Calendar :: Grand Theatre Presents

About Opening Night with the Canadian Brass

Celebrating 40 years of making music, the country’s most acclaimed quintet will launch the new Grand Theatre season on a brash and brassy note. With more than 80 recordings to their credit, their repertoire ranges from Bach to the Beatles — all in meticulously crafted transcriptions that are setting new musical traditions in brass performance. Known for their sense of humour, musical excellence and fancy running shoes, this concert will be a must-see for audiences of all ages.

Visit the Canadian Brass online, follow them on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

“The enthralling sound of a brass choir…programs that feature virtuosic musicianship, masterful interpretations and flashes of humour… all these ingredients make the Canadian Brass the world’s leading brass ensemble.” – Washington Post

Performance Sponsor - Elaine & Michael Davies

About Ailey II - A Celebration of American Dance

Ailey II is an exceptional company that merges the spirit and energy of the best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today's most outstanding emerging choreographers. Back by popular demand, Ailey II returns this season to perform its latest work — A Celebration of American Dance — that features ballet set to some of the most dynamic and poignant examples of American music, including songs of Betty Carter and Philip Glass, plus traditional spirituals, gospel, and blues.

Talk back: Join us immediately following the performance for a discussion on stage with the dancers.

Visit Ailey II online and on Facebook.

"There is apparently not much, as far as dance technique goes, that the youthful members of Ailey II cannot do." — The New York Times

"Performance Sponsor - Margaret Farr, Maureen Farr-Eagan & Bob Hotrum

About Kaha:wi Dance Theatre

Kaha:wi Dance Theatre presents an enchanting interpretation of the age-old Iroquoian Creation Story choreographed by Santee Smith. Explore the Sky World and the Earth World; enjoy the antics and courage of the muskrat, otter, geese and deer; and, learn the story of Sky Woman, Hanging Flower, West Wind, The Bent One and Holder of the Heavens. Visually stunning, musically rich and theatrically compelling, this spectacular dance work for families and school-age children is entertaining and insightful.

Visit Kaha:wi online or follow them on Twitter.

About Lighthouse

One Fine Morning. Sunny Days. Pretty Lady. Hats Off To The Stranger. 1849. Take It Slow. You Girl. As you read the titles of these classic Lighthouse hits, chances are you’re already singing one of them in your head. After almost 40 years of continuous play, these songs are still heard daily on radio, television, and home sound systems across the country. For a generation of Canadians, Lighthouse was the soundtrack of their lives.

Don’t miss these rock ‘n roll legends performing live on the Grand stage. Visit Lighthouse online and on Facebook.

“....and yet there's nothin' better for your soul than lyin' in the sun and
listenin' to rock 'n roll...” Sunny Days by Skip Prokop

"Performance Sponsor - Stan & Marie-Rose Gibson

About 4D art

By Michel Lemieux, Victor Pilon and Peter Trosztmer

Welcome to a fusion of dance, theatre and film that pays homage to the cinematic genius of Norman McLaren. As performed by dancer and choreographer Peter Trosztmer, this remarkable one-man show, produced by 4D art in collaboration with the National Film Board of Canada, combines different art forms to reveal the power of the creative mind. By means of interviews, visuals, music, live performance and film, Norman explores the vision, power, and humanism of this celebrated Canadian artist.

Visit 4D art online and watch this video clip of Norman.

About Septeto Nacional - Ignacio Pineiro

Cuba, homeland of Son, with its vast musical inheritance, reveals an amazing variety of genres and styles of the island's musical history. No other ensemble has been as universally successful as the Grammy nominated Septeto Nacional Ignacio Piñeiro. This seven-piece son band was founded more than 80 years ago and with its vast musical inheritance, reveals the rich musical traditions of the island's musical culture. Septeto Nacional Ignacio Piñeiro is a national treasure interpreting a timeless repertoire to the delight of audiences throughout the world.

