Eldritch Theatre); february - a love story (Sudden Spark); Early August (Lighthouse); Diminished (Trafalgar24).
Film and TV Credits (Selected): Ruby and The Well; Aunty B's House; Run the Burbs; Alice, Darling; What We Do In The Shadows
Ron Lea
Sam
For the Grand Theatre: Debut.
Theatre Credits (Selected): Sweat (Canadian Stage); My Name is Asher Lev (Harold Green Jewish Theatre); Death of a Salesman, Betrayal (Winnipeg Jewish Theatre); December Man (Green Thumb Theatre/Prarie Theatre Exchange); August (Alberta Theatre Projects); Motel Plays, Factory Theatre, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Centaur Theatre).
Film & TV Credits (Selected): The Apprentice, Doc, Nuit Blanche, This is Wonderland, Omerta, Wind at My Back, Flashpoint.
Theatre Credits (Selected): Sweat (Canadian Stage); My Name is Asher Lev (Harold Green Jewish Theatre); Death of a Salesman, Betrayal (Winnipeg Jewish Theatre); December Man (Green Thumb Theatre/Prarie Theatre Exchange); August (Alberta Theatre Projects); Motel Plays, Factory Theatre, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Centaur Theatre).
Film & TV Credits (Selected): The Apprentice, Doc, Nuit Blanche, This is Wonderland, Omerta, Wind at My Back, Flashpoint.
Brendan McMurtry-Howlett
Darren
For the Grand Theatre: A Christmas Carol.
Theatre Credits (Selected): Mistatim (Red Sky); The Flick (Crow’s Theatre/Outside the March); Up To Low (National Arts Centre); We Are Proud To Present… (Why Not Theatre/Theatre Centre); Romeo & Juliet (Citadel); Bea (ARC).
Film and TV Credits (Selected): Rabbit Hole; Project Blue; Murdoch Mysteries; V/H/S ’94; Suits; Remedy; Degrassi – The Next Generation.
Other: Founding Artistic Director of Shakespeare in the Ruff in Toronto. Brendan holds an MA from York University in Theatre and Performance Studies and is a founding member of the arts consulting company lab x (www.labximpact.com).
Theatre Credits (Selected): Mistatim (Red Sky); The Flick (Crow’s Theatre/Outside the March); Up To Low (National Arts Centre); We Are Proud To Present… (Why Not Theatre/Theatre Centre); Romeo & Juliet (Citadel); Bea (ARC).
Film and TV Credits (Selected): Rabbit Hole; Project Blue; Murdoch Mysteries; V/H/S ’94; Suits; Remedy; Degrassi – The Next Generation.
Other: Founding Artistic Director of Shakespeare in the Ruff in Toronto. Brendan holds an MA from York University in Theatre and Performance Studies and is a founding member of the arts consulting company lab x (www.labximpact.com).
Shaina Silver-Baird
Rachel
For the Grand Theatre: Debut.
Theatre Credits (Selected): Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story (2b theatre; North American Tour); Charlotte: A Tri-Colour Play with Music (Theaturtle; European Tour); Chasse Galerie (Soulpepper); Bombers (4th Line Theatre); Romeo & Juliet (Citadel Theatre).
Film and TV Credits (Selected): Less Than Kosher (HighballTV) - co-creator/ writer, star and executive producer. Premiered at the Toronto Jewish Film Festival 2023.
Other: Graduate of the Acting Conservatory at York University and the Banff/Citadel Professional Theatre Training Program. Find her original music under Ghost Caravan (pop) and Crooked House Road (folk).
Theatre Credits (Selected): Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story (2b theatre; North American Tour); Charlotte: A Tri-Colour Play with Music (Theaturtle; European Tour); Chasse Galerie (Soulpepper); Bombers (4th Line Theatre); Romeo & Juliet (Citadel Theatre).
Film and TV Credits (Selected): Less Than Kosher (HighballTV) - co-creator/ writer, star and executive producer. Premiered at the Toronto Jewish Film Festival 2023.
