Kingston Arts News

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Friday, May 21, 2010

2010-2011 Grand Theatre Presents Program Announced

For Immediate Release

May. 20, 2010, 12:00 p.m.


2010-2011 Grand Theatre Presents Program Announced

Brian McCurdy, Cultural Director for the City of Kingston, was surrounded by donors, subscribers, volunteers, sponsors, media and staff as he unveiled the line-up for the 2010-2011 Grand Theatre Presents season on May 19, 2010. The event attendees were thrilled to see an expanded selection of performances for schools with curriculum-based learning resources, artists such as John McDermott and Ailey II back by popular demand, the inclusion of artist talk-backs for every dance performance, and the addition of a theatre and variety series.

The Grand Theatre Presents 2010-2011 season will feature 39 public presentations and 9 school performances from September 2010 to June 2011. Both celebrated performers and emerging artists from Canada and across the globe will bring their talents to the Grand Stage.

Dance Series - This season's Dance Series will include five electrifying performances of some of the continent's top choreographers. One of our most popular performances in recent years, Ailey II will be returning in October. Rubberbandance from Montreal will bring its blend of classical, modern dance and hip hop to the Grand stage for the first time. Wayne McGregor | Random Dance will also be making its Canadian premier at the Grand Theatre. Wayne McGregor, in addition to being the Artistic Director, is also Resident Choreographer of The Royal Ballet and a frequent creator of new works internationally, including being the movement director of the film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Vancouver-based Kidd Pivot and their choreographer Crystal Pite bring their most recent work, "Lost Action" and the much-anticipated performance by the legendary Paul Taylor Dance Company will end the season. All of these dance performances will be followed by talk-backs with the artists.

Cunningham Swan Global Beat Series - Jigu! Thunder Drums of China will open this series on an explosive note! Known for their awe-inspiring performance at the Opening Ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics, this ensemble brings their dynamic energy to Kingston for the first time. Perhaps known best for their collaborations with Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder and Sarah McLachlan, Ladysmith Black Mambazo - hailing from South Africa - will perform their signature acapella. The pre-eminent taiko drummers Kodo will bring the sounds of their Japanese drums to Kingston for the first time. Since 1958, The Peking Acrobats have toured the world leaving audience spellbound - and now they will make their Kingston debut to conclude the series.

SLH Transport World Rhythms Series - Performances from across the globe continue with the Grammy nominated Septeto Nacional Ignacio Pineiro with its island sounds of Son from Cuba. "A nonstop carnival of rhythm" (LA Times), Peru Negro will bring their high-energy show with two-time Latin Grammy nominee Eva Ayllon. One of Argentina's great cultural exports, Tango Buenos Aires makes their Kingston debut right before Valentine's Day. This fiery series concludes with the dancers, guitarists and singers of the Paco Pena Flamenco Dance Company.

Sun Life Financial Classical Remix Series - The opening night of the season will feature the country's most acclaimed quintet - The Canadian Brass. Celebrating 40 years of making music, this concert will be a must-see for audiences of all ages. The excitement continues with Kingston's first performance with the Vienna Boys Choir. The world's most beloved choir has been thrilling audiences for over 500 years and will be sure to delight everyone in attendance. This series concludes with the Grammy Award-winning The King's Singers, whose exquisite talent and expansive repertoire will be a treat for all audiences.

Canadian Tire Kidstage Series - One of our most popular series, the line-up of our family-friendly show opens with Ka:hawi Dance Theatre performing A Story Before Time. The age-old Iroquoian Creation Story is an enchanting interpretation that will delight children and the young at heart. Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia returns this season with their latest production draw from Leo Leonni's carefully crafted characters from Swimmy, Frederick and Inch by Inch. Tales and stories from children's most beloved books continue to come alive with Caillou's Greatest Skate of All. Filled with original sing-a-long songs, children will be delighted to see Caillou live on stage. Creating a world where dogs wear hats, giant noses sneeze and fish bait candy, Michael Cooper is a master of disguise in Masked Marvels and Wondertales. Our Kidstage Series concludes with Baobab, a charming story taking place in West Africa presented by the acclaimed children's theatre company, Théàtre Motus.

Theatre Series - The Grand's newest series features an exciting line-up in both the Regina Rosen Auditorium and the Baby Grand Theatre. Théàtre sans Fil will present Episode 1 of Weaveworld, an erotic and electrifying science fiction thriller based on the bestselling novel by Clive Barker. 4D art, in collaboration with the National Film Board of Canada, will present Norman (A Tribute to Norman McLaren) using interviews, visuals, music, live performance and film. Theatre Jones Roy presents two shows in the Baby Grand - Letters to my Grandma and Pyassa - that explore the caste system and struggles of the 'untouchables' in India. These will run for multiple performances and will feature talk-backs with Anusree Roy following the show. The emotional conclusion to the series will be Jake's Gift, an award-winning Canadian play about a veteran's journey back to Juno Beach for the 60th anniversary of D-day.

