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LITTLE THEATRE FESTIVAL
event details
WEEKEND ONE
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Friday February 6, 7:30PM
Saturday February 7, 2:00PM
and 7:00PM​​
Cactus Theatre Co presents
THE SIREN SONG OF STEPHEN JAY GOULD
by Benjamin Bettenbender
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A man lands on a woman after trying to throw himself off a bridge in a botched suicide attempt. On the quiet riverbank, as he attends to her minor injury, he learns that she too was planning to end her life over a broken heart. An argument ensues over the relative seriousness of their respective losses, the nature of existence, and the harmful effects of the essays of biologist Stephen Jay Gould. Will this unexpected collision lead each of them back to the dark place where they started, or will they start anew?
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Dark Horse Theatre Company presents
*THINE IS THE STILLEST NIGHT by Mike Seccome
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A deeply depressed woman struggles to move past a traumatic death, and angrily questions the futility of life and the pointlessness of death. An unexpected visit from the Grim Reaper sets her on a strange journey as a "Temporary Death", so she might gain a better understanding of death, life, and the eternal connection between them. Through turns both comic and tragic, this dramedy invites the audience to come along on a voyage to the inevitable end we all must face.
*First Performance of an original production
WEEKEND TWO
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Friday February 13, 7:30PM
Saturday February 14, 2:00PM and 7:00PM
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An Seanchaí presents
THE CHIPVAN PLAYS DIXIE by Robert Iles
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A poignant comedy set on a bench by a cemetery where two strangers cross paths. The ensuing conversation between the even keeled Gary and rather reluctant Babs reveals hopes, disappointments and a particular thread that joins their pasts in a most unexpected way.
​(Premiere North American production)
Tara Players present
*WEAVER’S GRAVE by Brendan Carruthers
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On the cusp of major economic and social change, conflicting characters in a rural Irish small town wrestle with their past and present; its secrets, grudges and continuing desires seeking outcomes and moral consequences none are really too sure about.
​* First performance of an original production
WEEKEND THREE
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Friday February 20, 7:30
Saturday February 21, 2:00PM and 7:00PM
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Theatre & Play presents
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SIMON’S WIFE by Moynan King
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Whatever Simon says goes. That's the rule of the game after all. Simon's Wife intertwines questions about relationships, domestic abuse, and loss of identity. Playwright Moynan King describes it as "a black and blue comedy about relationships". Yes, comedy. Simon says.​
R-G Productions presents
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Rattled by Claire Holland​
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Lena’s having a baby shower, which means cheap decorations, tiny sandwiches, and ridiculous games no one actually wants to play. Her best friend Paige—childless by choice and thriving—is plotting a cross-country move but can’t figure out how to break it to Lena, who’s been so consumed by her new mommy status that she can’t even tell time anymore.
Meanwhile, co-host Michelle, whose biological clock is ticking, slaps on a brave smile so hard it deserves hazard pay. As the games get weirder and the gift pile grows, friendships are tested, identities are challenged, and everyone wonders what they’re doing with their lives. In short: the perfect baby shower.
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WEEKEND FOUR​
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Friday February 27, 7:30PM
Saturday February 28, 2:00PM and 7:00PM
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Winnipeg Mennonite Theatre presents
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FOR WHOM THE SOUTHERN BELLE TOLLS by Christoper Durang
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Tennessee Williams is one of the most renowned playwrights in history; The Glass Menagerie one of his most acclaimed plays. A heart-wrenching drama about love, sacrifice, and unmet expectations - there’s certainly nothing funny about that. Or is there? Christopher Durang certainly thought so. And we agree. This snappy parody breathes new life into the Wingfield family, taking the play out of memory and into hilarity. Will brother (Wait, wasn’t it “sister”?) successfully woo his feminine caller? (I’m sure it was “gentleman caller”). Will Tom actually go to the movies (wink)? Will Amanda finally be able to join Parents Without Partners? (That definitely wasn’t in the original). The answers to these and absolutely none of life’s great philosophical questions will be answered when the Southern Belle tolls.
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Aodhán Theatre Production presents
THE BAD DATERS by Derek Murphy
Liam, a laid-back widower, and Wendy, a high-strung woman with OCD tendencies . Both Liam and Wendy are reluctant to be on the date; Wendy is forced into it by her overprotective sister, and Liam feels a cursed obligation to keep making an effort in life. Their personalities are polar opposites, and initial impressions suggest they won't work. The narrative explores whether these two "broken and cracked souls" can find a genuine connection that might lead to a second date, or if the date is doomed to fail. Will they find love in this quirky, honest and heartfelt dramedy?
​(Premiere North American production)
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