A Co-Production with National Arts Centre Indigenous Theatre
The Secret to Good Tea
By Rosanna Deerchild
Directed by Renae Morriseau
Directed by Renae Morriseau
February 18 to March 8, 2025
Opening Night Friday, February 21
Spriet Stage
Age Recommendation: 12+
Running time: 150 minutes which includes a 20-minute intermission.
Upcoming Shows & Tickets
February 21, 2025 | 8:00pm Get Tickets
February 22, 2025 | 2:00pm Get Tickets
February 22, 2025 | 8:00pm Get Tickets
February 23, 2025 | 2:00pm Get Tickets
February 25, 2025 | 7:30pm Get Tickets
February 26, 2025 | 7:30pm Get Tickets
February 27, 2025 | 7:30pm Get Tickets
February 28, 2025 | 8:00pm Get Tickets
March 1, 2025 | 2:00pm Get Tickets
March 1, 2025 | 8:00pm Get Tickets
March 2, 2025 | 2:00pm Get Tickets
March 4, 2025 | 7:30pm Get Tickets
March 5, 2025 | 1:00pm Get Tickets
March 5, 2025 | 7:30pm Get Tickets
March 6, 2025 | 7:30pm Get Tickets
March 7, 2025 | 8:00pm Get Tickets
March 8, 2025 | 2:00pm Get Tickets
March 8, 2025 | 8:00pm Get Tickets
A mother and daughter find their way to each other in a story steeped in humour, truth, and a cozy cup of tea.
TICKETS STARTING AT $24!
Gwynn is a local radio host. Her mother, Maggie, has a story.
Maggie has spent a lifetime building a wall between herself and her memories—as well as between herself and her inquisitive, journalist daughter. Now, with a healing gathering for residential school survivors approaching, Gwynn wants Maggie to stop evading her truth, and be part of the change.
With a pot of steaming hot tea as the only thing between them, Maggie and Gwynn work to dismantle her wall, uncovering Maggie’s story in a journey of laughter, revelation, understanding, and the bond of a mother and daughter.
The Secret to Good Tea is a vibrant, intimate, and cheeky family portrait based on playwright Rosanna Deerchild (CBC Unreserved) and her own mother. Fresh from a world premiere in its home province of Manitoba, Deerchild’s powerful first play is set to make its Ontario debut at the Grand Theatre, in partnership with National Arts Centre Indigenous Theatre. Renae Morriseau, who directed the play’s world premiere, returns to Deerchild’s work once again and will direct The Secret to Good Tea on the Grand Theatre’s Spriet Stage.
ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Reflection Space
Throughout and following the show, a dedicated Reflection Space will be available in our lobbies, offering a quiet environment for you to reflect and engage more deeply with the themes and teachings presented in the show. You are invited to smudge, meditate, or take a moment of stillness to process the thoughts and emotions that may have surfaced. In addition, those seeking further learning or information will find access to a variety of resources about local Indigenous organizations.
AFTERWORDS
On Wednesday evenings, immediately after the performance, join co-moderators, Janet Antone (Oneida Nation of the Thames) and Christin Dennis (Chippewas of Sarnia First Nation), in Drewlo lounge (4th floor) for a brief guided discussion.
- Wednesday, Feb 19, 2025
- Wednesday, Feb 26, 2025 - Indigenous Community Night in partnership with the London Arts Council through Indigenous London Arts. All are welcome!
- Wednesday, Mar 5, 2025
TEA TALKS
Join us for creative conversations pre-show with host Rachel Peake and special guests connected to the show. Tea Talks begin at 12:00pm before the Wednesday 1:00pm matinée.
- Wednesday, Mar 5, 2025 - With special guest, Janet Antone! Janet is the Indigenous Community Consultant for the Grand Theatre 2024-25 Season, and the Administrator for Indigenous London Arts as part of the London Arts Council.
The Cast
Michelle Bardach
Gwynn Starr
For the Grand Theatre: Elf the Musical.
