Hamilton, ON – After a nationwide search, the National Centre for New Musicals (NCNM) at Theatre Aquarius is pleased to announce the selections for 2024/2025.
NCNM launched its first request for submissions in the fall of 2023 and received over 260 submissions – double the expected figure.
The curatorial team, a diverse group of twenty-four arts professionals hailing from every province and territory, was tasked with reading and grading all round-one submissions. This team, representing various artistic disciplines and backgrounds, ensured a comprehensive and inclusive selection process.
Following the initial round, twenty-five pieces were advanced for further consideration by the esteemed advisory committee. This committee, led by co-chairs Michael Rubinoff (Olivier Award-winning and Tony-nominated producer who conceived the longest-running Canadian musical in Broadway history, Come From Away) and Lily Ling (Broadway: Hamilton, Hell’s Kitchen, How to Dance in Ohio, Moulin Rouge!), along with Theatre Aquarius Artistic Director Mary Francis Moore (MAGGIE by Johnny Reid and Matt Murray; world premiere at Theatre Aquarius, and American premiere at Goodspeed Opera House, world premiere of Tom Wilson’s Beautiful Scars), and Sean Mayes (Broadway: Hadestown, MJ: The Musical), played a pivotal role in the final selection process.
Rubinoff is filled with anticipation for the first round of this ambitious project: “The inaugural NCNM group of artists is comprised of exciting musical theatre writers championing a diverse and compelling collection of stories. I am eagerly looking forward to the NCNM playing a significant role in developing these new works and launching them to stages at home and around the world, bringing these unique and powerful narratives to life.”
“Lily and I have been energized by the submissions for this inaugural year of NCNM. It has given us great encouragement that so much new musical theatre work is happening in Canada, particularly with numerous voices and from varying perspectives within our community and country. We look forward to supporting these projects in their next stage!” says Mayes.
The national appetite for a bespoke developmental process has been encouraging to the team at NCNM. “We thought we were looking for two to three pieces. With the volume of applications and calibre of talent we’ve seen, we are delighted to announce that we’ve expanded that to five works, four in the development phase and one in the incubation phase,” says Moore.
With the leading support of the incite Foundation for the Arts and corporate and private donors, NCNM has selected five new musicals to support and develop over the upcoming year.
The pieces include:
The Pryce Academy(In development)A group of idealistic students put on a musical to expose the founder of their private school Thurgood Pryce, who made his fortune with sugar plantations in the 1800s. Book, Music and Lyrics by Mazin Elsadig & Philip McKee. Additional Music by Juan Ayala & Jennifer Ayala.
Out(In development)A coming-of-age drama-comedy that weaves together the stories of three queer Asian kids in their mid-20s. Book by Kalos Chu. Music by Ian Chan. Lyrics by JuHye Mun.
The 7 Fires(In development)Inspired by the Anishinaabe 7 Fire prophecy, 7 strangers meet in the woods where they receive dreams from their Ancestors; a story of reconnecting, prophecy and resurgence. Book by Dillan Chiblow. Music by Landon Doak. Lyrics by Landon Doak with Dillan Chilbow.
Clown Riot(In development)Clown Riot is a rock opera based upon the true Toronto story of a travelling circus, a crew of local firefighters, and an eleven-year-old boy caught between two worlds. Story by Christo Graham & Tyrone Savage. Music and Lyrics by Christo Graham.
Limerick Gaolbreak(In incubation)Inspired by the true story of a 19th-century prison escape in Ireland, Limerick Gaolbreak is the true-ish story of nine women who hatch a plan to sing their way to freedom. Book by Mike Ross & Sarah Wilson. Music by Mike Ross. Lyrics by Sarah Wilson.
About NCNM:NCNM supports projects at various stages in the development continuum – from earlystage concepts to previously workshopped or showcased work. Guided by a distinguished Advisory Committee comprised of celebrated theatre practitioners, NCNM will actively cultivate and strengthen new and diverse voices by ensuring that artists and creators are provided with mentorship and consultation to maximize their potential for success in thegenre.
About Theatre Aquarius:Theatre Aquarius is located on the territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek, and the Between the Lakes Purchase, between the Crown and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
Theatre Aquarius is recognized as a leader in Canadian theatre. A registered not-for-profit, Theatre Aquarius produces work of the highest quality, premieres new plays, develops the skills of professional artists, invests in youth and families, and contributes to the quality of life in this region. Now entering its 51st season, Aquarius is a gathering place to create and share stories that provoke, delight, inspire, and transform.
