The Pearl Company

Stephen Jenkinson & Gregory Hoskins: Ramshackling Concerts for Turbulent Times: A night of Grief and Mystery. Saturday, December 3: 7:00pm. $35 door. SOME SEATS STILL AVAILABLE.  On St. Patrick’s Day, 2015, Stephen Jenkinson’s new book Die Wise: A Manifesto for Sanity and Soul was published by North Atlantic Books out of Berkeley, California. Die Wise shares his stories and insights on grief and dying and the great love of life, and it recently won the 2015 Nautilus Award. Video link to Stephen speaking about DIE WISE:
Last year’s book tour brought Stephen’s work to audiences across essentially the world. By fall things gained a certain momentum, and Stephen invited a remarkable Canadian musician, Gregory Hoskins, to join him on the road. These concerts became storied nights of grief, mystery and orphan wisdom for a troubled time. Gregory’s music graced Stephen’s pleas for mercy and for grace under pressure with faithful cantos of muscular sorrow. People came, jammed doorways and stood on chairs and lingered long afterwards, unwilling it seemed to go back to a home unchanged by an unlikely evening of mortal mysteries.
Award-winning filmmaker/media activist Ian Mackenzie joined them on the road in N.Y.C., Boulder, Berkeley and Austin to record those unlikely days and nights. A new film, DIE WISE: The Lost Nation Road, chronicling that tour, is coming out in fall, 2016. In all, some eleven countries and eighty five cities.

NEVERMORE: Dates: October 20 to 22 / 27 to 29 / and 31. Ticket price: $17. Doors 7:30pm, Show 8:00. Prepare to be thrilled, frightened, and enveloped by Nevermore, bringing audiences into the world of Edgar Allan Poe.  Based on some of Poe’s best scary stories, Nevermore is a theatrical way to celebrate Hallowe’en with a taste of the macabre… Created and Performed by: Cady Allen, Peter Gruner, and Ryan M. Sero, (Artistic Director, theatre artist: actor and writer). Produced by Make Art Theatre, an independent theatre company founded in, and based out of Hamilton Ontario. Founded in 2010 with the idea of producing works they would want to see on stage, they have evolved into a company that produces plays they believe their audience too will enjoy.  Plays to make you think and laugh; plays good for both the heart and mind. https://www.facebook.com/make.art.theatre/

The Naked Ballerina: A three week series of dance, theatre, and music!
Two shows per night throughout. All shows start at 8:00pm. $20 /$15 students/seniors/un(der)waged.

Naked Ballerina: Sarah Murphy-Dyson: Every night throughout this impromptu run! “Discover the darkness behind the curtain, as the former Royal Winnipeg Ballet first soloist & Gemini Award winner brings you backstage into her world of blood, sweat and secrets. Illusions of perfection onstage and off are shattered as she seeks the courage to expose her truth to herself and the world.” Glenn Sumi, Now Magazine   “…a heartbreaking performance in this almost autobiographical story of a dancer coming to terms with the pain of being perfect. Murphy-Dyson’s script was compelling stuff and her stunning performance rocked The Pearl Company nightly.” Gary Smith, Hamilton Spectator. What more is there to say?  The two quotes above say it all. This fabulously compelling story is an audience favourite and was named one of the top shows of 2015.

Back from the Brink: Aaron Berger: Friday, October 7. 8:00pm. $15 / $10 students/ seniors/ un(der)waged. Sharing stories can change the way we see and experience ourselves, others and the world. “Back from the Brink” is a play that tells the true life story of award winning speaker, Berger’s, healing journey back from a failed suicide attempt at the brink of Niagara Falls. Making peace with the past, singer/songwriter and actor, Berger is following his dream of inspiring others to see their interconnectedness. Link to video of personal story and this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYQY_8JyEic
Followed by Aaron Berger & The Blue Stars: “I think music is a way of life…. It colours and shapes the experiences of my life every day. I believe music has the power to open doors into the heart of the universe and that my songs are prayers for peace and understanding.”  The Blue Stars are: Aaron Berger, James Gizzie, Johnny Albers, Matthew James, Nathaniel Goold, T.J. Rogers… and you!  Aaron’s music is available to listen to and download here: www.aaronberger.bandcamp.com