Theatre Credits (Selected): Something Rotten, The Diviners (Stratford Festival); Pollyanna, Maggie (Theatre Aquarius); Tell Tale Harbour, Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown Festival); Mamma Mia, Beauty and the Beast (Arts Club); Children of God (Citadel/Segal Centre/WCT).
Film and TV Credits (Selected): Motherland: Fort Salem (Freeform); Dancing Through Christmas (Lifetime).
Voiceover: Spirit Rangers (Netflix); Barbie web shorts (Mattel).
Other: Bachelor of Performing Arts from Capilano University. Vocalist for Indigenous music group, M'Girl. www.michellebardach.com, IG: michyb123
Theatre Credits (Selected): Something Rotten, The Diviners (Stratford Festival); Pollyanna, Maggie (Theatre Aquarius); Tell Tale Harbour, Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown Festival); Mamma Mia, Beauty and the Beast (Arts Club); Children of God (Citadel/Segal Centre/WCT).
Film and TV Credits (Selected): Motherland: Fort Salem (Freeform); Dancing Through Christmas (Lifetime).
Voiceover: Spirit Rangers (Netflix); Barbie web shorts (Mattel).
Other: Bachelor of Performing Arts from Capilano University. Vocalist for Indigenous music group, M'Girl. www.michellebardach.com, IG: michyb123
Kelsey Kanatan Wavey
Nicki
For the Grand Theatre: Debut
Theatre Credits (Selected): Acting: Women of the Fur Trade (NAC/GCTC), Sunrise Betties (Itsazoo), The Secret to Good Tea, The Rez Sisters (RMTC), In My Day (Zeezee Theatre), The Mixolydian, The Mystics (Greenthumb Theatre), Skyborn (Savage Society), The Hours that Remain (Theatre by the River), The Unnatural and Accidental Women (NAC)
Directing: Eyes of the Beast: Climate Disaster Stories (Neworld Theatre), Cerulean Blue (Studio 58)
Film and TV Credits: KIN (Sewing Circle Productions)
Theatre Credits (Selected): Acting: Women of the Fur Trade (NAC/GCTC), Sunrise Betties (Itsazoo), The Secret to Good Tea, The Rez Sisters (RMTC), In My Day (Zeezee Theatre), The Mixolydian, The Mystics (Greenthumb Theatre), Skyborn (Savage Society), The Hours that Remain (Theatre by the River), The Unnatural and Accidental Women (NAC)
Directing: Eyes of the Beast: Climate Disaster Stories (Neworld Theatre), Cerulean Blue (Studio 58)
Film and TV Credits: KIN (Sewing Circle Productions)
Marsha Knight
Maggie
For the Grand Theatre: Debut.
Theatre Credits (Selected): The Comeback (RMTC); Rise Red River (Theatre Cercle Moliere/Article 11/PTE); Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun (TNW); Antony and Cleopatra (Shakespeare in the Ruins); Crees in the Caribbean (Magnus); Rez Sister (PTE, TNW, Magnus).
Film and TV Credits (Selected): Acting Good Season 2 & 3 (CTV Comedy); D dot H (APTN Lumi); Little Bird (APTN Crave); Burden of Truth (CBC).
Other: Instructor University of Winnipeg Intro Theatre - Indigenous Performance; Producer/Writer/Director "Winnipeg's North End: A Food Desert" (NSI/APTN/CBC - avaialble on CBC Gem).
Theatre Credits (Selected): The Comeback (RMTC); Rise Red River (Theatre Cercle Moliere/Article 11/PTE); Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun (TNW); Antony and Cleopatra (Shakespeare in the Ruins); Crees in the Caribbean (Magnus); Rez Sister (PTE, TNW, Magnus).
Film and TV Credits (Selected): Acting Good Season 2 & 3 (CTV Comedy); D dot H (APTN Lumi); Little Bird (APTN Crave); Burden of Truth (CBC).
Other: Instructor University of Winnipeg Intro Theatre - Indigenous Performance; Producer/Writer/Director "Winnipeg's North End: A Food Desert" (NSI/APTN/CBC - avaialble on CBC Gem).
Jeremy Proulx
Mr Big Chief
For the Grand Theatre: Debut.