Other: Graduate of the Acting Conservatory at York University and the Banff/Citadel Professional Theatre Training Program. Find her original music under Ghost Caravan (pop) and Crooked House Road (folk).
Ralph Small
Eli
For the Grand Theatre: Twelfth Night, Little Mary Sunshine, She Loves Me, Miracle On 34th Street.
Theatre Credits (Selected): Come Down From Up River, Buying The Farm, Sexy Laundry (Lighthouse Festival); ART, Marathon of Hope, Unnecessary Farce, Bedtime Stories (Drayton); Pat and Skee, A Few Good Men, Looking, Colours In The Storm (Theatre Aquarius); Bar Mitzvah Boy (Harold Green Jewish Theatre); Jonas & Barry In The Home (Bluewater).
Film and TV Credits: Life With Luca (Shaftesbury Films); One Small Visit (OSV Film Limited).
Other: Former Artistic Director of Bluewater Summer Playhouse
Theatre Credits (Selected): Come Down From Up River, Buying The Farm, Sexy Laundry (Lighthouse Festival); ART, Marathon of Hope, Unnecessary Farce, Bedtime Stories (Drayton); Pat and Skee, A Few Good Men, Looking, Colours In The Storm (Theatre Aquarius); Bar Mitzvah Boy (Harold Green Jewish Theatre); Jonas & Barry In The Home (Bluewater).
Film and TV Credits: Life With Luca (Shaftesbury Films); One Small Visit (OSV Film Limited).
Other: Former Artistic Director of Bluewater Summer Playhouse
Creative Team
Jordi Mand
Playwright
Playwright
For The Grand Theatre: Debut.
OTHER: Award-winning writer Jordi Mand is known for her work in theatre, film, and television. Her work has received global acclaim with translated and published plays like Between the Sheets, Caught, This Will Be Excellent, Brontë: The World Without, and a new stage adaptation of the literary classic, Little Women. Mand was also a writer on the hit CTV drama, Cardinal and has been a member of countless development rooms for Canadian television shows. Upcoming: New projects with the Stratford Festival and the Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company and an original TV series with Neshama Entertainment.
For The Grand Theatre: Debut.
OTHER: Award-winning writer Jordi Mand is known for her work in theatre, film, and television. Her work has received global acclaim with translated and published plays like Between the Sheets, Caught, This Will Be Excellent, Brontë: The World Without, and a new stage adaptation of the literary classic, Little Women. Mand was also a writer on the hit CTV drama, Cardinal and has been a member of countless development rooms for Canadian television shows. Upcoming: New projects with the Stratford Festival and the Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company and an original TV series with Neshama Entertainment.
Philip Akin
Director
For the Grand Theatre: Under The Mango Tree (Workshop).
AWARDS & RECOGNITION (Selected): The Herbert Whittaker/CTCA Award for Distinguished Contribution to Canadian Theatre (2019); Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts (2018); William Kilbourn Award for the Celebration of Toronto’s Cultural Life(2014); Life Membership Award from Canadian Actors Equity Association (2014); Playwright’s Guild of Canada Women’s Caucus Bra D’Or Award (2011); Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award (2011); Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts Silver Ticket Award (2010); Toronto Theatre Critics Awards; Several Dora Nominations and Awards.
OTHER: Akin was a founding member of Obsidian Theatre, Canada’s leading black theatre company, and served as the Artistic Director until his retirement in 2020. Through Obsidian, Akin worked tirelessly to mentor, nurture, and develop thousands of black artists across the country. He continues this work through the Philip Akin Black Shoulder Legacy Award. A first-of-its-kind national award dedicated to supporting and nurturing Black Canadian Theatre Artists, ensuring they are equipped with the skills to be at the top of their professional game: Black Shoulders Legacy Award (bsla.ca)
AWARDS & RECOGNITION (Selected): The Herbert Whittaker/CTCA Award for Distinguished Contribution to Canadian Theatre (2019); Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts (2018); William Kilbourn Award for the Celebration of Toronto’s Cultural Life(2014); Life Membership Award from Canadian Actors Equity Association (2014); Playwright’s Guild of Canada Women’s Caucus Bra D’Or Award (2011); Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award (2011); Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts Silver Ticket Award (2010); Toronto Theatre Critics Awards; Several Dora Nominations and Awards.
