It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken
Apr 22, 2026 to May 17, 2026
2hrs 10min including intermission
Main Stage
Songs by
In partnership with Thousand Islands Playhouse
Book by Ahmed Moneka & Jesse LaVercombe
Directed by Mary Francis Moore
Orchestrations and Music Supervision by Bob Foster
Choreography by Marc Kimelman
It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken immerses audiences in a powerful original story set to the timeless music of The Tragically Hip, capturing the raw energy, heartfelt lyrics, and unmistakable spirit that have become central to Canada’s musical identity.
Set in 2002, Waleed — an exiled journalist — arrives in Canada and unexpectedly falls for Kate, the owner of a local music store. Their connection is immediate and undeniable. But when circumstances change, they are forced to confront duty, uncertainty, and what truly matters — and where they each belong.
Featuring iconic songs by The Tragically Hip, including “Bobcaygeon,” “Ahead by a Century,” “New Orleans Is Sinking,” “Wheat Kings,” “Grace, Too,” “Blow at High Dough,” and “Courage.”
TICKET PRICES INCLUDE HST & FEES
Please note that the newly added May 6 performance is also a student matinee
Produced by permission of David and Hannah Mirvish and Michael Rubinoff
Co-Producers: The National Arts Centre and its National Creation Fund
It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken was developed in partnership with Theatre Aquarius, Thousand Islands Playhouse, and further developed at The Creative School Chrysalis at Toronto Metropolitan University and in collaboration with the National Creation Fund at Canada’s National Arts Centre.
The It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken company performed on CBC Q with Tom Power, Live at the Junos.
SEASON SPONSORS
TITLE SPONSOR
MEDIA PRESENTING PARTNER
DEVELOPED WITH SUPPORT FROM THE
MARKETING SUPPORT PROVIDED BY
This event has been financially assisted by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, administered by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund Corporation.
Audience Advisory: Recommended for audiences aged 12+.
May contain adult language, loud bangs/noises, and smoke/haze.
‘New Orleans Is Sinking’ from It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken — a powerful new musical featuring the songs of The Tragically Hip.
Turn it up.
The world-premiere musical event begins April 22, right here at Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton.
Check it out here >>
We’re releasing the second song from It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken—“Courage” by The Tragically Hip—offering a deeper look into the heart of this new musical. Check it out, above!
Check it out here>>
Abigail
Ensemble / Abigail Understudy / Dance Captain
Swing
Sam
Fadi / Waleed Understudy
Ensemble / Kate Understudy
Jonathan
Lucas
Waleed
Kate
Didi
Photos by Dahlia Katz
Director
Orchestrations and Music Supervision
Choreographer
Playwright
Music Director / Additional Orchestrations / Keyboard Programming / Keyboards
Music Coordinator
Set Designer
Costume Designer
Lighting Designer
Sound Designer
Associate Director
Apprentice Director
Associate Choreographer
Intimacy Director
Associate Sound Designer
Assistant Lighting Designer
Production Stage Manager
Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager
Apprentice Stage Manager
Keyboard / Acoustic Guitar
Drums / Percussion
Violin
Guitar
Bass
Cello
Oct 1, 2025 to Oct 18, 2025
Nov 19, 2025 to Dec 28, 2025
Jan 21, 2026 to Feb 7, 2026
Mar 4, 2026 to Mar 29, 2026
Jun 11, 2026 to Jun 11, 2026
Jun 27, 2026 to Jun 27, 2026
Jun 18, 2026 to Jun 18, 2026