Grand Theatre kicks off biggest season with record-breaking attendance

Season Opener, ONCE, Drives Historic Single Ticket Sales

London, ONTARIO - November 8, 2017 — The Grand Theatre is thrilled to announce that ONCE recorded the highest single ticket sales on a regular engagement in the history of the theatre. ONCE single ticket sales set a milestone selling over 13,400 tickets (subscriptions and single tickets combined) during its three-week run.

“The first production of Dennis Garnhum’s inaugural season as Artistic Director set historic records,” said Executive Director Deb Harvey. “It surpassed our expectations not only in sales, but in audience engagement. Patrons loved the opportunity to be up on stage, and we loved seeing so many new faces and having sold out houses to kick off our new season.”

During the run, which began October 17 and was extended to November 5, the coolest bar in town was on stage at the Grand. Breaking another record (this time in bar sales), over 2,000 pints of Toboggan Brewing Co. beer were sold to thirsty patrons, 80 percent of which was consumed at the on-stage bar which was open pre-show and at intermission.

The Grand Theatre gratefully acknowledges the support of the 2017/18 Season Sponsor BMO Financial Group and the ONCE Title Sponsor, Bluestone Properties and Craft Beer Partner Toboggan Brewing Co.

About the Grand Theatre

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Dennis Garnhum and Executive Director Deb Harvey, the Grand is a leading cultural hub proudly located in the heart of downtown London, Ontario. The Grand offers diverse, relevant, and original stories from around the globe through collaborations with national and international performing arts organizations and is committed to developing, producing, and premiering original homegrown stories through COMPASS, a New Play Development Program. The Grand supports educational programming and youth mentorship such as The High School Project, the only program of its kind in North America, and 100 Schools, a new community initiative that brings professional theatre to London-area schools in 2018 at no cost.

A not-for-profit regional theatre, the Grand produces and presents professional theatre on two stages: the Spriet Stage (839 seats) and the McManus Stage (144 seats). The Grand’s season runs from September to May. The 2017/18 Season is on sale.