The Pearl Company

Your Own Sons: Thursday, April 19 – 21 / 26, 27. Doors 7:30 PM. Show 8:00. Saturday April 28 Matinee @ 2:00 & Closing Night @ 8:00. TICKETS: $20. Pauline’s son travels overseas to fight for ISIS while Dan’s son joins the Canadian Forces. Desperate to understand, both parents set out on a journey to confront the fate of their sons. But as their paths draw them closer to each other, will they be ready for the answers that await them? From the creators of Finding Mr. Right and Test, comes this searing and critically-acclaimed drama tackling the politics of faith and fear and the collision between love and loss. Written by Stephen Near. Directed by Aaron Joel Craig. Produced by Same Boat Theatre. Featuring: Adam Lemieux, Terri Brunsting, Stephen Near, Jennifer Walton, Amber Wood, and Ramzey Zourob.
Reviewer’s Pick in Venue – View Magazine. Encore Festival Pick – Best of 2017 Fringe. Top Hamilton Theatre Pick of 2017 – View Magazine
Your Own Sons was written with the support of the Ontario Arts Council’s Theatre Creators’ Reserve program and Theatre Aquarius and produced with the support of the City of Hamilton’s City Enrichment Fund. https://sameboattheatre.com/your-own-sons/  Tickets: http://www.ticketscene.ca/series/603/

Women’s Words: 2 One Act Plays: January 18 – 20 / 24 – 27. Doors: 7:30pm. Show: 8:00. $25 / $20.  The premiere of a new play by Allison Chisholm, A Certain Slant of Light, directed by Annalee Flint with Tyler Brent and Maxie Liberman. And, an award-winning play written and performed by Natalia Bushnik, Maybelle’s Guide to Maintaining Perfection. www.nataliabushnik.com

BORDERLINE ME: Robin Zee’s One-Woman Show: Saturday, December 9. Doors: 7:00pm. Show: 800. Tickets: $20 advance; $25 at door. This important fundraising, learning, and artistic event is in support of charitable organizations that are anti-human trafficking. Robin Zee performs her one-woman show, BorderLine Me, outlining her personal journey of survival that includes her experience as a person who was trafficked. There will be a Q & A session afterwards and a silent auction with many wonderful items. 100% of the proceeds from this evening will go to non-profit anti-human trafficking charities.
Robin’s hope is that her efforts will assist in raising money for non-profit charities that support victims of human trafficking and in educating our community through experience and art. www.robinzee.com 

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Sisyphus: The Myth Re-Imagined. March 1 – 3, 7 – 10, 14 – 17; Doors: 7:30pm. Show: 8:00pm. $20 / $15 students/seniors/wage-challenged. Based on the writings of Albert Camus and other French existentialists. A journey of self discovery through the ages, from Greek Mythology to Modern Times.

“I see many people die because they judge that life is not worth living. I see others paradoxically getting killed for the very ideas and illusions that give them a reason for living. I therefore conclude that the meaning of life is the most urgent of questions.” Albert Camus

Written & Directed by Gary Santucci: The Myth is the third part of his trilogy, Theatre of the Awakening Mind;  ‘Democracy is Dead’, and ‘Train of Thought’ were parts 1 & 2. Sisyphus: The Myth Re-Imagined opens March 1 and runs to March 17. Cast: Tara Smith, Diane Hines, Jay Shand, Rod McTaggart, Gary Santucci.

