After a successful run at the 2019 Stratford Festival, David S. Craig’s immensely popular stage adaption of The Neverending Story by Michael Ende brings its story of magical adventure to NAC audiences in early 2020.  Director Jillian Keiley and Designer Bretta Gerecke team up once again (A Christmas Carol and Alice Through the Looking Glass) and, with the help of original music by Hawksley Workman, deliver a non-stop feast for the eyes and ears for audiences of all ages!

Hiding in an attic to avoid school bullies, a strange book falls into the hands of ten-year-old Bastian (Jake Runeckles). In it, a tale unfolds of a hero’s quest to save the world of Fantastica from the encroaching emptiness called The Nothing. But is Bastian just a reader of this extraordinary story – or is he becoming a vital part of it?

For audiences feeling nostalgic for the 80s classic film adaptation, there will be plenty of dazzle, as the story takes them to an enthralling world of fantasy and mesmerizing visuals. Filled with spectacle and wondrous other-worldly creatures, this beautiful coming-of-age tale of the trials of childhood and the triumph of imagination will delight and inspire the whole family.

“This story about a boy who finds belonging between the covers of a book has always moved me,” said Jillian Keiley, NAC English Theatre Artistic Director. “In this retelling, the design team uses an interstellar landscape to create fantastical dragons, turtles, horses and giant spiders. As always, it is a delight to work in partnership with our friends at the Stratford Festival.” 

“The Neverending Story is a triumph of theatrical imagination. Director Jillian Keiley and designer Bretta Gerecke have created a dazzling glow-in-the-dark vision of a metafictional land that delights anew each time another creatively crafted creature walks or floats on stage.” – The Globe and Mail 

PRODUCTION CREDITS 

The Neverending Story
Based on the novel by Michael Ende
Adapted by David S. Craig
Directed by Jillian Keiley

Featuring Sean Arbuckle, Tim Campbell, Laura Condlln, Ijeoma Emesowum, Jordin Hall, Kim Horsman, Andrew Iles, Roy Lewis, Hilary McCormack, Katelyn McCulloch, Andrew Robinson, Jake Runeckles, Rylan Wilkie, Mamie Zwettler.

The creative team includes Set and Costume Designer Bretta Gerecke; Lighting Designer Leigh Ann Vardy; Composer Hawksley Workman; Sound Designer Don Ellis; Movement and Puppetry Director Brad Cook; Associate Director Mikaela Davies; Stage Manager Brian Scott; Assistant Stage Managers Jacki Brabazon and Loreen Gibson.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
7:30 p.m. nightly Wednesday, January 29 through Saturday, February 1

Tuesday, February 4 through Saturday, February 8

and Tuesday, February 11 through Saturday, February 15
2 p.m. matinées Saturdays February 1, 8 and 15 and Sundays, February 9 and 16
(no performance Mondays.)

Tickets:
From $29 to $89

Tickets are available:

·         Online on the NAC’s website: nac-cna.ca

·         In person at the NAC Box Office at 1 Elgin Street

·         At all Ticketmaster outlets**

·         By telephone 1-888-991-2787**

**A service charge applies to all purchases made through Ticketmaster.

Groups of 10 or more contact grp@nac-cna.ca or visit nac-cna.ca

The Neverending Story Points of View Saturday, February 1 at 12:45 p.m. in Peter A. Herrndorf Place
A chance to engage more deeply with this production through an encounter with two special guests, each offering their own unique perspective on the piece.

Talkbacks: 
Wednesday, February 5 and Thursday, February 6.
Stay in your seats for a post-show question-and-answer session with cast members of The Neverending Story.

Find out more about NAC English Theatre on Facebook and YouTube. To discover some fascinating facts about The Neverending Story, visit nac-cna.ca.

Photo: The Neverending Story. © 2018 David Cooper.