THE NINE LIVES OF ROSS FORDHAM
The Nine Lives of Ross Fordham is the inspiring true story of one man’s never-ending dance with death. A collection of 10 new original songs are interwoven with stories that highlight each of Ross’ “nine lives” and the extraordinary details of each brush with death.
The stories and songs are all performed by a musical merry band of Ross Fordham’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ross’ grandsons, Jason and Brandon McGibbon, dreamt about an album of songs capturing the epic tales around their grandfather’s life. As they began to collect the stories however, they started to realize that a collection of songs may not be enough to capture the incredible details in their fullness. They started with a painted portrait of Ross, done by his son, artist Mark Fordham, for inspiration. Then, they began to collect old newspaper clippings and chat with numerous family members. They then recruited great-grandchildren Liam and TJ McGibbon to help round up the final details, assemble the songs and stories and, with the help of director and granddaughter in law, Nathalie Toriel, bring them to life on stage. With an over 90 year biography, and stories that span Toronto, Montreal, the shores of Georgian Bay and even Hamilton, what emerged was a distinctly Canadian tale. Despite the ever present threat of death, these songs and stories include moments that are astounding, others that are touching and some that are uproariously funny. The show begs the question,
“…was Ross’ life one that you would consider extraordinarily lucky? Or one that was extraordinarily unlucky? Hard to say, but there is one thing we know for sure… It was extraordinary.”
Friday, January 17, 2025 Show: Stay for a post-show talk back with the cast.
The Nine Lives of Ross Fordham invites you to pull up a chair and experience the tales that have been passed down by his family for generations, and to decide for yourself just how extraordinary the Nine Lives Of Ross Fordham really were. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll be encouraged to look a little closer at your own life, and uncover your own incredible tales.
Listen to a new Canadian collection of songs and stories created by Jason, Brandon, Liam, and T.J. McGibbon, here.
January 10 – 19, 2025
Evening and matinee shows
1 hour and 20 minutes. No intermission.
Theatre Aquarius Mainstage190 King William St, Hamilton
Director
Stage Manager
Music & Lyrics by:
Book by:
Based on the motion picture written by:
Directed by:
Pictured: Julia McLellan Costume Designer: Scott PennerPhotography: Mai Tilson
FIND YOUR BEGINNING Jenna Hunterson is a waitress and expert pie maker stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. When a baking contest offers her a chance at escape, Jenna fights to reclaim part of herself. Waitress celebrates the power of friendship, dreams, the family we choose and the beauty of a well-baked pie.
TICKET PRICES INCLUDE HST & FEES
TERMS & CONDITIONS
WAITRESS is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Age recommendation 12+
Audience Advisory This production includes depiction and discussion of partner violence and implied sexual intercourse.
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PRODUCTION PARTNERS
SEASON SPONSORS
“If you’re hungry for a heartfelt gooey musical with a molten star in the middle, order up a slice of Waitress.”
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Join us for a pre-show chat with the director of Waitress, and Artistic Director of The Grand Theatre, Rachel Peake, and Theatre Aquarius Artistic Director Mary Francis Moore.
Thursday, May 1, 20256:45 pm in the Schwenger Director’s Lounge
Join us for a post-show chat for a Q&A with members of the Waitress company.
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 after the show
“A delicious tale that’s not simply about getting Prince Charming, but getting its heroine to take action and discover her worth!”
VARIETY
“With its perfectly baked music and down-home feel, Waitress is the musical equivalent of a comforting hug”
DEADLINE
Production photo of the Waitress company by Dahlia Katz
Minister / Ensemble / US: Cal, Joe, Earl
Dawn
Francine Pomatter / US: Dawn, Jenna’s Mother
Lulu
Becky
Earl / Ensemble
Jenna
Joe / Ensemble
Dr. Pomatter
Ogie / Dance Captain
Ensemble / US: Dr. Pomatter, Ogie, Minister
Cal
Nurse Norma / US: Becky, Francine Pomatter
Jenna’s Mother / Ensemble US: Jenna, Nurse Norma
Assistant Director
Musical Director
Sound Designer
Set and Costume Designer
Lighting Director
Choreographer
Assistant Stage Manager
Apprentice Stage Manager
Fight Director
Fight and Intimacy Captain
Keyboard Programmer
Electric Bass/Double Bass
Guitar II / Cello
Keyboard II / Percussion
Drums
Guitar
Apr 30, 2025 to May 17, 2025
Sep 25, 2024 to Oct 12, 2024
Oct 30, 2024 to Nov 16, 2024
Dec 4, 2024 to Dec 22, 2024
Jan 10, 2025 to Jan 19, 2025
Feb 19, 2025 to Mar 8, 2025
Mar 26, 2025 to Apr 12, 2025
By Becky Mode
Starring Gavin Crawford
Based on characters created by Becky Mode and Mark Setlock
This devastatingly funny one-act follows a day in the life of Sam, an out-of-work actor who works the red-hot reservation line at Manhattan’s number-one restaurant. Coercion, threats, bribes, histrionics—a cast of desperate callers will stop at nothing to land a prime reservation or the right table. Amid the barrage, Sam’s got his own needs to contend with—his recently widowed dad wants him home for Christmas, and he’s up for a choice part at Lincoln Center.