Murphy-Dyson/Santucci: Pas de Deux: September 24, 30. October 1, 8.  An exceptional blend of choreography and improvisation from two major talents in their fields. Gary Santucci plays his original compositions for solo guitar; Sarah Murphy-Dyson dances. Sarah is known for both her dancing and acting chops! Gary Santucci (Flamenco, Classical & Jazz Guitar Artist) has become a consummate musician whose repertoire spans numerous genres. Among his awards is Best Classical Musician 1982 [Hamilton Wentworth Council of the Arts],  The City of Hamilton Arts Award for Music 2004, and together with Barbara Milne, The City of Hamilton Arts Award 2008 for Lifetime Achievement.  Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzKBk4LxbRU

Staycation Shorts! Wednesday, August 17 – Saturday, 20. all@8:00. $20/$15 students/seniors/un(der)waged. Theatrical Tidbits for We Who Stay!  Six super cool shorts for maximum summer entertainment. All 6 plays performed each night.
“For Daw’s to Peck At”: from Make.Art.Theatre: “Ben has been promoted and given his first task in his new position: fire his oldest friend James.”  Written by: Ryan M. Sero. Directed by: Annalee Flint. Featuring: Tyler Brent & Sean Emberley.
Charly Chiarelli: Only the gods and goddesses know what I will contribute. But it will surely reflect a scintillating aspect of human experience – and there will be musical adornment. I’m toying with the subject of sanity. It would be crazy for folks to miss this event, replete with committed performers (or performers who should be committed).
Brenda Lennie: Respected local stand-up comedian, Brenda Lennie, shares her “Vacation Photo Album”, ably assisted by Jim Maxwell. Brenda’s known for her Wham Bam Comedy Jams and workshops.
Greg Moverley: The Audition. The Audition takes Shakespeare’s thoughts that “all the world’s a stage” to lofty heights as we get a behind the scenes look at an actor auditioning for the role of a lifetime.
Tony Di Casa: Dark Angels: Dark Angels is a dark, existential comedy that serves as a metaphor for life. It poses the ultimate questions that encapsulate the human experience. Written and directed by Tony DiCasa. The cast members are Victoria Kyoko, Olivia Prunean, Sarah Leach, and Tony DiCasa.
Gary Santucci: A Citizen’s Arrest. Based on a true story from early days at The Pearl.  Street Justice “of a kind” delivered by the Long Flowing Grey Haired Vigilante….

“Spirit of the Narrows”: One woman’s journey into the world of Aboriginal fiddling.: July 7 to 10 / 14 to 16. Seven performances only. $20/$15 Seniors/Students/Un(der)waged. All shows @8, July 10 Matinee @2:00.  This fascinating voyage is created and written by internationally respected, award-winning fiddler, Anne Lederman, and performed by Anne and Capucine Onn, As a young musician, Anne became fascinated with the unusual sound of Métis and First Nations fiddling in her home province of Manitoba.
Her journey to learn more introduced her to fiddlers such as Carl Grexton, Emile Spence, Teddy Boy Houle, and a host of others. Entering a world very different from her own, the play is her journey – from present to past, from one culture to another, also from one state of mind to another. It is the story of a uniquely Canadian music, of the people who created it, and who, against all odds, continue to play it. It embodies Ojibwa, Cree, Scottish, French, English, American, and Eastern European traditions, all played on a small box with four strings.
Anne has performed a solo version of the show from Wells B.C. to Aberdeen, Scotland, in theatres, classrooms, folk clubs, and Church basements. In 2004, the Blyth Festival invited her to adapt it to a two-person theatrical experience, which did so well they brought it back for a second season on 2005. The Pearl Company is delighted to present the show again in Hamilton. http://www.annelederman.com/