About Vienna Boys Choir

The world’s most beloved choir has been thrilling audiences young and old for over 500 years and their eagerly anticipated tours play to sold out audiences around the world. Until 1918, the Vienna Boys Choir sang exclusively for the imperial court at Vienna’s Imperial Chapel, at private concerts and functions and on state occasions. Today the choir features over 100 choristers between the ages of 10 and 14, divided into four touring choirs, who perform in front of almost half a million people each year.

Visit the Vienna Choir Boys online.

About Classic Albums Live

At No. 1 for 15 consecutive weeks on the American billboard chart, the Beatles’ groundbreaking eighth album takes listeners on a psychedelic journey featuring their distinctive rock 'n roll stylings infused with elements of jazz, classical and world music. Relive the tunes “When I’m Sixty-Four”, “With a Little Help from my Friends”, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and more – all re-created live.

"Performance Sponsor - Chez Piggy

About Mermaid Theatre Company of Nova Scotia

Last season’s "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" was such a success that this incredible company is back to captivate families with their latest production drawn from Leo Leonni’s exquisitely crafted characters from Swimmy, Frederick and Inch by Inch.

Swimmy is a tiny fish in the vast ocean who uses ingenuity to fend off danger. Frederick, a mouse who is a poet from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail, makes everyday life an artful experience. The story of Inch by Inch features a lovable inchworm who is proud of his ability to measure absolutely everything, including a robin's tail, a flamingo's neck, a toucan's beak, a heron's legs, and a nightingale's song.

Watch a video clip of this wonderful production.

About Jigu! Thunder Drums of China

Jigu in Chinese means to 'beat or touch the drum' and audiences will clamour for more as they thrill to the powerful beat of Jigu! Thunder Drums Of China! Hailing from the Shanxi Province, this world-renowned company of drummers, percussionists, and musicians will astound audiences in an ultra-sensory entertainment experience. Seen across the world at the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, the musicians in Jigu reverberate with dynamic energy and enthusiasm. Their high-tech lighting and special effects add to the drama of this spectacular and awe-inspiring cultural event and not only can you see and hear the action, but you can actually feel the intense sound!

Visit Jigu Thunder Drums of China on MySpace.

About Oklahoma!

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, two Academy Awards, a Grammy and a special Tony Award, Oklahoma! is the classic musical that launched the remarkable songwriting collaboration of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. Set in turn of the century Oklahoma, against a backdrop of the high-spirited rivalry between local farmers and cowboys, Oklahoma! is the cherished love story of Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a winsome farm girl. Featuring such favourite numbers as “People Will Say We’re In Love,” “Oh What A Beautiful Mornin’,“ and “Surrey With A Fringe On Top,” this landmark musical is a true treasure that can be enjoyed over and over again!

“If a show ever earned its exclamation point, it’s this one!” – Wall Street Journal

About Rubberbandance - Loan Sharking

Montreal based choreographer and dancer Victor Quijada, founded RUBBERBANDance Group (RBDG) to bring world class dancers from contemporary dance and breakdance backgrounds to create a new concept of dance: a contemporary style that would blend the spontaneity and exuberance of hip hop with the refinement of classical and modern dance. This groundbreaking company will perform Loan Sharking, a work based on the idea of retrieving and appropriating these choreographies for a new repertory program of collected works set to music by Stravinsky, Vivaldi, Dave Brubek and DJ Lil Jaz. It presents a view of the multiple lyrical and physical possibilities of the company's choreographic research, breaking the established conventions of hip hop.

Talk back: Join us immediately following the performance for a discussion on stage with the dancers.

Visit Rubberbandance online and on Twitter.

About Caillou's Greatest Skate of All

A candid look at some of Canada’s national pastimes through the eyes of our favourite pre-schooler, "Caillou’s Greatest Skate of All" is a brand new musical adventure inspired by skating, playing hockey and being a kid with an endless imagination. Filled with original sing-a-long songs, thrilling rollerblade displays, and lots of audience participation, Caillou, along with his family and friends, invite you to join them in this charming celebration of a Canadian winter in "Caillou’s Greatest Skate of All".

