Andrew Prashad taps into fatherhood journey in solo show on the Auburn Stage

Written, Conceived, Composed, and Performed by Andrew Prashad
Directed by Scott Hurst
Music Directed by Jeannie Wyse

On the Auburn Stage
April 9 to 20, 2024
Opening April 10

Season Sponsor: BMO

April 2, 2024 – London ON – Andrew Prashad’s critically acclaimed One Step at a Time may bring tears to your eyes, but he promises that you’ll smile more than you cry. Known around the world for his exceptional talent as a dancer (Riverdance 20th Anniversary World Tour), singer, actor, composer, and creator (Disney, Shaw Festival, Stratford Festival, Talk is Free Theatre, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre), Prashad is also father to three. One Step at a Time is the journey of Andrew and his youngest, Ezra, who was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.

Through tap dance, original songs, monologues, and multimedia projection, the production is about parenthood, about life as an artist, letting go of expectations, and holding on fiercely for who and what you love. One Step at a Time will also be a first or rare moment for many families navigating disability to see their story told and told with great authenticity and artistry.

“Andrew Prashad is a rare talent. His skill as a tap dancer is among the very top in Canada,” shares Rachel Peake, Grand Theatre Artistic Director. “Add his abilities as a singer and dancer, and you have what the business calls a true triple threat. Imagine discovering that your child may have a profoundly different relationship with the very things that make you who you are. This show is an examination of this realization. And it is a gift we will carry for a long time.”

One Step at a Time is written, conceived, composed, and performed by Andrew Prashad. Scott Hurst helms the production as director and dramaturg, with music direction by Jeannie Wyse.

“My involvement with One Step at a Time has been nothing short of life-changing. I’m learning so much about accessibility, inclusion, representation, and the growing need for authentic stories on stage, especially those from marginalized communities,” says Hurst, whom Prashad credits as motivating him to create the show.

As the child of immigrant parents, as an artist of colour, and now as parent and caregiver to his son, inclusivity and representation are very present throughout Prashad’s life and work. All performances of One Step at a Time are designed as Relaxed Performances – accessible, sensory-friendly, with the freedom to stand, move, leave, and vocalize throughout the performance, welcoming of neurodiverse audiences, those with sensory and communication disorders, ADHD, learning or developmental disabilities, dementia, all members of the Disability community, or those who simply want a more relaxed theatre experience.

“When my son was born, I was thrust into the Disabled Community as a full-time caregiver and parent. I thought I knew the struggles. I was so ignorant to what living in Canada was like for those with disabilities,” shares Prashad. “This show sets out to tell a story that resonates with a community that is still being left out, an afterthought. The point of the show is to demonstrate what LOVE can do.”

To date, One Step at a Time has raised more than $11,500 for SickKids Hospital and ErinOakKids. While at the Grand Theatre, the production will also be raising funds for the London Children’s Hospital.

One Step at a Time plays on the Auburn Stage from April 9 to 20, 2024. Single tickets range from $39.95 to $46.50 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 Season Sponsor BMO.

To learn more about One Step at a Time, please visit: www.grandtheatre.com/event/one-step-at-a-time. Additional facts, photos and updates can also be found by following @thegrandlondon and #GrandStep on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
 

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The Grand Theatre acknowledges and honours the original stewards of the land on which our Theatre stands. We extend our gratitude to and recognize the Attawandaron (also known as Neutral), Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, and Lūnaapéewak peoples as the original caretakers of this land upon which we live, work, and tell stories together.
 

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 Rachel Peake, and Executive Director Evan Klassen, the Grand proudly brings diverse, relevant, and original stories from around the globe – and around the corner – to London and the Southwestern Ontario region. The not-for-profit, charitable arts organization is committed to developing, producing, and premiering original stories through its COMPASS New Play Development program. The Grand is also a centre for arts education, as demonstrated through our flagship program, the annual High School Project, through apprenticeships and placements, and by bringing students to subsidized student matinees. For more information, visit: grandtheatre.com.

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For more information please contact:
Melissa Mae Shipley, Communications and Public Relations Manager
mshipley [at] grandtheatre.com (mshipley[at]grandtheatre[dot]com)
office: 519-672-9030 ext. 266
cell: 519 280 4008
 

PHOTOGRAPHY

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yxmdz-NXaFHltEgyjSNbzyKGDsNje-Wa?usp=sharing
 

MEDIA CALL

When:  Tuesday, April 9 at 1:00 p.m. (Cameras, please arrive at 12:30 p.m. to set up)
Where:  Auburn Stage, Grand Theatre, 471 Richmond Street, London, Ontario
What:  One Step at a Time photo, video, and interview opportunities for media
 

ONE STEP AT A TIME

Written, Conceived, Composed, and Performed by Andrew Prashad
Directed by Scott Hurst
Music Directed by Jeannie Wyse
 

CAST

Andrew Prashad
 

CREATIVE TEAM

Director and Dramaturg - Scott Hurst
Music Director - Jeannie Wyse

Header photo: Andrew Prashad in One Step at a Time. Stills from video by Andrew Prashad, with Ulla Laidlaw and Indrit Kasapi.