For interviews, please contact:Neal MillerDirector of Marketing & Communications905-522-7529 ext. 235nmiller@theatreaquarius.org
Hamilton, ON. November 3, 2023 — Get ready to find your joy with the much-anticipated return of the holiday family event, Pollyanna The Musical.
With Book and Lyrics by Hamilton’s own Steven Gallagher, Music by Linda Barnett, and directed by Robert McQueen, Pollyanna The Musical is based on the classic 1913 novel by Eleanor H. Porter. Pollyanna The Musical is an uplifting tale of hope triumphing over adversity, and how the power of one young girl’s positivity can – and does – change the people around her. Showcased at the 2016 ‘From Page to Stage’ Festival in London, England and shortlisted for the Playwrights Guild of Canada – Best Musical, Pollyanna The Musical is not to be missed!
“We can’t wait to share the World Premiere of this exciting new musical on our Irving Zucker stage here at Aquarius. Linda and Steven have written a beautiful show which is sure to become a holiday favourite at theatres across the country.” says Theatre Aquarius Artistic Director Mary Francis Moore
Proudly sponsored by LiUNA 837, you won’t want to miss this renowned company of award-winning actors including Broadway and National Tour favourites. Plus, audiences will recognize familiar faces from Lanarkshire – Both Michelle Bardach and Adam Stevenson from the original MAGGIE production will return as Aunt Polly and Reverend Miller, respectively.
“Theatre Aquarius has a world class reputation, so we’ve been able to assemble an incredible team of artists for Pollyanna. The rehearsal hall was electric on our first day, and everyone is so excited to be here. It’s a dream come true, and I can’t imagine a better city or theatre to premiere Pollyanna!” says Steven Gallagher.
Emily Watt as Pollyanna……Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Mirvish), Christmas in Toyland (Hallmark), Holly Hobbie (Hulu). Michelle Bardach as Polly……Maggie (Aquarius, Charlottetown Fest), Elf: The Musical (Grand Theatre), Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown Fest), Beauty and the Beast (Arts Club). Adam Brazier as John Pendleton……The Woman in White, Into the Woods (Broadway), The Likes of Us (West End), Pal Joey (Shaw Fest), Man of La Mancha (Stratford Fest). Joel Cumber as Marvin/Ensemble……Kelly v. Kelly (Musical Stage – CanStage), Sweeney Todd (TIFT), Into the Woods (YES Theatre – STC), Ride the Cyclone (Tweed & Company). Peter Fernandes as Frank……Fifteen Dogs (Crow’s), The Importance of Being Earnest, A Christmas Carol, Brigadoon (Shaw), Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night (Canadian Stage). Athan Giazitzidis as Jimmy Bean…… Mittens & Pants (CBC), The Accused (FOX), Elinor Wonders Why (PBS Kids), PJ Masks (Hasbro/Disney+), Mary Poppins, Seussical the Musical, Polar Express, Aladdin. Linda Kash as Mrs. Snow/Mrs. Grey……Casey and Diana (Stratford Festival). Seinfeld (NBC), Fargo (FX), Anne of Green Gables (CBC), Everybody Loves Raymond (CBS). Charlotte Moore as Widow Benton……Hairspray, The Wizard of Oz (Mirvish), Cabaret, Mary Poppins, I Love You You’re Perfect Now Change (Aquarius). Keith Savage as William……Little Johnny Jones, Teddy and Alice (Broadway), Mary Poppins (Citadel, Theatre Calgary), The Wizard of Oz (Grand Theatre).
Jessica Sherman as Miss Pearl……Rock ‘n’ Roll (West End), Batman Live (World Tour), Midsummer Night’s Dream (Japan), Dear Evan Hansen (Mirvish and North American Tour).
Adam Stevenson as Reverend Miller……Maggie (Aquarius, Charlottetown Festival), Young Frankenstein (Stage West), Plaid Tidings (Neptune Theatre), Aladdin (Broadway).
Jenny Weisz as Millie……Grow (Grand Theatre), Mamma Mia (Stage West), Into the Woods (Neptune Theatre), Shrek (Globe Theatre), The Boys (Prime), Murdoch Mysteries (CBC).
Kelsey Verzotti as Nancy……Bittergirl (Thousand Islands Playhouse), Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown Festival), A Christmas Carol (Shaw Festival), Gaslight (Vertigo Theatre).
Ha’Keena Maneso as Fannie/Ensemble……Beautiful: A Carole King Musical (Drayton), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Tweed & Company).