About John McDermott

One of Canadian music’s most popular performers, John McDermott returns to the Grand Theatre as part of his "Raised on Songs and Stories" 2010 Tour. Join John and his special guests Canada’s own Dan Hill and Cape Breton phenomenon Rosie Mackenzie, along with musicians Jason Fowler, Ray Legere, George Koller, Brian MacMillan and Gary Craig for a memorable night.

Performance sponsor: Bergeron | Clifford LLP

Visit John McDermott online.

About The State Ballet Theatre of Russia

The State Ballet Theatre of Russia has only recently brought their dramatic choreography, gorgeous sets and costumes and dancers of the highest caliber to North America. Continuing in the Russian ballet tradition, this production of The Nutcracker will be unlike any other ever presented at the Grand. Hailed by the New York Times as a production "....full of enchantment" with "lovely scenery" and "graceful
costumes” the interpretation of this holiday classic is a must-see for all ages.

About Fiddler on the Roof

Fiddler on the Roof, the Tony Award® winning musical that has captured the hearts of people all over the world with its universal appeal, embarks on its North American Tour.

Based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem, Fiddler on the Roof has been lauded by critics again and again, and won the hearts of people all around the world. Filled with a rousing, heartwarming score, which includes “Tradition,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” “If I Were A Rich Man" and “Sunrise, Sunset,” Fiddler on the Roof is a timeless classic.

About Michael Cooper - Masked Marvels and Wondertales

Michael Cooper who has been described as a “poet of the stage” spins tales and weaves stories using eye popping visuals and the most unusual cast of characters. Creating a world where dogs wear hats, wild stallions are tamed, giant noses sneeze and fish bait candy to catch children in a pond, "Masked
Marvels & Wondertales" offers an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. Often rooted in stories from his childhood growing up in Maine, Michael Cooper captivates his audience with tales of thrilling adventure, silly antics and outlandish possibilities guaranteed to capture hearts and stimulate
imaginations.

Visit Michael Cooper online.

"Superb artistry! The show was enjoyed by adults and children alike - the adults probably even more so because they were able to re-experience their childlike sense of wonder and magic." — Susan Gramling, The Arts Center, Carrboro NC

About Jesse Cook

Born in France, grew up in Canada, and influenced by guitarist Manitas de Plata who lived in the Camargu, the unique rumba flamenco sounds of Jesse Cook have made him a guitar legend the world over. Debuting as Canada’s #1 album on iTunes, and #2 on Amazon.com’s World Chart, Jesse’s latest album, "The Rumba Foundation," traces the music back to its roots in Cuba and Columbia. The resulting body of work is sublime, a continuation of Cook’s insatiable appetite for world music in all its forms.

Visit Jesse Cook online and on Twitter.

"So what’s all the fuss about? "The Rumba Foundation" could quite possibly be the very best album Jesse Cook has ever released.” — Smoothviews

About Wayne McGregor - Random Dance

Wayne McGregor is a multi award-winning British choreographer, renowned for his physically testing choreography and ground-breaking collaborations across dance, film, music, visual art, technology and science. In addition to his position as the Artistic Director of Wayne McGregor — Random Dance, Mr. McGregor is also Resident Choreographer of The Royal Ballet and a frequent creator of new work for
La Scala, Paris Opera Ballet, Nederlands Dans Theatre, San Francisco Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, and New York City Ballet, as well as movement director for the film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Wayne McGregor — Random Dance is known for its radical approach to new technology — incorporating animation, digital film, 3D architecture, electronic sound and virtual dancers into the live choreography. An hour-long breathtaking trip through a soundscape created by Coldplay and Massive Attack collaborator Jon Hopkins, and award-winning composer Joby Talbot (The Divine Comedy), Entity is a staggering blend of bodies, lights, technology and film that mark McGregor at the cutting edge of contemporary culture.

Talk back: Join us immediately following the performance for a discussion on stage with the dancers.

Visit Wayne McGregor / Random Dance online and on Facebook.