OTHER: Akin was a founding member of Obsidian Theatre, Canada’s leading black theatre company, and served as the Artistic Director until his retirement in 2020. Through Obsidian, Akin worked tirelessly to mentor, nurture, and develop thousands of black artists across the country. He continues this work through the Philip Akin Black Shoulder Legacy Award. A first-of-its-kind national award dedicated to supporting and nurturing Black Canadian Theatre Artists, ensuring they are equipped with the skills to be at the top of their professional game: Black Shoulders Legacy Award (bsla.ca)
Sean Mulcahy
Set & Costume Designer
For the Grand Theatre: Debut.
Theatre Credits (Selected): Evita, A Few Good Men (Drayton Entertainment); Bend It Like Beckham: The Musical(Starvox); Salt Baby (Theatre Aquarius); Brighton Beach Memoirs; Gloria: A Life (HGJT).
Awards (Selected): Guthrie and The Tom Patterson Award (Stratford Festival); 3 Merritt awards for Outstanding Design (Theatre Nova Scotia); Best Group Costume Design (PRIDE Toronto); Laureate of the prestigious Virginia and Myrtle Cooper Award for Costume Design (OAC/OAF, 2020).
Other: Sean is a graduate and MFA candidate in Design from York University and a Film and Theatre Design Lecturer at TMU. ADC IATSE 659. www.seanmulcahydesign.com
Theatre Credits (Selected): Evita, A Few Good Men (Drayton Entertainment); Bend It Like Beckham: The Musical(Starvox); Salt Baby (Theatre Aquarius); Brighton Beach Memoirs; Gloria: A Life (HGJT).
Awards (Selected): Guthrie and The Tom Patterson Award (Stratford Festival); 3 Merritt awards for Outstanding Design (Theatre Nova Scotia); Best Group Costume Design (PRIDE Toronto); Laureate of the prestigious Virginia and Myrtle Cooper Award for Costume Design (OAC/OAF, 2020).
Other: Sean is a graduate and MFA candidate in Design from York University and a Film and Theatre Design Lecturer at TMU. ADC IATSE 659. www.seanmulcahydesign.com
Siobhan Sleath
Lighting Designer
For the Grand Theatre: Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Homes: A Refugee Story.
Theatre Credits (Selected): Anahita’s Republic (Bustle and Beast); Flight (RCM); Snow White (YPT); Come From Away: The Concert (Marquis Productions); Ring of Fire, Steel City Gangster and On a First Name Basis (Theatre Aquarius); The Hobbit (Adirondack Theater Festival); Ephemeral Artifacts: Travis Knights (Anandam Dancetheatre); The Great Divide (Harold Green Jewish Theatre); Ann (Arkansas Rep Theatre); The Horse and His Boy, Wilde Tales (Shaw Festival); Figaro’s Wedding (Against the Grain); Miracle on 34th Street, A Year with Frog and Toad, Shrek and The Addams Family (Neptune Theatre.
Other: www.siobhansleathdesign.com
Theatre Credits (Selected): Anahita’s Republic (Bustle and Beast); Flight (RCM); Snow White (YPT); Come From Away: The Concert (Marquis Productions); Ring of Fire, Steel City Gangster and On a First Name Basis (Theatre Aquarius); The Hobbit (Adirondack Theater Festival); Ephemeral Artifacts: Travis Knights (Anandam Dancetheatre); The Great Divide (Harold Green Jewish Theatre); Ann (Arkansas Rep Theatre); The Horse and His Boy, Wilde Tales (Shaw Festival); Figaro’s Wedding (Against the Grain); Miracle on 34th Street, A Year with Frog and Toad, Shrek and The Addams Family (Neptune Theatre.
Other: www.siobhansleathdesign.com
Lyon Smith
Sound Designer
For the Grand Theatre: Debut.