Arinea Hermans as Swing……Cabaret (Ovation Productions), Elvis Has Left the Building (Stage West), Grow (Grand Theatre), Adventure of Pinocchio (Young People’s Theatre).
Finn Kirk (Understudy Jimmy Bean) Alexa Meixner (Understudy Pollyanna) Miles Avery Sofie Greenspoon Henry Tiller Shaadee Vahdat
Steven Gallagher, Book and Lyrics……Acting: The Gig (Aquarius), Director/Playwright: Murder at Ackerton Manor (Tweed and Co), Actor/Playwright: Stealing Sam (Alberta Theatre Projects), Director: Myth of the Ostrich (Next Stage). Linda Barnett, Music…. founder of Stage Kids that produced 17 original musicals including The Player Principle (Dora Nomination), Time to Be Me (Ontario Tour); Come Save Today (New Haven Summer Academy). Robert McQueen, Director……Boy Falls From the Sky (Royal Alexandra Theatre), Man of La Mancha (Stratford Festival), Capriccio (Pacific Opera), La Boheme (COC), Fun Home (Toronto Critics Award 2018).
Mark Camilleri, Supervising Music Director/Orchestrator……Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala, Kurt Browning Holiday Festival on Ice, The Canadian Tenors PBS Special. Julie Tomaino, Choreographer……Elf, Kinky Boots, Beautiful (Arts Club), Jersey Boys, 9 to 5, Once (Citadel), Rocky Horror (Magnus), Footloose, Grease (Chemainus).
Michael Vieira, Associate Music Director……Wicked, Book of Mormon, Mamma Mia, Lion King, Beautiful, Bat Out of Hell (Mirvish). Brian Kenny, Sound Designer……Jersey Boys (Citadel), Billy Elliot, Little Shop of Horrors (Stratford Festival), Elf, Grow, Mary Poppins (Grand Theatre). Jareth Li, Lighting Designer……The Hours That Remain (Aquarius), Prince Caspian (Shaw Festival), Every Little Nookie (Stratford Festival), Controlled Damage (Grand Theatre). Cory Sincennes, Set and Costume Designer……Gypsy, Prince Caspian (Shaw Festival), Anne of Green Gables, Jesus Christ Superstar (Charlottetown Festival), Romeo and Juliet (Citadel). Kaylee Harwood, Directing Associate….. Retold (Musical Stage Company, Dora Nomination); Boy Falls from the Sky (Mirvish Productions); Dixon Road (Musical Stage Company). Taran Kim, Assistant Choreographer….. Rock of Ages (Elgin Theatre); White Christmas (Shaw Festival); Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown) Kevin Bowers, Stage Manager……Kinky Boots, Once, Oliver! (Mirvish), A Little Night Music, Follies, All is Love (Koener Hall), Carmen, The Marriage of Figaro, La Boheme. Jasmyne Leisemer, Assistant Stage Manager……Ring of Fire, Elf: The Musical (Aquarius), Retold (Musical Stage Company), Grease, West Side Story (Drayton Entertainment). Josephine Ho, Assistant Stage Manager……Ring of Fire, Full Monty (Aquarius), Bed & Breakfast, Rum Runners (Lighthouse), Leading Ladies (Sudbury Theatre Centre). Delaney Small, Apprentice Stage Manager……The Chorines, Turn the Page (Theatre Sheridan), Shirley Valentine (Capitol Theatre), Once (Thousand Islands Playhouse). Pamela Wood, Child Supervisor Hannah Ottman, Child Supervisor
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Pollyanna the Musical will premiere at Theatre Aquarius on December 6 and runs until December 23. Tickets are available through the Box Office at 905.522.7529 (toll free 1.800.465.7529), online at theatreaquarius.org, or in person at Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William Street, Hamilton.
About Theatre Aquarius:
Theatre Aquarius is recognized as a leader in Canadian theatre. A registered not-for-profit, Theatre Aquarius produces work of the highest quality, premieres new plays, develops the skills of professional artists, invests in youth and families, and contributes to the quality of life in this region. Now in its 50th season, Aquarius is a gathering place to create and share stories that provoke, delight, inspire, and transform.
For interviews, please contact: Neal Miller Director of Marketing & Communicationsnmiller@theatreaquarius.org
Hamilton’s a pretty happening town.
Contrary to the beliefs of some elected officials in Toronto, the city’s not just an annex for Torontonians priced out of the TO housing market. Hamilton’s a worthy destination all its own, with some of the best of what Ontario has to offer — show-stopping craft beer, scenic overlooks, tempting local cuisine.