Theatre Credits (Selected): Secret To Good Tea (Royal Manitoba Theatre Company); Feather Gardens (Hudson Village Theatre); Sixty Below (CIT and Tarragon Theatre); Honour Beat (New West Theatre); Owl Calling (Root Sky Theatre); King Lear (NAC); Only Drunks and Children Tell The Truth (Magnus Theatre).
Film and TV Credits (Selected): In The Beginning Was Water and Sky (Heart Shaped Movies); Chasing Lear (Through and Thru Films); Along The Wabash (PBS).
Other: Graduate of the BFA Program at York University. Graduate of Indigenous Theatre School - Full-Time Conservatory. www. jeremy-proulx.com
Theatre Credits (Selected): Secret To Good Tea (Royal Manitoba Theatre Company); Feather Gardens (Hudson Village Theatre); Sixty Below (CIT and Tarragon Theatre); Honour Beat (New West Theatre); Owl Calling (Root Sky Theatre); King Lear (NAC); Only Drunks and Children Tell The Truth (Magnus Theatre).
Film and TV Credits (Selected): In The Beginning Was Water and Sky (Heart Shaped Movies); Chasing Lear (Through and Thru Films); Along The Wabash (PBS).
Other: Graduate of the BFA Program at York University. Graduate of Indigenous Theatre School - Full-Time Conservatory. www. jeremy-proulx.com
James Dallas Smith
Michael
For the Grand Theatre: Debut
Theatre Credits (Selected): Almighty Voice & His Wife (Dora Nomination for Outstanding Performance); Where Blood Mixes, King Lear, Our Town (Soulpepper); Hamlet (Canadian Stage); The Secret to Good Tea (Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre); The Donelly's Trilogy, Cottagers & Indians, The Berlin Blues, Ipperwash (Blyth); MacBeth (Great Southwest Shakespear); Proof, The Drawer Boy (Centaur); Hard Times for These Times (NAC)
Other: From Oshweken and proud Mohawk of the Six Nations Grand River (Turtle Clan)
Theatre Credits (Selected): Almighty Voice & His Wife (Dora Nomination for Outstanding Performance); Where Blood Mixes, King Lear, Our Town (Soulpepper); Hamlet (Canadian Stage); The Secret to Good Tea (Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre); The Donelly's Trilogy, Cottagers & Indians, The Berlin Blues, Ipperwash (Blyth); MacBeth (Great Southwest Shakespear); Proof, The Drawer Boy (Centaur); Hard Times for These Times (NAC)
Other: From Oshweken and proud Mohawk of the Six Nations Grand River (Turtle Clan)
Emily Solstice Tait
Crow
For the Grand Theatre: Debut.
Theatre Credits (Selected): The War Being Waged, The Improvised Musical (Prairie Exchange); The Secret To Good Tea (Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre); Laurier (Theatre New Brunswick/Confederation Centre of the Arts).
Film and TV Credits (Selected): Cišєt (Cameron Fraser-Monroe); The_Place (CBC Arts); Best of You (Rayannah).
Other: Confluence (Raven Spirit Dance); Actualize (Winnipeg Contemporary Dancers); Rite of Spring (Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra).
Theatre Credits (Selected): The War Being Waged, The Improvised Musical (Prairie Exchange); The Secret To Good Tea (Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre); Laurier (Theatre New Brunswick/Confederation Centre of the Arts).
Film and TV Credits (Selected): Cišєt (Cameron Fraser-Monroe); The_Place (CBC Arts); Best of You (Rayannah).
Other: Confluence (Raven Spirit Dance); Actualize (Winnipeg Contemporary Dancers); Rite of Spring (Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra).
Creative Team
Rosanna Deerchild
Playwright
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Debut.
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): The Secret to Good Tea (RMTC).
FILM & TV CREDITS: Acting Good (CTV Comedy/CRAVE).
OTHER: Rosanna is Cree, from O-Pipon-Na-Piwan Cree Nation. Her first play, with RMTC’s Pimootayowin Creators Circle, The Secret to Good Tea was the first Indigenous-written play to debut on their mainstage for their 22/23 season. As the host of Unreserved (CBC Radio One) Rosanna shares Indigenous community, culture and conversation. She has written three collections of poetry: this is a small northern town, calling down the sky, and she falls again.
