The legendary music of Canada’s most beloved and influential rock bands, The Tragically Hip, will come to life in a brand-new musical from producers David and Hannah Mirvish and Michael Rubinoff.

It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken will premiere in Hamilton at Theatre Aquarius in 2026 as part of our subscription season in partnership with Thousand Islands Playhouse.

Mary Francis Moore, Artistic Director, and Kelly Straughan, Executive Director are excited to produce the musical with such esteemed partners. “Theatre Aquarius is absolutely thrilled to partner with Michael Rubinoff, Mirvish Productions and Thousand Islands Playhouse to bring the music of The Tragically Hip to life with the world premiere of It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken. Building on the success of our world premieres of Maggie and Beautiful Scars, this collaboration continues our commitment to developing and celebrating bold, homegrown storytelling. We can’t wait to share this incredible new production with audiences”

About the upcoming musical:

According to a casting call by Theatre Aquarius, It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken will tell the story of a family in turmoil who face “the revelation of long guarded-secrets, and the resilience they find through a group of friends in the micro-mosaic of Toronto’s Kensington Market.”

The musical, named after their well-known song “It’s A Good Life If You Don’t Weaken,” will be produced by David and Hannah Mirvish, along with Michael Rubinoff, and will initially premiere in Hamilton at Theatre Aquarius before making its way to Toronto.

The Tragically Hip, who hailed from Kingston, Ontario, and were by the late Gord Downie, are one of the most globally recognized and successful bands to come out of the province, and all of Canada.

What to know about auditions to be held in March:

For a complete list of available roles, their descriptions, and instructions, visit theatreaquarius.org. No submissions are required for the open casting call.

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It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken

Songs by The Tragically Hip

Book by Brian Hill & Ahmed Moneka

Orchestrations by Neil Bartram

Direction by Brian Hill

Choreography by Marc Kimelman

Music Supervision by Neil Bartram

Theatre Companies: Theatre Aquarius, Thousand Islands Playhouse