The Hamilton Spec
Hamilton City Magazine
Intermission
Steel City Reviews
Our Theatre Voice
The Slotkin Letter
Audience Advisory: Coarse Language
OFFICIAL DINING PARTNER
“A full-course meal of comedy”
GARY SMITH, THE HAMILTON SPECTATOR
Join Fully Committed star Gavin Crawford for a post-show chat from the stage on Tuesday, April 8.
April 8, 2025Post-Show Chat
“a pleasant and entertaining night out”
“Fully Committed is full of laughs, but leaves you wanting more.”
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
Sam
Video by Mallory Brown
Photo by Dahlia Katz Photography
Set Designer
Lighting Designer
Photos by Dahlia Katz Photography
By Nick Green
Directed by Andrew KushnirOriginally commissioned by The Stratford Festival.Produced by permission of the Playwright and Marquis Literary (Colin Rivers) www.MQlit.caA co-production with The Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre
FIND YOUR HOPE Inspired by Princess Diana’s historic visit to Toronto’s Casey House in 1991, Casey and Diana is a tremendously moving and surprisingly funny portrait of the men at the heart of the AIDS crisis, their devoted caregivers, and the ‘People’s Princess’ who had the spirit to touch their hearts and the compassion to hold their hands when no one else would.
SPOTIFY 🎧 / APPLE PODCAST 🎧 / SOUNDCLOUD 🎧
With Dignity: The Story of Casey House is a 4-part podcast that delves into the incredible stories behind this iconic Toronto institution. Casey and Diana playwright Nick Green hosts, welcoming a variety of guests who have been part of the organization’s decades-long journey.
From Soulpepper, with the support of Casey House. Hosted by Nick Green. Written and produced by Pippa Johnstone. Original music by Nathan Howe.
Listen now on wherever you find your podcasts.
APPLE PODCAST🎧
In 1991, a visit from Princess Diana to the Casey House in Toronto changed the way many in society looked at people dying of AIDS. That’s the story that inspired Nick Green to write his latest play, “Casey and Diana,” which had its premiere at the Stratford Festival. Nick tells Tom about the remarkable true story and why he felt compelled to put it on the stage.
Produced by permission of the Playwright and Marquis Literary (Colin Rivers) www.MQlit.ca
Casey and Diana was originally commissioned by the Stratford Festival, Ontario, Canada. The premiere production opened on June 1, 2023 at the Stratford Festival Studio Theatre.
Antoni Cimolino, Artistic Director & Anita Gaffney, Executive Director.
Audience Advisory
This production includes mature themes and coarse and profane language.
DONNA PATTERSON
“Theatre Aquarius offers a raw and poetic drama that will lift you out of your seat”
THE HAMILTON SPECTATOR
Pre-Show Chat: Thursday, February 20, 2025Join Artistic Director Mary Francis Moore, Director Andrew Kushnir, and Creative Team members for a pre-show chat on Thursday, February 20 at 6:45 pm in the Schwenger Director’s Lounge.
Post-Show Chat: Tuesday, March 4, 2025Stay after the show for a post-show chat with company members on Tuesday, March 4.
“The most moving Canadian play of the year”
TORONTO STAR
“Triumphantly by director Andrew Kushnir. And it’s acted to its very core by a first-rate, remarkable cast.”
Marjorie
Andre
Pauline
Vera
Thomas
Diana
Playwright
Set & Costume Designer
Composer and Sound Designer
Dialect Coach
Book by Joseph Robinette. Music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.Directed by Mary Francis Moore.
Based on the motion picture A Christmas Story distributed by Warner Bros., written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark, and upon In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash written by Jean Shepherd. Produced with permission of Warner Bros.