"He's doing some of the most exciting work in ballet on the planet." — The New York Times

About Tango Buenos Aires

Tango Buenos Aires has become one of Argentina’s great cultural exports, known throughout the Americas, Europe and the Far East as the most authentic and uncompromising representative of the Tango. Performing a program called “The Fire and Passion of Tango”, the dancers of Tango Buenos Aires, accompanied by live music, inevitably seduce their audiences wherever they go as it is always hard to resist the passion of this intense, moody and undeniably sexy dance. The perfect performance to put you in the mood for Valentine’s Day.

"Sometimes playful, sometimes dramatic, and always sensuous, the closely entwined bodies and limbs moved with amazing speed through deftly engineered movements, including frequent dips, deep slides, energetic foot stomps and ballet-like turns." — Ruidoso News

About Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Perhaps best known for their collaboration with artists such as Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Sarah McLachlan and many others, Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a musical force unlike any other that has helped to raise awareness about South Africa and especially South African culture. Focusing on the power of the human voice, each performance by Ladysmith Black Mambazo is electrifying offering audiences the opportunity to experience the intricate rhythms and exquisite harmonies of a musical tradition that grew out of oppression but that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit.

Visit Ladysmith Black Mambazo online or follow them on Twitter.

“It isn’t merely the grace and power of their dancing or the beauty of their singing that rivets the attention, but the sheer joy and love that emanates from their being.” — Paul Simon

About Kidd Pivot - Lost Action

Crystal Pite, recently named resident choreographer of the Nederlands Dans Theater, brings her much-acclaimed Vancouver-based company Kidd Pivot to Kingston to perform "Lost Action," Pite's most recent work. "Lost Action" features brilliant dancing by a 7-member troupe (including Pite herself) to an original soundscape.

Dancers sculpt space in real time, working inside a form that is constantly in a state of vanishing. In "Lost Action" the artists embody both the dance and its disappearance; the inevitable dissolution of their work and their bodies made poignantly apparent. Fuelled by the outstanding abilities of these world-class performers, "Lost Action" begins as an analysis of the articulated and amazing body, and unfolds to reveal the human element at the centre of the work: the ephemeral body moved by the potent heart.

Talk Back: Join us immediately following the performance for a discussion on stage with the dancers.

"... nothing that I witnessed during the recent Winter Olympics came anywhere close to "Lost Action" in terms of surprise, ambition, or sheer athletic appeal…. once you've seen this troupe move, you might never watch hockey again. Beauty and precision were ever-present-and hope, as well.” — Alexander Varty, Straight.com

About Paco Pena Flamenco Dance Company

Since 1970, the guitarist, composer, and dramatist Paco Peña has delivered the true spirit of flamenco to audiences all over the world. As he builds inventively on the deep foundations of the flamenco tradition, he performs regularly with his own hand-picked company of dancers, guitarists and singers in a succession of groundbreaking shows.

Visit Paco Pena Flamenco Dance Company online.

“Fiery fusion is kindled by the flame of genius… As the show progresses through exquisite solos,  ensembles and duets…the elements fuse before our very eyes and ears… through a free-spirited battle of musical wills to climax in a concussive orgy of music and dance that threatens to blow the roof off the auditorium. Five stars.” – Daily Express, London

About Kodo

If you were thrilled by the explosive performance of Yamato last season, you won’t want to miss Kodo! Through the 'One Earth Tour,' Kodo brings the sound of the Japanese drum to the ears of the world, and with the taiko's unique ability to transcend the barriers of language and custom, reminds us all of our membership in that larger community — the world. Kodo is the world’s most renowned taiko drumming
group performing for almost 30 years to sold-out performances across the globe. The legendary group from Japan will perform for the first time in Kingston on the Grand stage.

Visit Kodo online.

About The King's Singers

The King’s Singers have put forth the highest calibre of a cappella performance since the group’s inception at King’s College, Cambridge in 1968. The King’s Singers’ exquisite talent and expansive musical tastes are reflected in the ensemble’s critically acclaimed albums, of which there are more than 100, including their recent studio album "Simple Gifts" that won a Grammy in 2009 for Best Classical Crossover Recording. Regularly performing well over 100 concerts every season, the London Times states they are “still unmatched for their musicality and sheer ability to entertain.”

Visit The King's Singers online or follow them on Twitter.

