Halifax’s Neptune Theatre has unveiled their 2019/2020 season, featuring a line-up of award-winning musicals and productions from Atlantic Canadian and Canadian playwrights. Artistic Director Jeremy Webb unveiled the productions at a public event at the downtown theatre.
“In building the season, we selected shows that reflected what our patrons and artists wanted to see on stage,” said Webb. “This year we’re celebrating more Atlantic Canadian works and stories about female empowerment.”
Female empowerment will be especially highlighted during the Mainstage Series opener, The Last Wife, a riveting, powerful play about women’s rights.
“I wanted to tell this story on the Neptune stage because the writing is spectacular and the strength of the main character, Catherine Parr, is compelling and relatable,” said Webb. “This play is one that sparks a conversation about women’s rights and equality in society.”
On the more local side, we have Between Breaths, a beautiful and poignant story about the life of former Memorial University professor, Dr. John Lien — from his first whale rescue to the final moments of his life.
The theatre will also be hosting a Family Series this season, consisting of shows such as L’aubergine presents TerZettto, Alex Zerbe’s ZANIAC Comedy Show and the return of the hilarious and haunted holiday tale, Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
“Neptune is working to expand its audience and welcome families to the theatre,” said Rebecca Hiltz LeBlanc, President of the Neptune Theatre Foundation.
Neptune Theatre will be rounding off the 2019/2020 season with a production of Billy Elliot the Musical, a 10-time Tony Award-winner about a young boy who makes the journey from the boxing ring to the ballet studio. Named “Best Musical of the Decade” by TIME Magazine and featuring music written by Elton John, Billy Elliot will certainly be a must-see.
“We believed this would be a great opportunity to showcase young, emerging talent,” explained Webb. “Neptune is working with partners like Halifax Dance to identify and prepare young talent for this opportunity.”
“It’s been a delight to open more doors for young actors and I can’t wait to have this show on our stage.”
The full lineup of this season’s productions can be found below:
Summer Series:
The Argyle Street Kitchen Party ~ July 23 – August 25 (Scotiabank Stage)
Mainstage Series:
The Last Wife ~ Sept. 10 – Oct. 6, 2019
Between Breaths ~ Oct. 22 – Nov. 10, 2019
The Last Five Years ~ Jan. 21 – Feb. 9, 2020
Controlled Damage ~ Feb. 4 – 23, 2020
Calendar Girls ~ March 3 – 29, 2020
Billy Elliot the Musical ~ April 14 – June 7, 2020
Holiday Productions:
Peter Pan ~ Nov. 26, 2019 – Jan. 5, 2020
Dickens’ A Christmas Carol ~ Nov. 27 – Dec. 28, 2019
Studio Series:
Pleasureville ~ Oct. 1 – 20, 2019
Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story ~ Oct. 30 – Nov. 17, 2019
Ghost Light ~ March 17 – April 5, 2020
Bonus Features:
Rachel Beck Featuring The Atlantic String Machine ~ Feb. 14-16, 2020
Wannabe: A Spice Girls Tribute Band ~ July 18-21, 2020
Family Series:
Alex Zerbe’s ZANIAC Comedy Show ~ April 17-19, 2020
L’aubergine presents TerZettto ~ Jan. 24-26, 2020
Ticket packages and season subscriptions for the whole season are available now.