Back from the Brink: Aaron Berger: Friday, June 10. 8:00pm.  $15 / $10 students/ seniors/ un(der)waged. Stories are powerful. They are the oldest form of human communication. Sharing stories can change the way we see and experience ourselves, others and the world. “Back from the Brink” is a new play that tells the unforgettable true life story of award winning speaker,on Berger’s healing journey back from 2 months in the psychiatric ward of Greater Niagara General Hospital and a failed suicide attempt at the brink of Niagara Falls. Making peace with the past, singer/songwriter and actor, Berger is following his dream of inspiring others to see their interconnectedness and remember that no matter what they go through they are not alone. Link to video introducing personal story and this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYQY_8JyEic My music is available to listen to and download here: www.aaronberger.bandcamp.com Link to music video for ‘Seeing You in Colours’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R41Cz3mWO7U

LEARNING WITH LEXI PRESENTS: LOVE YOUR VERVE AND FIND YOUR ZING: A March Break Children’s Show! Wednesday, March 16: 10:00am / 2:00pm / 7:00pm. $10 Admission. Love your life and find your ‘get up and go’ is the attitude Lexi brings to her performances. Learning with Lexi (Alexis Rakovac) is a children’s show that promotes the importance of self love, positive thinking, imagination and creativity in your child’s life. She takes the children on a journey. They are encouraged to like themselves, believe in themselves and look to the bright side of life. Through the world of imaginary integrated play and music, we venture into unique situations where children are able to identify their strengths, cope with their challenges, recognize their potential and see that it is okay to step outside their comfort zone and just go for it!!!!
“Children are encouraged to courageously develop life skills for independence and making choices for themselves with confidence. I want so very much to empower all of our children to dare to dream and BELIEVE….” Lexi
“Not only is Lexi an engaging and entertaining personality, she is as genuine as they come.  Our children adore her….”
“She has a special gift for connecting with children and she shares that gift passionately.”
www.learningwithlexi.ca FB: learningwithlexi  learningwithlexi123@gmail.com

The Naked Ballerina: Feb 4, 5, 6. 8:00pm. $20 door/$15 artists/students/un(der)waged. Come on a journey with Gwyn, a top professional ballet dancer. She will take you backstage and into the darkest corners of the ballet world, where sex, bulimia, beauty, shame, bliss, fear, pain, and secrets, pave the path to “perfection”. Based on the true life story of Sarah Murphy-Dyson.
Top Ten Performances of 2014 – Gary Smith Hamilton Spectator: “Sarah Murphy-Dyson gave a heartbreaking performance in this almost autobiographical story of a dancer coming to terms with the pain of being perfect. Murphy-Dyson’s script was compelling stuff and her stunning performance rocked The Pearl Company nightly.” http://m.thespec.com/whatson-story/5234136-the-delights-and-duds-of-2014/
“Discover the darkness behind the curtain, as the former Royal Winnipeg Ballet first soloist & Gemini Award winner brings you backstage into her world of blood, sweat and secrets. Illusions of perfection onstage and off are shattered as she seeks the courage to expose her truth to herself and the world.” Glenn Sumi, Now Magazine.

