Stage Door News

Hamilton: New musical “Maggie” plays Theatre Aquarius April 19-May 6

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

A new Canadian musical from the originating producer of Come From Away and celebrated recording artist Johnny Reid is set to play in three provinces this year.

Set in post-war Scotland, MAGGIE tells the inspirational tale of a fiery school cleaner living in the mining town of Lanarkshire, Scotland. After suffering an unthinkable loss, she must rely on her strength, sense of humour, and fiercely loyal group of friends to raise her boys and protect them from the harsh and ever-changing world around them. The heartfelt show features a soul- stirring score by award-winning recording artist Johnny Reid, a Scot who immigrated to Canada as a teenager. The musical is based on the true story of his grandmother.

MAGGIE celebrates not only my Gran and her life, but also an entire generation of women who fought through some tough times by keeping faith, hope, love, family, friendship, and humour close to heart,” says Reid. “It reminds us that joy and laughter can be found, even in the darkest of times.”

The musical was first workshopped as part of Sheridan College’s Canadian Music Theatre Project, a program that incubated new musicals and launched the global hit Come From Away. The originating producer of Come From Away, Michael Rubinoff, is producing MAGGIE with Reid.

“The emotional connection has resonated through every draft of this musical, I am so moved by it,” says Rubinoff. “I am excited that a wider audience will finally be able to experience the joy of this show.”

Starring in the musical’s titular role is Dharma Bizier, a Sheridan graduate who has been involved with the production since 2018. Bizier went on to travel with Reid on his 2022 national tour, where she opened the concert with three songs from the musical.

“The music comes from the heart, and you can tell that it was written with a lot of love for the characters and story,” says Bizier. “There are songs that make me laugh or cry every time I hear them, and they beautifully connect the audience to the narrative.”

The production’s music is written by Reid, Matt Murray and Bob Foster. It will be directed by fellow Scot Mary Francis Moore, who is the artistic director of Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton, Ontario, where the musical will run from April 19 - May 6. It then plays at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Prince Edward Island from June 21 - September 2 as part of the famed Charlottetown Festival, followed by a run at Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia from September 28 - October 8.

“I have loved this musical since I saw the first reading of it, and we are proud to be presenting it at The Charlottetown Festival,” says Adam Brazier, artistic director of performing arts at Confederation Centre of the Arts. “Over a third of Prince Edward Islanders are of Scottish ancestry, and I know they will see themselves reflected in the history of this powerful show.”

“Theatre Aquarius is thrilled to premiere MAGGIE with these incredible artists from across the country, and we cannot wait to share this heartfelt story and unbelievable score with our Hamilton audiences,” says MAGGIE director Mary Francis Moore.

Tickets for all performances of MAGGIE are on sale now at maggiethemusical.com. The studio cast recording is available on all digital platforms.

Theatre Aquarius is grateful for the support of MAGGIE title sponsor LiUNA Local 837, and season sponsor Donna Patterson. Confederation Centre of the Arts thanks The Gray Group Real Estate & Development for its production sponsorship of MAGGIE at The Charlottetown Festival.