But perhaps the most exciting facet of Hamilton is housed inside Theatre Aquarius, in the form of the just-launched National Centre for New Musicals (NCNM). Funded by the Hamilton-based Incite Foundation for the Arts, the Canadian musical theatre incubator will nurture new projects through their development periods, shepherding them to their eventual homes on stages around the world. It’s an ambitious project, and artistic director Mary Francis Moore and executive director Kelly Straughan have their eyes set on success well beyond the Canadian border.
“We’re building the scaffolding for the program,” Moore said in an interview. “We recognize that there are other theatres in Canada developing new musicals, and developing new work. But we’re not looking at pieces with the aim for us to produce it, necessarily. We’re not looking at pieces, saying, ‘oh, there’s 18 people in it, so we can’t afford to do it.’ We’re interested in the ideas behind these pieces — we want to create a space for those projects, and match projects with folks who can help them through their development.
“We’re interested in the ideas behind these pieces — we want to create a space for those projects, and match projects with folks who can help them through their development.”
MARY FRANCIS MOORE
“If it’s something we feel like we can produce at Theatre Aquarius, great, but if not, we can pick up the phone and call theatres in Vancouver or Edmonton or New York,” she continued. “There is a hunger for new musical theatre. There’s a need for this work.”
It’s true — the National Centre for New Musicals will fill a gap in the Canadian theatre ecology. While groups like Musical Stage Company are similar in how they escort new projects through their development process, the NCNM is unique in how it will educate the national theatre community on the financial ins and outs of producing new work.
HAMILTON, ON. September 18, 2023. Today, Theatre Aquarius unveiled the anchor funders for the National Centre for New Musicals (NCNM) with an afternoon event attended by industry leaders, artists, agents, producers and directors as well as local community members and supporters.
Theatre Aquarius’ Artistic Director Mary Francis Moore and Executive Director Kelly Straughan were joined by NCNM Advisory Committee Co-Chairs Michael Rubinoff and Lily Ling and Advisory Member Sean Mayes.
“We are thrilled to announce Hamilton-based INCITE FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS as the presenting sponsor for the National Centre for New Musicals pledging $500,000 over 5 years,” noted Kelly Straughan, Executive Director of Theatre Aquarius.
“We see Incite as the perfect partner for NCNM and are so grateful for their incredible support.” commented Artistic Director of Theatre Aquarius, Mary Francis Moore.
Mary Francis Moore & Kelly Straughan Announce Incite Foundation as Anchor Funder as well as Founding Members. Photo by Melissa Bennett.
Michael Rubinoff, Co-Chair of the National Centre for New Musicals discusses the need for a program like this in Canada. Photo by Melissa Bennett.
The Incite Foundation For the Arts co-founders, Carl and Kate Turkstra, shared a passion for Hamilton’s cultural community and a fervent belief in the power of the arts to enrich communities socially and economically.
“Incite is thrilled to be able to provide this support in the critical start-up phase of the National Centre for New Musicals. We are excited to see the impact of this program not only within our city and region but nationally and internationally,” said Liz Stirling, Executive Director of the Foundation. “Carl and Kate were very clear that they wanted the foundation’s giving to incite other Hamiltonians to join in support of our cultural sector. I know they would be delighted to hear how this gift has done just that.”
Emily Watt and Athan Giazitzidis perform a song from ‘Pollyanna the Musical’
PHOTO BY Melissa Bennett
Tom Wilson & Thompson Wilson perform a song from ‘Beautiful Scars’
Emry Tupper performs a song from 33 1/3
Also announced was the support of the inaugural FOUNDING MEMBERS of NCNM, a group of passionate private donors each committing sustained funds over a 5-year period. Philip Lowry and Mel Athulmathuldali, Rob Braley and a donor who wished to remain anonymous form part of this prestigious group.
“Mel and I are so excited to see this program find its home at Theatre Aquarius. We’ve been incredibly impressed at the nimbleness and visionary leadership we’ve seen at the theatre under Mary Francis and Kelly and can’t wait to see these new musical projects develop and come to life in Hamilton,” said Philip Lowry, co-funder and former Board Chair at Aquarius.
At the event guests were treated to inspiring performances from 33 1/3 a musical currently in development at Aquarius, by Paul Sportelli and Jay Turvey; Pollyanna the Musical by Stephen Gallagher with music by Linda Barnett – which will have its World Premiere at Theatre Aquarius this Holiday Season; and the musical Beautiful Scars by Tom Wilson and Shaun Smyth based on Tom Wilson’s book Beautiful Scars: Steeltown Secrets, Mohawk Skywalkers and the Road Home whichalso to have its world premiere as the final production in Theatre Aquarius’ 50th Season.