“Spirit of the Narrows”: One woman’s journey into the world of Aboriginal fiddling. Seven performances only: Nov. 19-22  & Nov. 26-28. $25/$20 Seniors/Students/Un(der)waged. All shows @8, Nov 22 Matinee @2:00.  This fascinating voyage is created and written by internationally respected, award-winning fiddler, Anne Lederman, and performed by Anne and Capucine Onn, As a young musician, Anne became fascinated with the unusual sound of Métis and First Nations fiddling in her home province of Manitoba.
Her journey to learn more introduced her to fiddlers such as Carl Grexton, Emile Spence, Teddy Boy Houle, and a host of others. Entering a world very different from her own, the play is her journey – from present to past, from one culture to another, also from one state of mind to another. It is the story of a uniquely Canadian music, of the people who created it, and who, against all odds, continue to play it. It embodies Ojibwa, Cree, Scottish, French, English, American, and Eastern European traditions, all played on a small box with four strings.
Anne has performed a solo version of the show from Wells B.C. to Aberdeen, Scotland, in theatres, classrooms, folk clubs, and Church basements. In 2004, the Blyth Festival invited her to adapt it to a two-person theatrical experience, which did so well they brought it back for a second season on 2005. The Pearl Company is delighted to revive the show for the first time in Hamilton. http://www.annelederman.com/

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Dr Faustus: October 8 – 10, 15 – 17. Start time: 7:30pm. Doors 7:00. $20 admission. “Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus is the haunting, macabre tale of the man who sells his soul to the Devil for power and glory.  Its poetry and power have shaken generation after generation and now Make Art Theatre, winners of “Best in Fringe” at this year’s Festival, are bringing the show to life at The Pearl Company. John Faustus, a doctor and intellectual, finds himself frustrated with the frivolous nature of his studies: he cannot gain any real power.  He turns to Black Magic and summons the demon Mephistophiles, who offers Faustus twenty-four years of limitless power in exchange for his immortal soul. As the years go by, Faustus indulges every impulse.  Yet, always, he is tormented by his contract, and must decide between God and the Devil. A perfect outing for October, when Halloween looms large, Doctor Faustus presents a truly eerie story in a way which will delight as well as terrify.  Classical theatre at its finest!”  https://www.facebook.com/make.art.theatre

TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE: By Jeffrey Hatcher and Mitch Albom based on the book by Mitch Albom. September 24 – 26, Oct 1 – 3 @ 8:00. Oct 3 also @ 2:00 Tickets: $20/$15 students/seniors/artists. Classical Theatre Presents: A Dramedy About Life’s Greatest Lesson. Directed by Tyler Brent. Starring Steve O’Brien and Peter Anderson. “Take in as much joy as you can.” Tuesdays with Morrie is a play so touching, powerful and celebratory it may change your outlook on life. In this humorous and heartbreaking piece, career-obsessed journalist Mitch reunites with his past-teacher Morrie, who is battling Lou Gherig’s Disease (ALS). This reconnection soon becomes both a weekly pilgrimage and a life-affirming ritual that enables Morrie to teach his final and most important lesson – how to live. This hit story about friendship and the necessity of mentors is a rare gem that is both moving and entertaining.  “A touching, life-affirming, deeply emotional drama with a generous dose of humor.”  – New York Daily News  “Unforgettable! No matter how well you tell the story, the play makes it more vivid, more shattering, more humorous.” – New York Magazine

Welcome to Our Season!  Friday, September 18: 8:00pm start. $20/$15. We have an exciting season of theatre and music in store for you in 2015- 
16! The Season Preview Gala, giving you a taste of our truly exciting season of theatre and music in 2015-16. What a show it will be!

Here’s the lineup!
Everybody’s favourite comical MCs, Erin & Nara will guide us through the evening (and we will need lots of guiding!)
Previews of upcoming theatre:
Tuesdays with Morrie
Dr. Faustus
Spirit of the Narrows
Music from some Pearl Company favourites:
Leonard, Burns & Dell
Duane Rutter
Rae Billing
Big Johnny Blue
Performances from:
Hammer Hoppers (Dance Nights)
Brenda Lennie (Wam Bam Comedy Workshops)

