The Grand Theatre, Covent Garden Productions, and David Mirvish Present the North American premiere of Room
By Emma Donoghue
Adapted for the stage by Emma Donoghue
Music & Lyrics by Cora Bissett and Kathryn Joseph
On the Spriet Stage March 10 to March 28
Opening Night: March 13
LONDON, ONTARIO, March 4, 2020— This March, the Grand Theatre, in partnership with Covent Garden Productions and David Mirvish, proudly presents the North American premiere of the stage adaptation of Emma Donoghue’s internationally successful story Room. The novel, which tells the breath-taking story of five-year-old Jack and his mother, won the 2011 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize and was short-listed for numerous additional literary awards. Donoghue adapted the story for a film version which was released in 2015 and was nominated for four Academy Awards. She subsequently adapted it for the stage, and it was first presented in the UK.
“It is an extraordinary honour to be presenting the North American premiere of the stage version of Room,” said Artistic Director Dennis Garnhum. “Grand audiences are privileged to have a first-look at this beautiful production, before it moves on to Mirvish at the CAA Theatre in Toronto.”
From the beginning, Emma Donoghue envisioned the story as a stage production, “It always felt as if retelling Jack and Ma’s story in the language of theatre made obvious sense.” After reading the novel herself, Scottish director, Cora Bissett, also felt the urge to have the story appear on stage, with one added feature—music. The songs featured in ROOM were written by Bissett, along with singer-songwriter Kathryn Joseph, and stand as a powerful presence in the production.
Starring as Ma is Stratford Festival favourite, Alexis Gordon, who returns to the Grand after appearing as Mrs. Banks in the successful holiday show, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s MARY POPPINS. Joining her in this premiere are Stewart Arnott as Grandpa/Doctor, Brandon Michael Arrington as SuperJack, Tracey Ferencz as Grandma, Shannon Taylor as Interviewer/Police Officer/Popcorn Seller, Ashley Wright as Old Nick, and Hayden Baertsoen and Quinsley Edison who share the role of Jack.
The Grand Theatre gratefully acknowledges its Season Sponsor - BMO Financial Group.
Open Caption Performance Dates
The Grand Theatre continues its commitment to accessibility initiatives for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing theatre patrons. Open Caption performances for ROOM will be held Friday, March 27, at 8:00pm and Saturday, March 28, at 2:00pm. To book tickets, please email boxoffice [at] grandtheatre.com (boxoffice[at]grandtheatre[dot]com).
ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE
The Wednesday Speak Easy
Returning to the Grand this season is the Wednesday Speak Easy series. Following each Wednesday performance on the Spriet and McManus Stages, patrons can extend their theatre experience and get closer to the artists with exclusive talks, casual conversations, and spontaneous happenings in the relaxed atmosphere of the Poster Lounge or the McManus Lounge. Our Wednesday Speak Easy series will continue for ROOM on March 11th, 18th,, and 25th.
Pre-Show Reaney Talks
Join host James Stewart Reaney on Wednesday, March 18th at 12pm, as he sparks creative conversations about the production.
About the Grand Theatre – World Curious. London Proud.
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Dennis Garnhum and Executive Director Deb Harvey, the Grand is a leading cultural hub 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 stories through COMPASS New Play Development program. The Grand supports educational programming with The High School Project, the only program of its kind in North America, and 100 Schools, a community initiative that brings professional theatre to London-area schools at no cost. The Grand’s season runs from September to May.
Tickets are available at grandtheatre.com, by phone at 519.672.8800, or at the Box Office, 471 Richmond Street.
ROOM MEDIA CALL
When: Tuesday, March 10, at 1:00pm (cameras, please arrive at 12:45 to set up)
Where: Grand Theatre, Spriet Stage, 471 Richmond Street
What: ROOM photo, video, and interview opportunities for media
RSVP: To jmatthews [at] grandtheatre.com (jmatthews[at]grandtheatre[dot]com)
For more information, including guest artists’ bios, please contact:
Jennifer Matthews, Communications Manager, Grand Theatre
jmatthews [at] grandtheatre.com (jmatthews[at]grandtheatre[dot]com)
519.672.9030 ext. 411
Grand Theatre, Covent Garden Productions,
and David Mirvish present:
ROOM
By Emma Donoghue
Adapted for the stage by Emma Donoghue
Music & Lyrics by Cora Bissett & Kathryn Joseph
Directed by Cora Bissett
March 10 to March 28
CAST
*Fight Captain
PRODUCTION TEAM
Originally produced by Theatre Royal Stratford East,
National Theatre of Scotland, and Abbey Theatre in Dublin.
