Get ready to dive into the world of diamonds, deals, and deceit as the Grand Theatre proudly presents Heist. The Ocean’s Eleven-inspired, edge-of-your-seat, popcorn-theatre crime caper production plays January 14 – February 1 on the Grand’s historic Spriet Stage.

This highly anticipated Canadian play will experience its second professional production since premiering at Vertigo Theatre in early 2024. “You are witnessing theatre history in the making!” says Grand Theatre Artistic Director, Rachel Peake. “We at the Grand are deeply committed to second-run Canadian plays, which means that once the dust has settled on a world premiere the playwright can go back into their script with a new team and imagine the show for a second time.”

“I wanted to create a sort of hybrid show, which grabbed elements from both film and theatre,” says Heist playwright, Calgary-based breakthrough writer (and ophthalmologist by day) Arun Lakra. “Through my collaboration with Haysam Kadri, our brilliant director, who shared this vision, we have tried to create a cinematic experience on stage. We (the entire creative team) have embraced the technology, and as you will see, so have our characters.”

Heist tells the story of five skilled accomplices coming together for one final job. But, as with all iconic heist tales, the plan is riddled with twists, turns, and unexpected betrayals. Patrons can expect to see drones, acrobatics and a laser sequence, live and in person on the stage. The story seamlessly shifts between past and present, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats as they piece together the ultimate whodunnit.

This run also sees the return of Calgary-based director Haysam Kadri, who is directing Heist for the second time, and directing at the Grand Theatre for the third time (A Thousand Splendid Suns and Homes: A Refugee Story). “It’s always a gift to be able to mount a second production,” explains Kadri, “on the technical side, having access to bigger resources and tools means we can elevate the production value significantly. The set design [by Beyata Hackborn], for instance, is more ambitious, incorporating moving pieces and intricate lighting effects that amplify the suspense and spectacle of the story.”

In partnership with Edmonton’s The Citadel Theatre, all production elements were created and built in London, Ontario, by the Grand’s scenic carpenters, painters, props team, and wardrobe team, and after the conclusion of the London run, will head to Edmonton for a run in the Citadel’s Shoctor Theatre.

The creative team of the London, Ontario, production of Heist are: Haysam Kadri (Director), Beyata Hackborn (Set Designer), Jessica Oostergo (Costume Designer), Siobhán Sleath (Lighting Designer), Richard Feren (Composer & Sound Designer), Corwin Ferguson (Projection Designer), Siobhan Richardson (Fight & Intimacy Director), Alexandra Rizkallah (Assistant Director), Sang Sang Lee (Stage Manager), and Jess Gordon (Assistant Stage Manager).

Grand audiences will be in the company of exceptional talent from across Canada. The cast and creative team feature nine Grand Theatre debuts, which includes five of the six cast members. The Grand Theatre is also thrilled to welcome back the talented Belinda Cornish (who plays The Spider), last seen at the Grand Theatre in An Undiscovered Shakespeare, adding a touch of familiarity to this remarkable ensemble.

HEIST

By Arun Lakra

Directed by Haysam Kadri

Co-production with The Citadel Theatre

JAN 14 to FEB 1 (Opening Night JAN 17)

CAST:

Belinda Cornish - The Spider

Devin MacKinnon - Marvin

Callan McKenna Potter - Ryan

Gillian Moon - Angie

Priya Narine - Fiona

Emilio Vieira - Kruger

Heist plays on the Spriet Stage from January 14 to February 1, 2025. Single tickets range from $24-$96, and are available at www.grandtheatre.com, by phone at 519.672.8800, or at the Box Office, 471 Richmond Street. There is a Pay-What-You-Can performance on Sunday, January 19 at 2:00 p.m. (Pay-What-You-Can tickets become available online at midnight on the day of the performance, with a selection of tickets held for in-person purchase one hour prior to the performance at the Grand Theatre Box Office).