Produced by special arrangement with DRAMATIC PUBLISHING, Woodstock, Illinois.
FIND YOUR WISH A lavish, glittering Holiday Musical for the whole family!
The only thing little Ralphie wants for Christmas is a BB gun. But to get it, he must navigate all the obstacles of the yuletide season. Will a neighbourhood bully, a strict schoolteacher, a distracted dad and a department store Santa thwart his quest? There’s something for everyone in this hilarious love letter to Christmas past. A package of naughty and nice nostalgia to warm your winter!
Please note: All single ticket sales are final.
Ticket exchanges are exclusive to subscribers.
Audience Advisories: Age 5+
Theatrical Haze
MEDIA PRESENTING PARTNER
“Longing for a big blast of Broadway? Too busy to make the trek to New York this Christmas? No worries. Theatre Aquarius has got you covered.”
““Go have fun, if you can get a ticket.””
“Director Mary Francis Moore has not only wired up the collective imaginations of a terrific production team to set “A Christmas Story: The Musical” in motion, she’s found a Christmas cracker of a cast to tell the tale.”
Schwartz / Ensemble
Miss Shields / US Mother
Old Man
Nurse/Mrs. Schwartz
Jean Shepherd
Scut / Ensemble
Ralphie
Ensemble / US Miss Shields
Ensemble / US Jean Shepherd
Mother
Ensemble / US Grover Dill / US Scut Farkus
Grover Dill / Ensemble / Dance Captain
Flick / Ensemble
Ensemble / US Old Man
Santa / Ensemble
Randy
Associate Choreographer
Associate Musical Director / Keyboard
Associate Director
Trumpet
Trombone
Woodwinds
Drums / Percussion
Children’s Chorus
Children’s Chorus (U/S Randy)
Children’s Chorus (U/S Ralphie)
A Crow’s Theatre ProductionWritten by Michael HealeyBased on the award-winning book Sideways: The City Google Couldn’t Buy by Josh O’KaneDirected by Chris Abraham
FIND YOUR BOONDOGGLE THE MASTER PLAN by Michael Healey is a biting satire about the stunning failure to build a smart city in Toronto. Adapted from award-winning writer and The Globe and Mail journalist Josh O’Kane’s best-selling book Sideways: The City Google Couldn’t Buy, THE MASTER PLAN lampoons the corporate drama, epic personalities, and iconic Canadian figures involved in the messy affair between Sidewalk Labs and Waterfront Toronto.
ON STAGE TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
Audience Advisory: Mature Language Theatrical haze, fog
“The Master Plan is an astounding piece of theatre.”
INTERMISSION MAGAZINE
Live Post-Show Chat: Adapting Sideways to The Master Plan
Presented by the National Centre for New Musicals
November 10, following the 1:30 pm The Master Plan matinee
Join us for a post-show discussion on adapting non-fiction for the stage with Sideways author Josh O’Kane and The Master Plan playwright Michael Healey, moderated by Theatre Aquarius Artistic Director Mary Francis Moore.
November 12, Post-Show Talk Back with members of The Master Plan cast after the 7:30 pm show
“It’s going to be difficult for any single play to come close to capturing the same sort of excitement generated by Michael Healey’s bracing and intelligent new play The Master Plan.”
GLENN SUMI
“Finally, a hit show to brighten the start of the local 2024 theatre season.”
Cam Malagaam
Will Fleissig
Meg Davis
Playwright / Tree
Helen Burstyn
Kristina Verner
Dan Doctoroff
Author of Sideways: The City Google Couldn’t Buy
Video Designer
Costume Designer
By Rajiv Joseph
In association with Alberta Theatre Projects
FIND YOUR SWISH “King” LeBron James’s reign in Cleveland brings promise, prosperity, and renewal to a city in desperate need of all three. It also brings together two unlikely friends in a bond forged by fandom. Told over twelve years (from LeBron’s rookie season to an NBA Championship), King James is an intimate exploration of the place sports occupy in our lives and relationships. Rajiv Joseph’s clever and fast-paced comedy traces the arcs of two friends whose turbulent relationship is best navigated through their shared love of basketball.
Audience Advisory: Strong language
The Spec
September 26, 2024Pre-Show Chat with Mary Francis Moore, Theatre Aquarius Artistic Director and Haysam Kadri, Director of King James and Artistic Director of Alberta Theatre Projects.
October 8, 2024Post-Show Chat with Mary Francis Moore, Artistic Director of Theatre Aquarius and members of the King James company.
Shawn
Matt
DJ