JACKIE GLEASON AND FRIENDS: General Admission $25. “Jackie” has extended its run! Friday, Dec. 1 at 8:00 pm. Saturday, Dec 2 at 2:00 pm. Doors @ 7:30pm for shows starting @ 8:00.
Jackie Gleason and Friends is a two-act stage bio about the life of “The Great One,” Jackie Gleason. Born into poverty in Brooklyn and with little formal education, Gleason clawed his way to the top of the show-business world to become one of the most successful and wealthiest comedians of his time. Willard Boudreau plays Gleason with a magical touch that transports the complex entertainer’s life to the stage. Toots Shor, Gleason’s life-long best friend is played with comparable dexterity by Dan Penrose. Their outrageous relationship in the play lights up the theatre with laughter. Gleason’s close association with Audrey Meadows (Gail Edwards), Joyce Randolph (Elaine Hale), Art Carney (Dan Anderson), and June Taylor (Babe Schurter-Santi) is also presented with great sensitivity. Mike Durkacz (Gleason’s  manager) and Tom Mays (a CBS executive) help us to explore other important facets of Gleason’s life. Willard Boudreau directs Bob Knuckle’s script with remarkable imagination and sensitivity. This is a beautiful, serious drama about a complicated man that is presented with a lot of joy and laughter.
Tickets @ www.bruha.com

HERE’S JOHNNY: October 11-14 / 18-21/ 25-28. Doors: 7:30pm. Show: 8:00pm. $25 / $20 students/seniors/wage-challenged. HERE’S JOHNNY is a gritty tale drawn from the streets of an inner city neighbourhood, where questions are answered by more questions and choices often end badly. Inspired by true events, we follow the exploits and interactions of the five principal characters: Johnny, the Security Systems salesman, “I still gotta a heartbeat”; Bob, the neighbourhood guy, I’m so sick and tired of all the crap”; Ginger, the lifer on the streets; “C’mon it’s the oldest profession”; the new arrival, Candy, “I don’t want to think about tomorrow”; and Billy the punk. “Is that all you got?”  The audience will also be immersed in the 24/7 chatter and mayhem of the streets. Running the gamut from dark to humorous, touching to tragic, from the absurd to very real, HERE’S JOHNNY provokes a response in the audience from outrage to discomfort, rattling our cages as only street life can do. The characters may not be all likeable however they are human and deeply flawed in human ways. Adult Subject Matter. Coarse language and simulated sex.  Tickets: https://bruha.com/event/2028 (Oct 12) Further ticket links under  “Buy Tickets” tab.
Written & Directed: Gary Santucci.  Cast : Johnny: Mischa Aravena.  Candy: Jennifer Farrugia. Bob: Rod McTaggart. Ginger: Robin Zee. Billy: Carlos Jimenez. Supporting  Cast: Peter Bowen. Erica Sherwood. Frank Rocchi. Gerri Mc Manamy.

Slaughterhouse-Five: August 16 – 19 / 23 – 26.  Doors: 7:30. Show: 8:00 $20 / $15 students/seniors/wage-challenged Based on Kurt Vonnegut’s classic novel, Slaughterhouse-Five introduces us to Billy Pilgrim, a man who becomes “unstuck in time” after he is abducted by aliens. In a plot-scrambling display of virtuosity, we follow Pilgrim simultaneously through all the phases of his life. Concentrating on his shattering experience as an American prisoner of war who witnesses the firebombing of Dresden, this satirical and horrifying anti-war story carries a unique poignancy — and humour. Directed by: Liam Grunté. Cast: Robert K. Brown, Vincent Perri, Brian Gilmour, Ciaran Neely, Theresa Noon-Hunter, Valeri Kay, and Shawn Callan as Billy Pilgrim. Stage manager: Anthony Colonello.

Fin de Fiesta Flamenco: “LIÁNDOLA”. Friday, September 1. Doors: 7:30. Show: 8:00. $22 in advance/ $25 at the door. Acclaimed flamenco ensemble Fin de Fiesta brings Spanish inspiration to Canadian soil with their Summer/Fall 2017 Canadian Tour. Comprised of award-winning artists from Canada and France, the electrifying music and dance ensemble will bring stages to life nationwide with their spirited new production, LIÁNDOLA. The show takes its name from a popular Andalucian figure of speech used to describe boisterously unrestrained behaviour, a playful fearlessness that cannot be contained. Simply put, Liándola means taking an ordinary experience and making it extraordinary. In Liándola, the searing vocals of Alejandro Mendia (Noces Gitanes, France) are accompanied by the intricate guitar arpeggios of music director Dennis Duffin (Ventanas, Canada) and the haunting flute melodies of Lara Wong (Canada). Dancer and artistic director Lia Grainger (Canada), brings the stage to life with fierce, sensual choreography and improvisation.
Tickets: online at www.ticketscene.ca  www.thepearlcompany.ca or 905.524.0606 For more info please visit: www.findefiestaflamenco.com