Performance Sponsor - Mackillop Law

About The Peking Acrobats

Since 1958, The Peking Acrobats® have toured the world leaving audiences spellbound wherever they go. Expert at performing the most daring manoevres with grace and precision, they appear to defy gravity at every moment through amazing displays of flexibility, strength and control. Carefully selected from the finest acrobat schools in China, this group of gymnasts, jugglers, cyclists, tumblers and wire walkers transform 2000-year-old traditions into an exuberant and entertaining event for all ages, featuring all the excitement and festive pageantry of a Chinese Carnival!

Visit The Peking Acrobats at MySpace.

About Classic Albums Live Presents Houses of the Holy

Back by popular demand the talented musicians from Classic Albums Live return to Kingston to present their third Led Zeppelin tribute – "Houses of the Holy." Zeppelin’s fifth album was the first to feature all original material and features “The Song Remains the Same”, “Dancing Days”, “The Rain Song” and many more classic hits.

"Performance Sponsor - Southeastern

About Debashish Bhattacharya

North American fans of Debashish Bhattacharya were hardly surprised to learn that his latest CD, "Calcutta Chronicles" was nominated for a 2009 Grammy Award for Best Traditional World Music Recording. Making his Kingston debut, this Calcutta native has a unique and mystical sound that is the fusion of traditional Indian music with slide guitar. The career of this musical legend started with the discovery of a Hawaiian lap guitar when he was four years old and has morphed into a passion that includes the use of custom-made slide guitars with up to 21 strings that he plays with a combination of sensitivity and lightning speed.

Visit Debashish online or on Facebook.

“You will likely never hear better acoustic slide playing than this.” — Acoustic Guitar Magazine

About Tower of Power

Since 1968, Tower of Power has delivered their unique brand of music to sold out crowds all over the world. Their rhythm section lays down a groove and their horns drive the sound like no other band because of the unique way they approach everything from writing and arranging to mixing and performing. Combine all of that with an outstanding lead vocalist and you have one of the most dynamic groups of musicians to ever hit the stage.

Visit Tower of Power online, on Facebook, on Twitter and on You Tube.

“If I could be part of the Tower of Power horns during a live performance of, say, 'What Is Hip?,' I'd bop my bell up and down, do steps, make hand mimes and die a happy man.” — Rolling Stone

About Letters to My Grandma

An unforgettable one-woman show, Letters to my Grandma weaves together the journeys of a grandmother and her granddaughter. On the day of her wedding, Malobee unearths letters detailing her grandmother’s fight to survive the 1947 partition of India which resonates with Malobee’s own struggles to create a new life in present-day Toronto. Letters to my Grandma is a courageous and honest portrayal of loneliness, regret, forgiveness, and the divide between immigrant youth and the loved ones they leave behind.

“[Roy] has an impeccable sense of character, and her bilingual text gives the story extra authenticity... Roy finds a delicate balance between honest moments of horror, with dashes of humour even in the darkest moments.” — Toronto Star

Talk Back: Join us immediately following the 60 minute performance for a discussion with Anusree Roy.

Visit Theatre Jones Roy online or on Facebook.

About Pyaasa

Set in Calcutta, India Pyaasa is a play that explores the issues surrounding the caste system. Pyaasa tells the story of an eleven-year old Untouchable girl named Chaya. Chaya’s mother begs a woman of a higher caste to give Chaya a job at a local tea stall. In time the owner of the tea stall sexually assaults her, resulting in Chaya’s loss of what little value she had as a marital commodity in a sect that values marriage above all else for women. Pyaasa is Chaya’s story from childhood to adulthood, a journey that occurs in ten days. Pyaasa is a Winner of two 2008 Dora Mavor Moore Awards in the Independent Theatre Division (Outstanding New Play and Outstanding Performance by a Female).

“This truism is at the heart of Pyaasa, but rather than have the play just be a treatise on the evils of the caste system, Roy wants to give a voice to these marginalized people. Pyaasa is a poignant, character-driven play about survival, where even the Untouchables victimize their own.” — Paula Citron, The Globe and Mail.