Classic Rock Series - This series starts off with rock 'n roll legend Lighthouse performing some of their greatest hits live on stage. This popular series continues with Classic Albums Live returning to the Grand to perform the Beatles' psychedelic no. 1 album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. In March, Classic Albums Live will present their third Led Zeppelin tribute. Note for note, cut for cut, the musicians will perform Houses of the Holy live. The Classic Rock Series makes an explosive finish with Tower of Power, whose rhythm and horn sections have been laying down their grooves for over 40 years.

Variety Series - One of Canada's most popular performers, John McDermott kicks off this series with a special holiday show on December 15th. The music continues with the unique rumba flamenco sounds of Jesse Cook. Jesse's latest album, "The Rumba Foundation", traces the music back to its roots from Cuba and Columbia and its tunes will be sure to have audiences dancing in the aisles. The Grammy Award nominated Debashish Bhattacharya will bring his mystical sounds of fusion of traditional Indian music with slide guitar for two performances in the Baby Grand. The Just for Laughs Road Show has been delivering humour and comedy to audiences for more than 25 years and will end this series with four of the funniest stand-up comics in the country.

Empire Life Broadway Series - Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, two Academy Awards, a Grammy and a Tony Award, the classic musical Oklahoma! kicks off the very popular Empire life Broadway Series. The Tony Award winning Fiddler on the Roof has captured hearts of people all over the worlds, and it will make a stop at the Grand as part of its North American tour. The Music Man, winner of five Tony Awards including Best Musical, will delight audiences with classic tunes like "Seventy-Six Trombones", "Gary, Indiana", and "Till There Was You". The exciting finale of this series is the Kingston premiere of Spring Awakening, winner of eight Tony Awards and hailed as "the most gorgeous Broadway score this decade" (Entertainment Weekly).

Special events - The State Ballet Theatre of Russia is thrilled to be making its Kingston debut with its impressive presentation of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Their dramatic choreography, gorgeous sets and top-notch dancers will delight all ages. The Grand Theatre Foundation is proud to present the first annual Kingston Grand Festival of Canadian Wines on October 16th. This fundraising event will feature guided tastings of premium Canadian wines selected by one of Canada's finest wine experts, David Lawrason, a silent and live auction and fine cuisine featuring restaurants from the region. It's light, camera, action at the second annual Red Carpet Gala on February 27, 2011. Experience Kingston's only live Oscar screening extravaganza evening of glamour!

Series subscriptions and Pick 4 or More packages go on sale Wednesday, May 19 at 5:30pm. Series subscriptions offer up to 15 per cent off regular single ticket prices as well as the first choice of the best seats. Series subscribers can purchase additional tickets at exclusive subscriber prices, and have the opportunity to renew their seats year after year.

Pick 4 or More subscribers can pick four of more performances from all of the Grand Theatre Presents presentation and save up to 10 per cent off regular single ticket prices.

Patrons who wish to subscribe can fill out the order form from the season brochure or download a form from <http://www.kingstongrand.ca>. Subscription order forms can be returned to the Grand Theatre Box Office by:

* Phone: 613-530-2050
* Fax: 613-545-7890
* In person or mail: 218 Princess St., Kingston, Ontario, K7L 1B2

To request a copy of the 2010-2011 Grand Theatre Presents season brochure, please contact the Box Office at the coordinates above.

The Grand Theatre Foundation would like to acknowledge its Series Sponsors: Empire Life, Cunningham Swan, SLH Transport, Canadian Tire, and Sun Life Financial. Its 10-11 season Performance Sponsors are Stan & Marie-Rose Gibson; Mackillop Law; Dianne Lackonick, Assante Wealth Management; Margaret Farr, Maureen Farr-Eagan and Bob Hotrum; Michael and Elaine Davies; Assurant Solutions; Jensen Building Ltd.; Chez Piggy, Bergeron Clifford Personal Injury Lawyers and Southeastern Telecommunication Services. The Ticket Sponsor is Assante Wealth Management - Fenlon Financial Division and the Entertainment Sponsor is AquaTerra Restaubistro by Clark.

The Grand Theatre offers its appreciation to its Season Partners including The Four Points Sheraton Kingston as is Official Hospitality Underwriter, CKWS Television as its Official Television Partner and Kingston Life as its Official Print Media Partner. The Grand Theatre's Series Partners include 98.3 FLY-FM, 102.7 The Lake, Fifty-Five Plus and FM 96. The Grand Theatre's Program Supporters include The City of Kingston, The Government of Ontario, The Ontario Arts Council and Canadian Heritage.

Single tickets to all 2010-2011 Grand Theatre Presents performances will go on sale Monday, August 23 at 12pm.

For information on the 2010-2011 Grand Theatre Presents season, including dates and prices, visit <http://www.kingstongrand.ca>, connect with us at <http://www.facebook.com/kingstongrandtheatre> or follow us on Twitter at <http://www.twitter.com/Kingston_Grand>.

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Media contact information:
Julie Fossitt, Marketing Administrator, 613-546-4291 ext. 1143 or <mailto:jfossitt@cityofkingston.ca>
Note: Hi-resolution images of all of the artists performing as part of the 2010-2011 Grand Theatre Presents Season are available online at <http://www.cityofkingston.ca/media>

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