The process for submissions and application dates were announced to attendees and are now available on our website. For more information on NCNM presented by INCITE, or how you can be involved as a funder or partner, please visit theatreaquarius.org.
Media ContactMelissa BennettInterim Marketing Directormbennett@theatreaquarius.org
FOR RELEASE JUNE 1, 2023
Funding Commitments Totalling $1 Million Secured
HAMILTON, June 1, 2023 – Theatre Aquarius is proud to announce the launch of the National Centre for New Musicals (NCNM). NCNM will play a pivotal role in nurturing, developing, and advancing Canadian musical theatre projects, stories, and voices.
Championed by the leadership team of Theatre Aquarius Artistic Director Mary Francis Moore and Executive Director Kelly Straughan and bolstered by a visionary and bold inaugural Advisory Committee, NCNM is set to revolutionize the national and international musical theatre landscape, offering unparalleled opportunity for both established and emerging Canadian composers, lyricists, book writers and theatre artists.
Funding commitments totalling $1 million are secured for NCNM‘s first five years as part of the total budget of $2 million. This will firmly establish NCNM and ultimately Canada as a leading player in the field of musical theatre development and provide an unmatched platform for growth and long-term success.
NCNM will support projects at various stages in the continuum of development – from early-stage concepts to previously workshopped or showcased work. Guided by a distinguished Advisory Committee comprised of celebrated theatre practitioners, NCNM will provide mentorship and pathways for new artists and projects.
“We are thrilled to position ourselves as a launchpad for national and international opportunities,” says Theatre Aquarius Artistic Director Mary Francis Moore, “Aquarius has a storied history of talent development; and with our dynamic team, exciting partnership opportunities and our proximity to Toronto and New York, NCNM is poised to solidify Hamilton firmly on the ‘arts and culture’ map nationally and internationally.”
“To showcase exceptional new Canadian musicals within and beyond our borders, we need a theatre to nurture and foster their development. I am elated to see Theatre Aquarius become the national home for the development and growth of new Canadian musicals,” explains Michael Rubinoff, Co-Chair of the NCNM Advisory Committee, and a pioneering force in new Canadian musical theatre development.
As part of its mission, NCNM will actively cultivate and strengthen new and diverse voices by ensuring that artists and creators are provided with mentorship and consultation to maximize their potential for success in the genre.
Moore and Rubinoff are joined by NCNM Advisory Committee Co-Chair Lily Ling. Ling is a Chinese-Canadian Music Director, Conductor, Pianist and Educator, and a strong advocate for mentorship and outreach. She was the first female music director and the first person of East Asian descent to conduct Hamilton and is the current interim Music Director and Conductor for Moulin Rouge on Broadway. The Advisory Committee is also comprised of Canadian Music Director, Conductor and Educator Sean Mayes whose Broadway credits include Assistant Conductor of MJ and Associate Conductor of Hadestown. Additionally, Mayes was the Conductor of the all-Canadian premiere of The Colour Purple as well as Musical Supervisor of the Finnish Premiere of Come From Away.
“The musical MAGGIE packed houses, and proved that the timing is right to shine the spotlight on Canadian talent. NCNM will provide the innovation and resources to catapult Canadian musical theatre creators to an entirely new level,” says Theatre Aquarius Executive Director Kelly Straughan. “The region’s incredible support is instrumental to the exciting and historic plans for new musical theatre development in Canada, right here at Aquarius, and this is just the beginning.”
“I am so proud of the long established and emerging cultural landscape that is a crucial part of the City of Hamilton. The launch of NCNM at Aquarius will have a significant positive impact on both tourism and economic development in our city,” says Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath. “This announcement of the NCNM as a musical theatre incubator is tremendously exciting and we can’t wait to welcome the international musical theatre world to Hamilton.”
Exciting announcements around the program, its funders and the submission process will be made in the fall in conjunction with the start of Aquarius’ 50th Anniversary Season. In the meantime, please visit www.theatreaquarius.org/NCNM.
About Theatre Aquarius: Now in its 50th Season, Aquarius is a gathering place to create and share stories that provoke, delight, inspire and transform. National Centre for New Musicals is a demonstration of its vision to be a hub for creative conversation that celebrates possibility, engages communities, fosters innovation, and ignites future voices. Theatre Aquarius is a registered not-for profit.
For interviews, please contact:Sara CottonMarketing Director416-557-2269scotton@theatreaquarius.org