Stage Door News
Stage Door News
The Grand Theatre is thrilled to welcome the award-winning, internationally-acclaimed puppeteer, Ronnie Burkett, in his production of The Daisy Theatre to the McManus Studio Theatre from Nov. 7 – 12.
Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes was a commission of the Luminato Festival (Toronto) and the Center for the Art of Performance at UCLA (Los Angeles) and had its US premiere at The Baryshnikov Arts Centre in New York. Since then, The Daisy Theatre has played to sold-out performances, with critics and audiences alike raving about this bawdy, tender, and outrageous cast of characters.
“The source of my characters is us. Many puppeteers build fantastic creatures, gargoyles and monsters... but I build little people; smaller representations of all of us,” said creator and performer, Ronnie Burkett.
Recognized as one of Canada’s foremost theatre artists, Ronnie Burkett has been credited with creating some of the world’s most elaborate and provocative puppetry. The Daisy Theatre contains an arsenal of over 40 puppets that offer a different improvisational performance each time. The scene dynamics range from hilarious and outrageous to scenes of genuine sweetness that are deeply human.
A variety of numbers parody theatrical genres from opera, music hall, Las Vegas, French cabaret, and vaudeville with characters that include lounge singer Rosemary Focaccia, marionette ventriloquist Meyer Lemon, chanteuse Jolie Jolie, and “Canada’s oldest and worst actress,” Miss Lillian Lunkhead.
"We’re so thrilled London will get to enjoy this brilliant show. The Daisy Theatre is one audiences will never forget. Ronnie is truly a master," said Dennis Garnhum, The Grand Theatre’s Artistic Director.
The Daisy Theatre is in London for a limited-time engagement. The performances are for adults aged 16+; patrons under the age of 16 will not be admitted. The run includes six performances, Monday to Saturday at 8 pm. Tickets are $34 (includes HST and CIF – prices subject to change) and are available at www.grandtheatre.com, by phone at 519-672-8800, or at the Box Office, 471 Richmond Street.
About The Grand Theatre
The Grand Theatre, a leading regional theatre, is located in the heart of Downtown London, Ontario. The Grand produces and presents professional performances on the MainStage and in the McManus Studio Theatre. It is also a teaching theatre with apprenticeship programs and a leader in youth mentorship with The High School Project, the only project of its kind in North America. The Grand season runs from September to May. The 2016/17 season is on sale now.
Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes:
Ronnie Burkett Marionette, Costume and Set Design
John Alcorn Music and Lyrics and Sound Design
Terri Gillis Production Manager / Artistic Associate
Crystal Salverda Stage Manager
John Lambert Associate Producer
The Daisy Theatre was co-commissioned by the Luminato Festival (Toronto) and the Center for the Art of Performance at UCLA (Los Angeles) and produced in association with Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes (Toronto).
Ronnie Burkett received development support for The Daisy Theatre from the Canada Council for the Arts.
RONNIE BURKETT, Creator/Performer
Ronnie Burkett has been captivated by puppetry since the age of seven. He began touring his shows around Alberta at the age of 14. Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes, currently celebrating its 30th Anniversary Season, was formed in 1986, continually playing on Canada’s major stages and as a guest company on numerous tours abroad. Ronnie received the 2009 Siminovitch Prize in Theatre, The Herbert Whittaker Drama Bench Award for Outstanding Contribution to Canadian Theatre, a Village Voice OBIE Award and four Citations of Excellence from the American Center of the Union Internationale de la Marionnette.
The Daisy Theatre is the 13th production from Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes, following the international successes Penny Plain, Billy Twinkle, 10 Days on Earth, Provenance and the “Memory Dress Trilogy” of Tinka’s New Dress, Street of Blood, and Happy.
2016-10-31
London: Ronnie Burkett's "The Daisy Theatre" plays the Grand November 7-12