Frankenstein: August 3 – 5, 10 – 12. Doors: 7:30. Show: 8:00. (Except 2pm matinee Aug 12.) $20 / $15 students/seniors/wage-challenged.  A chilling new telling of a timeless story. The world premiere of this award-winning adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel Frankenstein hits The Pearl stage in early August.  Written by David Elendune, directed by Gary Santucci, this adaptation has converted the character of Clerval to a female actor.  Shelley, in the original, did not create a strong female character. This wonderful twist provides character development beyond the usual approaches, allowing for male- female sexual tension, failed role models and so much more. http://www.classicaltheatre.ca/
Reactions from the audience: “The Creature sent chills down my spine.” “Entire cast is fantastic!”  “Whenever I watch anything…I know it strikes a chord if I get chills. Tonight, that happened three times…!” “Unlike any version before it, Rod McTaggart’s performance as the creature will transfix you in your seats. Peter Anderson’s mixture of arrogance and horror perfectly balances his performance. …The set will transport the playgoer back in time; the steampunk props are perfect!”

HORSES: Featuring Allan Merovitz. July 20 – 23 / 27 – 30.  8:00pm. Matinees @ 2pm 23rd & 30th. $20/$15 students/seniors/wage-challenged.
Horses…. This stirring, educational, oft fiery and heartfelt show is made up of heartwarming original poems, songs, and music, mingled with some classic and easily recognizable melodies and mixed with a few surprisingly true stories. The storytelling, songs, and poems take you through Allan’s life spent with these majestic creatures.
“It all started in Montreal when I was 4 years old with Beau the milk horse, then riding on my Zayda’s (grandfather’s) farm outside Smith’s Falls, and memories of riding with my Dad on Mount Royal in Montreal at the stables near Lac aux Castors ( Beaver Lake). The story and songs include a tour with the Caravan Stage Company through our four seasons on the road from British Columbia to Alberta.”

STAYCATION THEATRE: Fractured Fairytales: July 5 – 8, 12 – 15. Doors: 7:30. Show: 8:00. $20 / $15 students/ seniors/ wage-challenged. Opening Night, July 5 is  PWYC.  A Fractured Fairy Tale can be a story that uses a fairy tale or story where changes or embellishments are made to the characters, setting, points of view, or plots, to reinterpret an older idea or concept or to introduce new ones. Come see what the Staycation Players are doing with this! Open Season!
Cast:  Alison Nicholson, Morgan Nicholson, Gerri McManamy, Jolanta & Milania Bace, Gislelle Magie, Sue Moore, Carlos Jimenez, Olivia Prunean, Valeri Kay, Kayla Michelle
Program: Humpty Trumpty, The Little Child (Moorish Folk Tale), The Mother Bull (Sudanese Folk Tale), The North Wind (Italian Folk Tale), Sleeping Cutie & Prince Alarming, After the Parade (The Emperor’s New Clothes)
Co-Artistic Directors: Gary Santucci, Tony DiCasa

