English theatre shines in Montréal

Centaur Theatre in collaboration with Théâtre Advienne que pourra co-present Strawberries in January – A Musical Fantasy based on the classic Québécois play Des fraises en janvier by playwright Evelyne de la Chenelière. Four years in the making, this is a new musical adaptation of the heart-warming comedy about four singletons looking for connections and tripping on fate in Montréal. Runs January 21 to February 9.

The Centaur’s 56^th season also presents their brand-new cutting-edge Winterworks theatre festival (February 25 to March 15), curated by Rebecca Gibian. Winterworks replaces the Wildside Festival.

The Segal presents The Secret Chord: A Leonard Cohen Experience, a concert tribute that celebrates the extraordinary life, music and poetry of the Montréal icon, until January 12.

Then the Segal brings back the smash Off-Broadway musical Titanique which turns one of the greatest love stories of all time into a hysterical musical fantasia, as seen through the eyes of Céline! This hilarious all-Canadian production stars the superb Véronique Claveau as Céline Dion with show-stopping performances of such hits as “My Heart Will Go On” and “All By Myself” with a full band. Runs February 2 to 16. 

The Segal also presents three guest theatre productions in the Segal Studio: Paul and Linda Plan a Threesome by D2 Productions (January 20 to 26), Vierge by Black Theatre Workshop (February 12 to March 2), and Pain To Power: A Kanye West Musical Protest by Winnipeg Jewish Theatre (March 19 to 23). 

Located in the Plateau-Mont-Royal, the innovative Montréal, arts interculturels cultural organization – better known as “The MAI” – presents an eclectic slate of multi-disciplinary productions (visual arts, dance and theatre) each season. 

The MAI’s current 26^th season includes Anxiety which uses dance to delve into the history, personal stories, and current realities of Indigenous and racialized communities (January 29 to February 1).

Presented by Infinitheatre in partnership with La Chapelle Scènes Contemporaines, Sinkhole (or six ways to disappear) is a new play by local playwright Adjani Poirier, directed by Keith Fernandez, which explores the human subconscious, the fear of disappearing and the strength of a working-class community (January 20 to February 1).

Espace Libre presents the bilingual (French and English) She and the other(s) which combines theatre and dance (January 23 to February 1).

Canada’s oldest Black theatre company, Black Theatre Workshop presents Vierge which – with heart and humour – follows four Congolese-Canadian girls as they navigate Christianity, virginity and teenage hormones. Runs at the Segal Studio at the Segal Centre for the Performing Arts (February 12 to March 2) as part of BTW’s 54^th season.

The home of indie theatre in Montréal, Mainline Theatre presents Penumbra Theatre’s remount of the Broadway musical comedy Amélie which – with an ensemble cast of veteran Montréal thespians – tells the story of an extraordinary young woman who lives quietly in the world but will have to risk everything and say what’s in her heart when a chance at love comes her way (February 20 to March 1).

The family-oriented Geordie Theatre presents the play Jordan which depicts a kid called Jordan as a superhero: awakening in a hospital, Jordan discovers newfound abilities to speak and move, guided by his animated teddy bear, Maskwa. The story addresses healthcare challenges faced by Indigenous children. Recommended for ages 6+, the play is being mounted at the Centaur Theatre Company (April 4 to 13).

Dawson College’s Professional Theatre Department presents acclaimed Scottish playwright David Greig’s historical drama The Speculator about greed and deception in early 18th century France (January 27 to February 8); William Shakespeare’s classic play Julius Caesar, about the assassination of Caesar in ancient Rome (March 5 to 8); as well as Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night (March 12 to 15).  All productions are presented at Dawson’s gorgeous New Dome Theatre.

Also, click here for updates on upcoming National Theatre School productions at the Monument-National. 

Evenko and Broadway Across Canada present a three-show package that includes the triumphant story of the Queen of Rock and Roll TINA – The Tina Turner Musical (February 4 to 9), the hilarious musical MEAN GIRLS (April 22 to 27), and HAMILTON, the epic saga that follows the rise of U.S. Founding Father Alexander Hamilton (August 19 to September 7). All productions presented at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier.

Click here for French-language theatre in Montréal this winter.