Theatre Credits (Selected): The DonnellyTrilogy, The Real McCoy, The Drawer Boy, In the Wake of Wetlaufer (Blyth); Pipeline (Soulpepper); The Gig (Theatre Aquarius); Stag and Doe, Shirley Valentine (Capital Theatre); Hamlet, Macbeth, Liv Stein (Canadian Stage); The Waltz, Prairie Nurse (Factory Theatre); The Great Divide, Dear Jack Dear Louise (Harold Green Jewish Theatre).
Theatre Credits (Selected): The DonnellyTrilogy, The Real McCoy, The Drawer Boy, In the Wake of Wetlaufer (Blyth); Pipeline (Soulpepper); The Gig (Theatre Aquarius); Stag and Doe, Shirley Valentine (Capital Theatre); Hamlet, Macbeth, Liv Stein (Canadian Stage); The Waltz, Prairie Nurse (Factory Theatre); The Great Divide, Dear Jack Dear Louise (Harold Green Jewish Theatre).
Amanda Nicholls
Assistant Director
For the Grand Theatre: Debut.
Theatre Credits (Selected): Director: half n half (Piece of Mine); Intergeneracial, workshop (Fiona Clarke). Assistant Director: The Amy Project, Quiet Revolution; Motherland, workshop (IFT Theatre).
Other: Amanda is an Artist, Arts-Educator, Wellness Coach, and Mindfulness Practitioner. She is a Graduate of the Humber College Theatre Performance program, b current’s razin ensemble, and completed Obsidian Theatre Company’s Apprentices Program under the Directing stream.
Theatre Credits (Selected): Director: half n half (Piece of Mine); Intergeneracial, workshop (Fiona Clarke). Assistant Director: The Amy Project, Quiet Revolution; Motherland, workshop (IFT Theatre).
Other: Amanda is an Artist, Arts-Educator, Wellness Coach, and Mindfulness Practitioner. She is a Graduate of the Humber College Theatre Performance program, b current’s razin ensemble, and completed Obsidian Theatre Company’s Apprentices Program under the Directing stream.
Suzanne McArthur
Stage Manager
Kelsey Rae
Assistant Stage Manager
For the Grand Theatre: Kim’s Convenience.
Theatre Credits (selected): The Donnelly Trilogy (Blyth Festival); Wizard of Oz Panto (Drayton); Bentboy (YPT); King Henry Five, Rosalynde, Midsummer Night's Dream (Driftwood Theatre); Paper Bag Princess,The In-Between - 2Play Tour (Geordie Productions); Echoes of the
Homesick Heart (Western Canada Theatre); Canadian Badlands Passion Play, Merry Wives of Windsor (Perchance Theatre); Waiting for Godot (Stratford Festival).
Other: Proud graduate of Mount Allison University
Theatre Credits (selected): The Donnelly Trilogy (Blyth Festival); Wizard of Oz Panto (Drayton); Bentboy (YPT); King Henry Five, Rosalynde, Midsummer Night's Dream (Driftwood Theatre); Paper Bag Princess,The In-Between - 2Play Tour (Geordie Productions); Echoes of the
Homesick Heart (Western Canada Theatre); Canadian Badlands Passion Play, Merry Wives of Windsor (Perchance Theatre); Waiting for Godot (Stratford Festival).
Other: Proud graduate of Mount Allison University
Sydney Stobo
Apprentice Stage Manager
For the Grand Theatre: Kim’s Convenience.
Theatre Credits (Selected): The Sound of Music (Thousand Islands Playhouse); RETOLD (Musical Stage Company); Let’s Dance! (Terra Bruce Productions); 9 to 5: The Musical (Capitol Theatre Port Hope); Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Mirvish); First Drafts (Musical Stage Company/Theatre Sheridan).
Theatre Credits (Selected): The Sound of Music (Thousand Islands Playhouse); RETOLD (Musical Stage Company); Let’s Dance! (Terra Bruce Productions); 9 to 5: The Musical (Capitol Theatre Port Hope); Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Mirvish); First Drafts (Musical Stage Company/Theatre Sheridan).
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