Stage Door News
Stage Door News
A luminous theatrical concert, Joni Mitchell: River opens the 2016/17 season at The Grand Theatre on October 18, 2016. Created and directed by Allen MacInnis, River celebrates the music of one of Canada’s most important artists. Emm Gryner, Louise Pitre, and Brendan Wall perform with a four-piece band to sing 29 songs from Help Me and Big Yellow Taxi to the breathtaking Both Sides Now.
“I call Joni Mitchell: River a ‘theatrical concert’ because it has no dialogue, yet we are creating a kind of narrative with the songs. Like the theme of Joni’s 2001 orchestral album of jazz standards called
Both Sides Now, I have chosen songs for this show to paint the arc of a love affair,” said Director and Creator Allen MacInnis.
The show is structured in eight chapters following a theme. Each tracks the journey from thrilling attraction through edgy discontent; from relationship breakdown to recovery and wisdom, and from capitalism to sexual politics.
River features a star-studded company. Louise Pitre, a Western graduate, is a Tony-award nominee for her Broadway debut in the smash hit Mamma Mia! She is also known for her signature performances as Fantine in Les Misérables (Toronto, Montreal and Paris), Mama Rose in Gypsy (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre) and the title character in Piaf. Award-winning singer/songwriter Emm Gryner graduated from Fanshawe College's Music Industry Arts program and went to on perform with David Bowie, as well as release several of her own CDs. She is currently a vocalist and bass player in Canadiana trio, Trent Severn. Brendan Wall is known for his roles in the hits Once and Warhorse (Mirvish), and five seasons at Soulpepper Theatre. He has also appeared in Murdoch Mysteries, Flashpoint, Reign, Suits, and Chicago.
Because Joni Mitchell created unique ‘open’ tunings and used many acoustic guitars during a performance, Music Director Greg Lowe will be using a number of guitars in River. This past June, Greg auditioned over 35 guitars from the region and selected 18 from the many incredible instruments brought in by local musicians and collectors. The owners of these 18 guitars generously loaned their prized pieces for the run of Joni Mitchell: River. Each will be featured in a photo exhibit by Gotham Studios in the Poster Lounge during the run of the show.
Joni Mitchell: River premiered at Prairie Theatre Exchange in 2001 and has since been produced in Vancouver, Calgary, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and now London.
Tickets range from $29.95 to $82.50 (includes HST and CIF – prices subject to change). Tickets are available at www.grandtheatre.com, by phone at 519-672-8800, or at the Box Office, 471 Richmond St.
The Grand Theatre gratefully acknowledges the generous support of our MainStage season sponsor, BMO, and the River title sponsor, Bluestone Properties.
About The Grand Theatre
The Grand Theatre, a leading and innovative regional theatre, is located in the heart of Downtown London, Ontario. It is committed to producing and presenting professional performances on the MainStage and in the McManus Studio Theatre. Dennis Garnhum joined The Grand as Artistic Director in October 2016.
The Grand is a teaching theatre with apprenticeship programs in key areas including acting, directing, production, wardrobe, and stage management. It is also a leader in youth mentorship with The High School Project, the only project of its kind in North America, in which students from the region are mentored by professionals in the creation of a MainStage musical and McManus Studio classic – all at no charge and fully supported by our sponsors and funders. The Grand season runs from September to May. 2016/17 season subscriptions and single tickets are on sale now.
JONI MITCHELL: RIVER
Conceived and Directed by Allen MacInnis | Music Arranged by Greg Lowe
Performers
Emm Gryner
Louise Pitre
Brendan Wall
Director Allen MacInnis
Assistant Director Thom Allison
Music Director Greg Lowe
Set and Costume Designer Dana Osborne
Lighting Designer Jason Hand
Sound Designer Michael Laird
Stage Manager Judy Farthing.
Photo: Cover of album Blue. ©1971.
2016-10-07
London: "Joni Mitchell: River" opens the Grand Theatre's 2016/17 season on October 18