A new offering  this September is a Season Ticket Package for our Fall 2015 Theatrical Season.  The Season Ticket Package will cost $65 for all three shows — that’s a 15% savings over buying tickets separately!  As an extra benefit, Season Ticket subscribers will receive a pair of 10% discount coupons, which can be used at selected musical performances in the 2015-16 season!
As above, the three theatrical performances we will be presenting this fall are:
Tuesdays with Morrie  (Classical Theatre Company) with Peter Anderson
& Steve O’Brien
Dr. Faustus (Make Art Theatre) with Ryan Sero, Jay Shand, Sean Emberley
and more!
Spirit of the Narrows with Anne Lederman (Internationally respected fiddler with
a story to tell)
Season Ticket Packages will be available for purchase on TicketScene or at our box office from September 1, 2015 to October 2, 2015.
If you buy a Season Ticket Package before or on September 18th, for this jam-packed evening of theatre and music you’ll get in for a mere $10!

brenda lennie’s WAM BAM COMEDY JAM: Tuesday, July 14, 7:00 – 9:00pm. Tickets are $10. TEN WOMEN, OVER 7 WEEKS, DID A WORKSHOP AND THIS IS THE SHOW!! Some have been on stage, for some this is their first experience. These ladies are brave, sassy, will take on anything, they’re smart, they surprise, they’re hilarious! You may know them; come see this side of them!!  brenda lennie, their teacher will coach them thru the process, they will play games and do pure improv. Yes and, brenda lennie along with some guest comics will perform at the end of the show. A FUN FUN NIGHT FOR ADULTS…ONLY. Who’s the cast? Come see! Note: To get a ticket, you must reserve one on FB, from players, or call to reserve 905-524-0606 .

Shelley Marshall Presents: The Award Winning Production “Hold Mommy’s Cigarette”: May 29/30/31 June 5/6/7 One Woman’s story of an unfiltered life, written and performed by Shelley Marshall, directed by Linda Kash. Renowned Comedienne, Marshall returns with her autobiographical One Woman Show in the city where the story and star were born. It took 10 years for Marshall to create this Play and it is the rewarding result of resilience, recovery, and reflection while exploring many genres of performance including elements of clown, stand up, improv, buffoon, and play. Shelley Marshall: “I take you on an adventure, both emotionally and visually. There is no denying that my story is tragic, but it’s my story and time and writing without shame has been my comedic relief. ‘Hold Mommy’s Cigarette’ is not an exploitation of what has happened in my life, but rather, an acceptance of where it may lead. It is a dark comedy, a vulnerable piece about life, mental illness and survival.” *Mature Content* http://www.holdmommyscigarette.com  Tickets available at http://www.ticketscene.ca/series/300/  Shelley’s message to supporters of The Pearl: Use the code bestlifeever to get $5 off or message me (Shelley) for FREE tickets to some performances paid for by Edgewood Health Network as part of the “Play it Forward” campaign to raise awareness for Mental Health and Addiction . This is my last showing in Hamilton and then I head off for a Canadian Tour. (Sunday Shows @ 2pm All Others @ 8pm)

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Special benefit performance of Izad Etemadi’s LOVE WITH LEILA:  Thursday, May 21, 7:30pm. TICKETS: $20 Available online in advance from Fringe: (See below.) Join us for an evening of outstanding entertainment, laughter, and an uproariously good time, all in support of the HAMILTON FRINGE FESTIVAL!  Fans of the Fringe? You will not want to miss this special intimate performance with Izad Etemedi, a Fringe darling whose shows played to sold-out audiences at the 2013 and 2014 festivals. The evening will also feature light refreshments, raffle prizes, and a chance to mingle with Hamilton Fringe’s staff and board as we share details on the 2015 festival and events. We are very pleased to bring you a Fringe Favourite, Unveiled Production’s LOVE WITH LEILA! BEST OF HAMILTON 2014 and Hamilton Fringe Festival Critics Choice 2013 and 2014 by View Magazine. You can also check out Leila on YouTube with her brand new web series!
Uproariously funny, infectiously upbeat and irresistibly compelling”  – Raise The Hammer
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS! https://www.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&e=cf3ee07e9ed2b3aeeea4abf3a690eeb4