Tons of Money, the classic English farce by writers Will Evans and Valentine, brings a nonstop parade of ridiculous antics, mistaken identities and sheer silliness to the Shaw Festival. Directed by Eda Holmes, this side-splitting revival begins previews on Friday, April 11 at the Royal George Theatre.

As angry creditors call in their loans, struggling inventor Aubrey Allington (Mike Nadajewski) discovers he can reap the benefits of a sudden inheritance by assuming the identity of his long-lost cousin. On the advice of his cunning wife, Louise (Julia Course), Aubrey fakes his own death and turns up three weeks later, posing as his cousin. Of course, the plan goes awry immediately, and hilarious mayhem ensues, as everyone from the cousin’s estranged wife, Jean (Lindsay Wu) to Aubrey’s duplicitous butler, Sprules (Graeme Somerville), races to steal the sudden windfall out from under the Allingtons.

Tons of Money also features Nehassaiu deGannes, Ron Kennell, Qasim Khan, Marla McLean, André Morin, and Sepehr Reybod.

The Shaw’s production of Tons of Money features period-inspired set and costume design by Judith Bowden, lively lighting design by Kevin Lamotte and original music by Andy Ballantyne. The production team includes stage manager Amy Jewell and assistant stage manager Kevin Etherington.

On stage at the Royal George Theatre (85 Queen Street) from April 11 to October 5, Tons of Money is recommended for audience members 12+. Running time is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, including one intermission.

Cast:

Julia Course Louise Allington

Nehassaiu deGannes Miss Benita Mullett

Ron Kennell Giles

Qasim Khan James Chesterman

Marla McLean Simpson

André Morin Henery

Mike Nadajewski Aubrey Henry Maitland Allington

Sepehr Reybod* George Maitland

Graeme Somerville Sprules

Lindsay Wu** Jean Everard

Creative & Production:

Eda Holmes Director

Judith Bowden Set and Costume Designer

Kevin Lamotte Lighting Designer

Andy Ballantyne Original Music

Aurora Judge Assistant Set Designer

Ryan deSouza Music Supervisor

Julian Mainprize Sound Designer

* RBC Emerging Artists are generously supported by the RBC Foundation.

** The Baillie Cohort is generously supported by the Baillie Family Fund for Education.

New for the 2025 season: all performances now begin one hour earlier. Matinee performances start at 1 p.m. and evening shows start at 7 p.m.

The Shaw Festival’s 2025 season runs through to December 21, with a playbill featuring

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Anything Goes, Wait Until Dark, Tons of Money, Major Barbara, Murder-on-the-Lake, Gnit, Blues for an Alabama Sky, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and A Christmas Carol. This season’s Spiegeltent lineup includes Dear Liar, La Vie En Rose, Ella and Louis, May I Have The Pleasure?, The Roll of Shaw – Through the Wardrobe, The Frogs, Coffee Concerts, Speakeasies, What’s In Your Songbook, Gospel Choir and Pop-Up Patios.

Direct bus service from Downtown Toronto and Burlington to Niagara-on-the-Lake is available on the Toronto-Niagara Shaw Express. Luxury buses are standard size wheelchair accessible, offer free Wi-Fi and have an on-board host. $39 return per person. Ticket to a 2025 performance is required. Please pre-arrange with the Box Office. Schedule is subject to change. Please confirm dates and times with the Shaw Festival Box Office.

Visit www.shawfest.com.