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): The Secret to Good Tea (RMTC).
FILM & TV CREDITS: Acting Good (CTV Comedy/CRAVE).
OTHER: Rosanna is Cree, from O-Pipon-Na-Piwan Cree Nation. Her first play, with RMTC’s Pimootayowin Creators Circle, The Secret to Good Tea was the first Indigenous-written play to debut on their mainstage for their 22/23 season. As the host of Unreserved (CBC Radio One) Rosanna shares Indigenous community, culture and conversation. She has written three collections of poetry: this is a small northern town, calling down the sky, and she falls again.
Renae Morriseau
Director
Since the 80's, Renae has worked individually and collectively in Indigenous stories in music, theatre, film, and television. Much of her work is about community engaged art; art created with for and about the hopes of a good future for Indigenous people on their lands and in the cities of Turtle Island. Renae is a writer, theatre and television director, singer, and musician. She has worked across Canada and internationally with her singing group, M'Girl. She currently instructs Indigenous Film Studies at Capilano University.
Yolonda Skelton
Costume Designer
For the Grand Theatre: Debut.
Theatre Credits: Beautiful Scars (Theater Aquarius); The Secret to Good Tea (Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre).
Film/TV Credits: Lay Down Your Heart (NFB); Bones of Crows; WaaPaKe (NFB); Angela’s Shadow.
Other: www.sugiitlukxsdesigns.com
Theatre Credits: Beautiful Scars (Theater Aquarius); The Secret to Good Tea (Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre).
Film/TV Credits: Lay Down Your Heart (NFB); Bones of Crows; WaaPaKe (NFB); Angela’s Shadow.
Other: www.sugiitlukxsdesigns.com
Tim Rodrigues
Lighting Designer
For the Grand Theatre: Debut.
Theatre Credits (Selected): Sakura- After Chekov (Centaur Theatre), Selma Burke (Theatre Calgary/Alberta Theatre Projects), Dominoes at the Crossroads (Infinithéâtre), The Flood (Imago Theatre), Paint Me This House of Love (Tarragon Theatre), English (Soulpepper/ Segal Centre), Serving Elizabeth (Theatre Aquarius), From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea (Geordie Theatre), Pipeline (Black Theatre Workshop), Marjorie Prime (Segal Thatre), The River (Magnus Theatre)
Other: Graduate of the Contemporary Dance Department at Concordia University and Production Design and Technical Arts Program at the National Theatre School of Canada
Theatre Credits (Selected): Sakura- After Chekov (Centaur Theatre), Selma Burke (Theatre Calgary/Alberta Theatre Projects), Dominoes at the Crossroads (Infinithéâtre), The Flood (Imago Theatre), Paint Me This House of Love (Tarragon Theatre), English (Soulpepper/ Segal Centre), Serving Elizabeth (Theatre Aquarius), From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea (Geordie Theatre), Pipeline (Black Theatre Workshop), Marjorie Prime (Segal Thatre), The River (Magnus Theatre)
Other: Graduate of the Contemporary Dance Department at Concordia University and Production Design and Technical Arts Program at the National Theatre School of Canada
Cande Andrade
Projection Designer
Theatre Credits (Selected): Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer (NAC INdigenous Theatre/ Savage Belfry), Women of the Fur Trade (NAC Indigenous Theatre/Native Earth GCTC), Empty- Handed (Biting School), In the Eyes of the Beast (Neworld Theatre/UVIC), You Used to Call Me Marie (NAC Indigenous Theatre/Savage Scoeity), Julius Ceasar (Bard on the Beach)
Other: www.candeandrade.com
Other: www.candeandrade.com
Olivia Wheeler
Sound Designer
For The Grand Theatre: Debut.
