Stage Door News

Hamilton: Theatre Aquarius announces its 2023/24 season

Friday, March 10, 2023

Theatre Aquarius is thrilled to announce our 50th Season with a spectacular line-up, featuring both classic and new works by some of the country's most exciting talents! This is a season of laughter, recognition, shared dreams, and the journey home. With some very exciting announcements along the way, we promise an unforgettable 2023-2024 Season.

"We are honoured to launch our 50th Season with such an incredible line-up of productions," said Artistic Director, Mary Francis Moore. "We have so much to celebrate together, and we can't wait to share this milestone with our audiences, as we launch our next fifty years."

Norm Foster returns with Jonas and Barry in the Home a hilarious and heart-warming comedy about living the golden years to their fullest. Find your funny with a gregarious retired stage actor, Jonas, and his unlikely sidekick, Barry, as they embark on an unlikely adventure to spice up their lives this September 27 through October 14, 2023.

Boy Falls from the Sky, a Talk is Free Theatre Production is written and performed by Jake Epstein and developed with Robert McQueen. Epstein has been “that guy from Degrassi”, played Spiderman on Broadway and originated the lead role of Carole King’s husband in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical – not bad for a kid who dreamed about performing on Broadway. But the thing about dreams is, they don’t always go as planned. This showbiz tell-all shares the rejection, stage freight and heartbreak behind a seemingly successful career. Find your dreams on the mainstage October 25 through November 4.

Find your joy with the return of the Aquarius holiday family show! Pollyanna The Musical is an uplifting tale of hope triumphing over adversity, and how the power of a young girl’s positivity can – and does – change the people around her. Showcased at the “From Page to Stage” festival in London, England and shortlisted for the Playwright’s Guild of Canada – Best Musical, the world premiere of Pollyanna The Musical will delight audiences December 6 through 23, 2023. Based on the classic novel by Eleanor Porter with book and lyrics by Steven Gallagher with music by Linda Barnett.

Kick the new year off with Uncle Vanya, a Crow’s Theatre production written by Anton Chekhov and adapted by Liisa Repo-Martell. This modern adaptation and dazzling cast breathe new life into this masterpiece. Brimming with emotional intensity and comedic genius, find your passion in what The Globe and Mail calls “Spellbinding” January 10 to 27, 2024.

Shirley Valentine written by Willy Russell is a beloved comedy about the story of a woman who lost herself in marriage and motherhood. Shirley spends her days talking to the wall while she cooks her husband’s dinner. When Shirley is offered a plane ticket to Greece, she soon discovers it’s never too late to find your purpose and passion. Find your self with the joyous, life-affirming story of Shirley Valentine onstage March 6 to 23, 2024.

Find the road home with the World Premiere of Beautiful Scars, created by Tom Wilson and Shaun Smyth, inspired by Beautiful Scars: Steeltown Secrets, Mohawk Skywalkers and the Road Home by Tom Wilson. Wilson’s search for identity started in mid-century Hamilton, in the company of war-blinded veterans, steel workers, fall-guy wrestlers and a deeply kept secret. For decades Tom carved out a life for himself in the shadows. He became a father, built an international career in music and art and waited for the truth of who he was to emerge. When it did, it would sweep up the St. Lawrence River to Kahnaw’a:ke Mohawk Territory, down the Hudson to the heights of the Manhattan skyline. On stage from April 24 to May 11, 2024.

"This season is about celebrating our past with some recognizable favourites including the return of the big family musical for the holidays,” says Executive Director, Kelly Straughan. “At the same time, we are looking to the future with offerings like Tom Wilson and Shaun Smyth’s Beautiful Scars - a world premiere not to be missed. We can’t wait to share these stories with you!”

The 50th season, sponsored by Donna Patterson, will feature performances by some of Canada's most celebrated actors, showcasing the work of favourite playwrights from Theatre Aquarius' first fifty years. In addition, the season will proudly showcase new work by some of the country's most exciting talents, who will lead us into the next fifty years.

Aquarius Subscribers enjoy exclusive access to the season for this launch period.

Subscribers receive six Theatre Aquarius mainstage shows at the very best prices, with preferred seating and unlimited free ticket exchanges. New for 2023-2024, Subscribers will enjoy a 20% discount on additional tickets purchased to mainstage shows.

Our current Subscribers have advance access to their existing seats; but new Subscribers can still reserve now. Seating will be confirmed in June.

General tickets go on sale for all shows July 24, 2023. For more information, visit theatreaquarius.org.