King Lear: TONIGHT’S SHOW SOLD OUT. March 23-25 @ 8pm. Tickets $20. The 9M Theatre Company presents its inaugural production: William Shakespeare’s King Lear. The production will showcase many of Hamilton’s talented Shakespearean actors, including actor/musician Jordan Abraham in the title role.
King Lear is a man who gives away his Kingdom and, in doing so, loses himself and his mind. He is alone, fragile, caught in a storm, helpless to stop the tragic events unfolding around him. But just when he has lost everything, it seems he may have found his humanity. A play with ambitions of power, sword fighting, classic speeches, dark humour, disastrous romances, and familial love, it’s sure to have something for everyone. Whether you are a Shakespearean scholar, or looking for an exciting night of theatre and storytelling, here is King Lear!
Cast: Jordan Abraham as King Lear, Krista McNaughton as Cordelia/The Fool, Julian Nicholson as The Earl of Gloucester, Leonard A. Cain as Edmund, the Bastard, Scott Buchanan as Edgar, Sean Emberley as The Earl of Kent, Rebekah Pullen as Goneril, director Liz Buchanan as Regan, Luis Arrojo as The Duke of Albany, Gregory Cruikshank as Oswald/The Duke of Burgandy/Knight, Will Gillespie as The King of France/Doctor/others. Stage Manager/Costume Designer: Robyn Lightwalker.

Fool for Love:  March 2, 3, 4. 7.30 doors, 8:00 start. Tickets $25 each. The idiomatic voice of American playwright and actor Sam Shepard provides the electrical currents that ignite “Fool for Love,” Two former lovers meet in a run-down motel room in the Mojave Desert.  Eddie tries to convince May to rekindle their romance and move to a farm in Wyoming. May has moved on with her life but Eddie is still living in past.  The couple is caught in an emotional power struggle where the past haunts the present. Directed by Paul Groulx, The Artful Gauntlet Theatre Company. Featuring Jennifer Farrugia, Michael Sbrocchi, Rod Mctaggart, Dave Guthrie. You don’t want to miss Sam Shepard’s gritty classic about dangerous love. The play was a finalist for the 1984 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Queens of Quirk: An evening celebrating unique quirky queendoms through music, comedy and a radio musical. Sunday February 19. 1.30 doors, 2:00pm start. Tickets: Pay it Forward, and sliding scale $10-$20
The Queens:
Hanna Bech is a professor of whimsy, and a diviner of hooks, whose muse is a white ball of fluff who does back flips. Mary Clements writes songs about #adulting, and has a smile filled with so much sunshine you’ll think she walked out of a Disney film. Pamela Gardner is a velvet voiced flying songbird whose mischievous eyes can make babies laugh and grown men cry. Radha S. Menon is an interdisciplinary artist who can stand on her head and drink Scotch.
This Queens of Quirk features the debut of Mary Clements, whose folky piano tunes will remind you of musicals.
It also features an original radio musical “Circles” – a satirical RomCom set in ancient Sicily about a deserting Roman soldier, an Archimedes groupie and a singing cyclops. Book and script by Radha Menon and Music composed by Hanna Bech.
TICKETS: Online: https://www.bruha.com/event/672 Cash at door, or for e-transfer details please contact queensoquirk@gmail.com  Queens of Quirk believes art should be accessible, and because of this we offer PAY IT FORWARD tickets. Please email queensoquirk@gmail.com  if you would like to Pay it Forward, or if you would like a PIF ticket.

THE TRAIN OF THOUGHT: Theatre of the Awakening Mind. Starts January 26 2017. Departure Time 8:00 pm; Please plan to arrive 30 minutes before boarding. Boarding Passes: $20.00 & $15.00. Schedule: January 26, 27, 28. February 2, 3, 4 & 9, 10, 11. Belief and Disbelief are confronted on “The Train of Thought.”  Four travelers embark on a journey to face the ultimate consequences of their beliefs. They engage in the most important conversation of our time!
Written & Directed by Gary Santucci. Cast: Tara Smith, Tony Di Casa, Rod McTaggart, Jay Shand, Robin Zee. Tickets will be available on-line @ ticketscene or by calling to reserve @ 905 524 0606 or by email info@thepearlcompany.ca  All performances begin @ 8:00pm