Theatre Credits (Selected): Aligator Pie, De Profundis: Oscar Wilde In Jail, The Walk-Up (Soulpepper); The Bidding War (Crows Theatre); Playing Shylock (Canadian Stage); Infinite Life (Coal Mine); Cymbeline (Stratford); The Fixing Girl (YPT); Mad Madge (Nightwood); Here Lies Henry, Armadillos (Factory Theatre); Between A Wok and a Hot Pot (Cahoots); ECHO (Next Stage); A Sapphic Affair (Stages Theatre festival). Associate Sound Design: A Wrinkle In Time (Stratford); Three Women of Swatow (Tarragon Theatre). Assistant Sound Design: Mahabharata (Why Not); Every Little Nookie, Hamlet-911, 1939 (Stratford); The Wedding Party (Alberta Theatre Projects).
Other: www.oliviawheeler.com
Theatre Credits (Selected): Aligator Pie, De Profundis: Oscar Wilde In Jail, The Walk-Up (Soulpepper); The Bidding War (Crows Theatre); Playing Shylock (Canadian Stage); Infinite Life (Coal Mine); Cymbeline (Stratford); The Fixing Girl (YPT); Mad Madge (Nightwood); Here Lies Henry, Armadillos (Factory Theatre); Between A Wok and a Hot Pot (Cahoots); ECHO (Next Stage); A Sapphic Affair (Stages Theatre festival). Associate Sound Design: A Wrinkle In Time (Stratford); Three Women of Swatow (Tarragon Theatre). Assistant Sound Design: Mahabharata (Why Not); Every Little Nookie, Hamlet-911, 1939 (Stratford); The Wedding Party (Alberta Theatre Projects).
Other: www.oliviawheeler.com
Montana Summers
Choreographer
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Love Songs for the Thunderbirds.
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Conditions to Strike (Montana Summers); The Honouring, The Mush Hole, Sken:nen (Kaha:wi Dance Theatre); Canoe (Unsettled Score); Compost-Recomposing Relations, Dancing with Billy, Becoming Garden (Sweet Labour Art Collective); The Other Side of the River (Backyard Theatre); I Lost My Talk, Louis Riel Opera (National Arts Centre).
FILM & TV CREDITS: Withdrawals (Semiah); Shame (Ombiigizi); Kan^stote (Dusk Dances).
AWARDS: Dora Awards – Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble: Kaha:wi Dance Theatre’s The Mush Hole (YPT).
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Conditions to Strike (Montana Summers); The Honouring, The Mush Hole, Sken:nen (Kaha:wi Dance Theatre); Canoe (Unsettled Score); Compost-Recomposing Relations, Dancing with Billy, Becoming Garden (Sweet Labour Art Collective); The Other Side of the River (Backyard Theatre); I Lost My Talk, Louis Riel Opera (National Arts Centre).
FILM & TV CREDITS: Withdrawals (Semiah); Shame (Ombiigizi); Kan^stote (Dusk Dances).
AWARDS: Dora Awards – Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble: Kaha:wi Dance Theatre’s The Mush Hole (YPT).
Janet Antone
Indigenous Cultural Consultant
For the Grand Theatre: Debut.
Theatre Credits (Selected): Stage Manager: Waawaate Fobister’s Medicine Boy (Summerworks).
Other: Janet Antone is from Oneida Nation of the Thames. Graduate of Fanshawe College’s Music Industry Arts program and Trebas Institue’s Artist Management program. Administrator at Native Earth Performing Arts for 3 years. She now works on her reserve at the Oneida Language and Cultural Centre as the Audio technician and Admin Assistant, helping to preserve the Oneida language through audio and visual mediums. She is grateful for the opportunity to be the Community Cultural Consultant for the Grand Theatre’s 2024/25 season supported by the London Arts Council.
Theatre Credits (Selected): Stage Manager: Waawaate Fobister’s Medicine Boy (Summerworks).
Other: Janet Antone is from Oneida Nation of the Thames. Graduate of Fanshawe College’s Music Industry Arts program and Trebas Institue’s Artist Management program. Administrator at Native Earth Performing Arts for 3 years. She now works on her reserve at the Oneida Language and Cultural Centre as the Audio technician and Admin Assistant, helping to preserve the Oneida language through audio and visual mediums. She is grateful for the opportunity to be the Community Cultural Consultant for the Grand Theatre’s 2024/25 season supported by the London Arts Council.