Visit Theatre Jones Roy online or on Facebook.

Talk Back: Join us immediately following the 60 minute performance for a discussion with Anusree Roy.

About Tim Nutt, Ryan Hamilton, Ralph Harris, Orny Adams

Just for Laughs has been delivering humour and comedy to audiences for over 25 years. A highlight every spring, the best in comedy will make a stop on the Just for Laughs Road Show tour at the Grand Theatre and will feature four of the best stand-ups straight from the world’s largest and most prestigious comedy event.

The talent for this performance will include host Tim Nutt and the talented Ryan Hamilton, Ralph Harris and Orny Adams. Part of Downtown Kingston's April Fool's Comedy Fest!

Please note this performance has mature content and strong language and is recommended for adult audiences only.

About Baobab - Theatre Motus

Exploring coloured shadow plays, acting techniques and puppeteering, Théâtre Motus has developed its own artistic style to delight young audiences. "Baobab" takes place in a region of West Africa where a drought has persisted for many years. One day, an ancient baobab tree brings forth an egg and from this egg is born a little boy. The people in the village discover that he is the only one who can free the
source of water. Then begins a quest during which only the courage of a child might change the history of the world.

In this sunny environment where shade provides a soothing break, the African percussions turn into animals while masks and puppets become genies or witches! Let the great “griot” guide you in this fabulous story inspired African legends.

Visit Théatre Motus online.

About The Music Man

Winner of Five Tony Awards including Best Musical! This classic Broadway show follows fast-talking travelling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa in 1912 into buying musical instruments and uniforms for a boy’s band he vows to organize – despite the fact he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, the town librarian, with chaos ensuing as the townsfolk get wind of his scheme.

Filled with classical musical fun, tender romance, barbershop quartets and favorites including, “Ya Got Trouble,” “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Goodnight My Someone,” “Gary, Indiana” and “Till There Was You”.

About Paul Taylor Dance Company

Laura Shapiro once wrote in Newsweek, “Short course in modern dance: in the beginning there was Martha Graham, who changed the face of an art form and discovered a new world. Then there was Merce Cunningham, who stripped away the externals and showed us the heart of movement. And then there was Paul Taylor, who let the sun shine in.” One of the pioneers of American dance, Paul Taylor's company will make their Kingston debut. Arden Court, a crowd-pleaser set to music by Baroque composer William Boyce, and Dust, another PTDC classic that was premiered in 1977 will be featured. The program will conclude with Black Tuesday, a work first performed with American Ballet Theatre in 2001 that explores humour in the face of adversity in the Great Depression.

Visit Paul Taylor Dance Company online and on Facebook.

“Paul Taylor is without question the greatest living American choreographer. Taylor's emphasis on emotion within actual movement, the rhythmic vitality of his accents, his all-American youthfulness and optimism, all have set standards for American dance." — San Francisco Examiner & Chronicle

About Spring Awakening

Winner of 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical -- told by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater through “the most gorgeous Broadway score this decade” (Entertainment Weekly) – "Spring Awakening" explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with poignancy and passion you will never forget.

This landmark musical is an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality and rock ‘n roll that is exhilarating audiences across the nation like no other musical in years. Join this group of late 19th century German students on their passage as they navigate teenage self-discovery and coming of age anxiety in a powerful celebration of youth and rebellion. Please note this production has mature content and is not recommended for young audiences.

“Broadway may never be the same again!” – NY Times

About Jake's Gift

"Jake's Gift" is an award winning Canadian play about a World War II veteran's journey back to Juno Beach for the 60th anniversary of D-Day. While there, Jake meets Isabelle, a precocious 10-year-old from the local village, whose inquisitive nature and charm challenge the old soldier to confront some long ignored ghosts; most notably, the war time death of his eldest brother Chester, a once promising young
musician. At its heart, "Jake's Gift" is about the importance of remembrance and makes personal the story behind one soldier's grave.

Visit Julia Mackey online.

"If I could give this play six stars, I would." Shannon Boklaschuk - Star Phoenix