A Neptune Theatre Production
Conceived and Created by Jeremy Webb and Ian Sherwood
Originally Directed by Laura Caswell
Directed by Samantha Wilson
On the Spriet Stage
April 18 to May 7, 2023

April 12, 2023 – London ON – Following nine captivating productions, and a year of uninterrupted live theatre, the Grand Theatre closes its 2022/23 season on a celebratory note with Neptune Theatre’s East Coast Kitchen Party from April 18^th through May 7^th.

“I can think of no better production to end our first full season back – LIVE! And in Person – than East Coast Kitchen Party,” announces Dennis Garnhum, Grand Theatre Artistic Director. “Filled with glorious and uplifting music from the Maritimes, paired with performances by some of London’s most talented musicians, this is a true celebration of Canadian talent, tradition, and togetherness.”

East Coast Kitchen Party offers an authentically Nova Scotian experience – filled with singing, dancing, and shouts of “sociable!” It’s a concert celebration set in a kitchen, where the instruments come out, and friends start to play some of the best music that the East Coast has to offer. Each performance will see the stunning cast of four Maritimers, joined by an outstanding lineup of 23 London, Ontario musicians, who will drop in to give the party a very local flavour.

A lively and interactive show by nature, the Grand’s production of East Coast Kitchen Party will welcome ten patrons to sit on the Spriet Stage and enjoy the entirety of the show directly from “inside the kitchen.” These special tickets are available to patrons starting Thursday, April 13^th for $35 per ticket. Further, both pre-show and at intermission, all patrons are able to order and enjoy a drink from the full-scale kitchen bar on-stage – presenting a unique theatre-going experience.

Reprising their roles from the 2018 world premiere of East Coast Kitchen Party (also known as: Argyle Street Kitchen Party) at the Neptune Theatre, and making their Grand Theatre debuts, are: Karen Lizotte, Celia Owen, Malia Rogers, and award-winning musician and East Coast Kitchen Party co-creator, Ian Sherwood. At the helm of the production is Nova Scotia-based actor, director, and educator, Samantha Wilson. Rounding out the talented production team is: Set Designer Andrew Cull, Lighting Designer Vicky Williams, and Stage Manager Suzanne McArthur.

Originally titled Argyle Street Kitchen Party, East Coast Kitchen Party was conceived and created at the Neptune Theatre in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2018 by Neptune Artistic Director, Jeremy Webb and recognized folk musician, Ian Sherwood. Following its world premiere, the production was initially programmed to open the Grand’s 2020 season, to help unveil the Theatre’s $9.5 million renovation, but was rescheduled to close the 2022/23 season in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. After a city-wide application process, in March 2023 the Grand Theatre – with the generous support of Tourism London and London Music Office – announced that 23 London guest artists would be joining the party for a 15-minute set on stage, and another 30-minute set immediately following the show in the Drewlo Lounge.

“London audiences don’t have to leave home to visit the East Coast this spring,” exclaims Director Samantha Wilson. “Our kitchen party will have you tapping your feet and singing along as we transport you to a Maritime kitchen in full swing. But, be aware, our talented musicians have been known to cause homesickness in transplanted East Coasters. Come raise a glass with us!”

East Coast Kitchen Party is on the Spriet Stage from April 18^th through May 7^th, 2023. Tickets start at $35 and are available at www.grandtheatre.com, by phone at 519-672-8800, or at the Box Office, 471 Richmond Street.

The Grand Theatre gratefully acknowledges the continued support of the 2022/23 returning Season Sponsor BMO Financial Group, Title Sponsor Voices.com, and Guest Artists Sponsors Tourism London and the London Music Office.  

To learn more about East Coast Kitchen Party, please visit: grandtheatre.com/event/east-coast-kitchen-party. Additional facts, photos, and updates can also be found by following @thegrandlondon and #GrandParty on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Grand Theatre wishes to acknowledge and honour the original stewards of the land on which our Theatre stands. Gratitude and recognition are extended to the Attawandaron (also known as Neutral), Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, and Lunaapewak peoples for preserving this land where we gather and create art.

About the Grand Theatre – World Curious. London Proud.

In the heart of downtown London, Ontario lies one of Canada’s oldest regional theatres and a leading cultural hub of today: the Grand Theatre. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Dennis Garnhum and Executive Director Evan Klassen, the Grand proudly presents diverse, relevant, and original stories from around the globe – and around the corner – on its two stages. The not-for-profit theatre is committed to developing, producing, and premiering original stories through its COMPASS New Play Development program. Further, it is an ardent supporter of educational programming, as demonstrated through initiatives like the High School Project and Subsidized Student Matinees. For more information, visit: grandtheatre.com.

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For more information please contact:
Caitlin Core, Communications Manager
ccore [at] grandtheatre.com (ccore[at]grandtheatre[dot]com)
519-672-9030 ext. 266

MEDIA CALL

When:  Tuesday, April 18 at 1:00 p.m. (Cameras, please arrive at 12:30 p.m. to set up)
Where:  Spriet Stage, Grand Theatre, 471 Richmond Street, London, Ontario
What: East Coast Kitchen Party photo, video, and interview opportunities for media

THE CAST

Karen Lizotte
Celia Owen
Malia Rogers
Ian Sherwood

THE CREATIVE TEAM

Jeremy Webb - Co-Creator
Ian Sherwood - Co-Creator & Musical Director
Samantha Wilson - Director
Vicky Williams - Lighting Designer / Tour Technical Coordinator
Andrew Cull - Set Designer
Suzanne McArthur - Stage Manager

THE GUEST ARTISTS

• The Sheridan Band – Tuesday, April 18 | 7:30 PM
• Bernie Gilmore – Wednesday, April 19 | 7:30 PM
• Emily Jean Flack - Thursday, April 20 | 7:30 PM
• The Pairs – Friday, April 21 | 8:00 PM
• The Marrieds – Saturday, April 22 | 2:00 PM
• Jesse, Leah, and Alex – Saturday, April 22 | 8:00 PM
• Richard Gracious – Sunday, April 23 | 2:00 PM
• Stephen Ingram – Tuesday, April 25 | 7:30 PM
• Alexandra Kane – Wednesday, April 26 | 11:00 AM
• The Light of East Ensemble – Wednesday, April 26 | 7:30 PM
• Paul Mills – Thursday, April 27 | 7:30 PM
• Asante - Friday, April 28 | 8:00 PM
• Sarah MacDougall – Saturday, April 29 | 2:00 PM
• Maggie's Wake – Saturday, April 29 | 8:00 PM
• Charlie Weber – Sunday, April 30 | 2:00 PM
• Jordan McDonald of Texas King – Tuesday, May 2 | 7:30 PM
• The Roxy Paradox – Wednesday, May 3 | 1:00 PM
• Dayna Manning – Wednesday, May 3 | 7:30 PM
• Leanne Mayer – Thursday, May 4 | 7:30 PM
• Twin-Fin – Friday, May 5 | 8:00 PM
• Magenta – Saturday, May 6 | 2:00 PM
• Paris Monroe (Tyrone Traher) – Saturday, May 6 | 8:00 PM
• Justin Maki Band – Sunday, May 7 | 2:00 PM