Montreal’s own theatre for all audiences unveils the Canadian premiere stage adaptation of legendary sci-fi author Ray Bradbury’s The Halloween Tree
“Oh it’s dark, yes, and full of nightmare. Everything that Halloween ever was lies buried there. I could show it to you. What do you say?”
On Halloween night, five friends meet up to go trick-or-treating. But their best friend, Joe Pipkin, is too sick to go. He tells them to meet at The House, an old, deserted place in the ravine that none of them have ever dared to visit on Halloween night. When they arrive, instead of Joe they encounter a mysterious man named Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud… What follows is an epic journey into The Undiscovered Country to find out the hidden secrets of Halloween and to save Joe Pipkin.
This October, families are invited to join some of Montreal’s finest theatre artists as they get into the Halloween spirit by bringing a literary classic to life on the stage of the D.B. Clarke Theatre. Taking audiences through cultures and history and travelling around the globe to discover the holiday’s origins and buried meanings. The Halloween Tree directed by Amanda Kellock (Artistic Director, Repercussion Theatre) is the perfect spooky seasonal adventure into the dark for young and old. A story of friendship, of overcoming fears and a celebration of life in the face of death, performed from October 21 to 30, 2016.
“How can we fully embrace life if we don’t also acknowledge death? Life and Death are interconnected”, says director Amanda Kellock. “This play seems like a playful/honest/magical way of starting a conversation about living life to the fullest – valuing the people we hold dear and marveling at all the life around us. This is ultimately a story about friendship, and about living each day as though it could be your last.”
“I’m thrilled to welcome this beloved story to the stage with Amanda’s deft hand and beautiful adaptation,” notes Artistic Director Mike Payette. “This is truly a story of loyalty and heroism against all the things that we are afraid of as both kids and adults; an incredible blend of adventure, a little spookiness, and a lot of heart makes this an unforgettable theatrical journey for the whole family.”
Following the success of this summer’s all-female production of Julius Cesar, Kellock rounds up a star-studded cast of local talent including three of last season’s META award-winning actors Eloi ArchamBaudoin and Davide Chiazzese (Tableau D’Hôte Theatre’s Hosanna) as well as Lucinda Davis (Imago/BTW’s Random). They are joined by Trevor Barrette (Centaur’s Innocence Lost: A Play About Steven Truscott), as well as Canadian Screen Awards nominated show Mohawk Girls’ Jimmy Blais, META-nominated Charlotte Rogers (Geordie’s Chloe’s Choice), and Jaa Smith-Johnson (X-MEN: Days of Future Past).
“Look at yourselves! You in those bones. And you all wrapped up, and you there, made up like a Witch, and you, and you… Do you even know why? No! You just put on those faces and old mothball clothes and jump out, but you don’t really know, do you?”
Amy Keith, whose recent credits include the National Arts Centre’s production of The December Man, signs the challenging set design. Sabrina Miller, whose work will be featured in Black Theatre Workshop’s upcoming Bluenose, brings the costumes and props to life. Dance and theatre lighting designer Tim Rodrigues joins the team, as does META nominee (Tableau D’Hôte Theatre’s Another Home Invasion) Rob Denton for sound design.
Rounding out the exceptional production team is stage manager Kristen “Birdie” Gregor with apprentice stage managers Isabel Quintero Faia and Zahra Larche. Direction is assisted by National Theatre School alumnus Sophie Gee and Concordia graduate Zoe Roux assists on set design; both a part of this year’s Black Theatre Workshop Artist Mentorship Program Ensemble.
“A fine name. And a fine night. And all the deep dark wild long mystery of Halloween waiting to swallow us whole!”
THE HALLOWEEN TREE
Based on the novel by Ray Bradbury
Adapted for the stage and directed by Amanda Kellock
Performed by permission of Don Congdon Associates, Inc.
Starring:
Eloi ArchamBaudoin, Trevor Barrette, Jimmy Blais, Davide Chiazzese, Lucinda Davis,
Charlotte Rogers and Jaa Smith Johnson
Amy Keith, Set Design | Sabrina Miller, Costume & Props Design
Tim Rodrigues, Lighting Design | Rob Denton, Sound Design
Kristen “Birdie” Gregor, Stage Manager | Geoff Levine, Production Manager/Technical Director
Isabel Quintero Faia, Apprentice Stage Manager | Zahra Larche, Apprentice Stage Manager
MEDIA CALL: October 20, 2016 at 1:30pm
PERFORMANCES: October 21 – 30, 2016 | Opening Night: October 21 at 7pm | Saturdays at 1pm & 4pm, Sundays at 2pm
ASL INTERPRETED PERFORMANCE AND TALK-BACK – hosted by CTV’s Christine Long: October 23 at 2pm
VENUE: D.B. Clarke Theatre, Concordia University Hall Building | 1455 de Maisonneuve W, Montreal
TICKETS: $13.50 children; $15.00 teens; $17.50 students/seniors; $19.50 adults; prices subject to taxes | Group rate (10 or more): 20% Off
AGE RECOMMENDATION: Children age 7 and up & adults of all ages | 75 minutes
BOX OFFICE and INFORMATION: (514) 845-9810 or www.geordie.ca
About Geordie Theatre Productions
Geordie Productions is Montreal’s leading English-language professional Theatre for Young Audiences, entertaining and engaging the imaginations of children and their families since 1980! Geordie Productions celebrates the art of theatre and its impact by working with emerging and established artists from various disciplines and cultural backgrounds to create theatre that is provocative, relevant and enchanting; inspiring dialogue between communities, children and parents as well as teachers and students of all ages.
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CONTACT: Patrick Charron at (514) 845-9810 or communications@geordie.ca
Geordie Productions Inc. 4001 Berri, Suite 103. Montreal, QC. H2L 4H2 Tel: 514.845.9810 Fax: 514.845.3634 info@geordie.ca
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