Anita Nittoly
Fight Director
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: The Sound of Music, As You Like It, The Phantom of the Opera, Kim’s Convenience, Fall on Your Knees, Fences.
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Midsummer Night’s Dream (Perchance); Bad Roads, Prodigal (Crow’s); Roberto Zucco, Angels in America (Buddies in Bad Times); The Retreat (Imago); Truth (YPT); Jesus Christ Superstar (Here for Now); WildWoman (Soulpepper); Hamlet (The Rose, Shakespeare in High Park); Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes (TIP); Counter Offence (Segal Centre); Fairview (CanStage); Trojan Girls and The Outhouse of Ateous (Outside the March/Factory Theatre); Our Place (Cahoots/TPM); The Last Wife, The 39 Steps, Successions (Centaur Theatre); Whole World (Carousel Players).
OTHER: www.anitanittoly.com
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Midsummer Night’s Dream (Perchance); Bad Roads, Prodigal (Crow’s); Roberto Zucco, Angels in America (Buddies in Bad Times); The Retreat (Imago); Truth (YPT); Jesus Christ Superstar (Here for Now); WildWoman (Soulpepper); Hamlet (The Rose, Shakespeare in High Park); Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes (TIP); Counter Offence (Segal Centre); Fairview (CanStage); Trojan Girls and The Outhouse of Ateous (Outside the March/Factory Theatre); Our Place (Cahoots/TPM); The Last Wife, The 39 Steps, Successions (Centaur Theatre); Whole World (Carousel Players).
OTHER: www.anitanittoly.com
Suzanne McArthur
Stage Manager
For the Grand Theatre: 17th season.
Theatre Credits (Selected):
The Diviners, Les Belles-Soeurs, Hamlet-911, Hosanna, The Tempest (Stratford Festival); The Birds and the Bees, Aladdin: The Panto, Snow White: The Panto, Weekend Comedy, Perfect Wedding (Drayton Entertainment); The Fixer-Upper, It’s Your Funeral, Lunenburg, Buying the Farm, Birds of a Feather, Storm Warning, Wrong for Each Other, Knickers! A Brief Comedy (Port Stanley Festival Theatre); The Normal Heart (Studio 180/Buddies in Bad Times Theatre); Forests (Tarragon Theatre); Beauty and the Beast (Silver Mist Productions).
Other: Love to Michael and Charlie.
Theatre Credits (Selected):
The Diviners, Les Belles-Soeurs, Hamlet-911, Hosanna, The Tempest (Stratford Festival); The Birds and the Bees, Aladdin: The Panto, Snow White: The Panto, Weekend Comedy, Perfect Wedding (Drayton Entertainment); The Fixer-Upper, It’s Your Funeral, Lunenburg, Buying the Farm, Birds of a Feather, Storm Warning, Wrong for Each Other, Knickers! A Brief Comedy (Port Stanley Festival Theatre); The Normal Heart (Studio 180/Buddies in Bad Times Theatre); Forests (Tarragon Theatre); Beauty and the Beast (Silver Mist Productions).
Other: Love to Michael and Charlie.
Jessica Campbell-Maracle
Assistant Stage Manager
For the Grand Theatre: Honour Beat.
Theatre Credits (Selected): Come From Away (Mirvish & National Arts Centre), You Used To Call Me Marie (Savage Society & National Arts Centre), Niizh (Native Earth Performing Arts), The Breathing Hole / Aglu (National Arts Centre)
Other: Graduate of New Pathways Production Design School and Technical Arts Program at The National Theatre School of Canada.
Theatre Credits (Selected): Come From Away (Mirvish & National Arts Centre), You Used To Call Me Marie (Savage Society & National Arts Centre), Niizh (Native Earth Performing Arts), The Breathing Hole / Aglu (National Arts Centre)
Other: Graduate of New Pathways Production Design School and Technical Arts Program at The National Theatre School of Canada.
