Singin' in the Rain “pours” down delight, capturing the waning days of the silent screen era as they give way to new-fangled “talkies”. With The Jazz Singer premiere making Hollywood frantic, the studios are forced to suddenly change all the movie-making rules at once, to accommodate sound. In doing so, they leave silent pictures -- and some of their stars -- behind. When Monumental Studios turns silent The Dueling Cavalier into The Dancing Cavalier, a musical picture, in order to stay relevant, they are faced with a problem: their star, Lina Lamont can’t sing, and can’t even really talk. Lina’s voice sounds something like nails on a chalkboard. Enter Kathy Selden, an aspiring actress whose dulcet tones are able to cover Lina Lamont’s -- calling into question what it means to act, how credit is distributed, and what it means to get a fair shake in the movie business. Singin' in the Rain includes some of the best-loved comedy routines, dance numbers, and love songs ever written, including “Good Mornin’”, “Make ‘em Laugh”, and of course the show-stopping dance number, “Singin’ in the Rain”.

Jesus Christ Superstar tells the story of biblical Jesus in the final days leading up to his crucifixion. A rock opera, the musical has no spoken dialogue. Superstar focuses on the personal conflicts between Jesus, his disciples, the people of Israel, and the leadership of Rome. Special attention is played to the relationship between Judas Iscariot and Jesus, as well as Jesus’ relationship with Mary Magdalene. The musical is unique in that it focuses on both Judas’ struggle making the decision to betray Jesus and Jesus’ human psychology, fear, and anger in understanding and accepting his role as both leader and martyr. The show is a product of its era, permeated with 1970’s rock, gospel, folk and funk themes, modern language and colloquialisms, and high-energy dance numbers.

Based on Little Orphan Annie, the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie warms the hearts of all as we witness her rise from next to nothing in New York City. She is determined to find her parents, who left her at the orphanage years ago. Though things don’t quite work out the way she has planned, she does manage to thwart the plans of the evil Miss Hannigan and find a new family with billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his secretary Grace Farrell, and her lovable pooch, Sandy.

There’s trouble in River City! When smooth-talking con man Harold Hill arrives in a small, tight-knit town in Iowa, he expects to dupe its residents with his elaborate moneymaking scheme: Despite his complete lack of musical literacy, he will convince everyone that he is a brilliant bandleader and recruit all the boys in town to form a band, pocketing the cash for instruments and uniforms. The problem? Some of the town members, especially the stern librarian, Marian Paroo, don’t quite buy Harold’s story. As Harold struggles to keep his scheme afloat, he also finds himself increasingly attached to the townspeople, who have all experienced a positive change since Harold came to town. Complicating matters even more, Harold is also falling head-over-heels for the beautiful Marian.

Beautiful tells the true story of Carole King’s meteoric rise to fame as one of the twentieth century’s foremost singer-songwriters. We are introduced to Carole when she is 16 and pitching her first song (“It Might As Well Rain Until September”) to New York music producer Don Kirshner. Soon after, she meets her future husband and creative collaborator, Gerry Goffin. In a musical whirlwind, the couple are married, King gives birth to their first child and the duo make a name for themselves in the music business, knocking out hit after hit. However, while their careers are on the rise, Carole’s personal life falls apart when Gerry announces that he wants an affair. As Carole tries to negotiate marriage, adultery and personal happiness, she is supported by friends and playful rivals, Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann. Although they all compete for number one hits on the pop chart, Carole relies on their support to change her life and find her own voice. Set in the vibrant pop industry of the 1960s and early 1970s, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical features a tapestry of musical hits from the creative songwriting teams of King and Goffin, Weil and Mann.

Based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl. When young Charlie wins a golden ticket to the mysterious Wonka Chocolate Factory, it's the chance of a lifetime to feast on the sweets and chocolates that have always been right under his nose but unaffordable for the Bucket family. Could it also be his family’s route out of poverty? Along with the other winners--Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, Mike Teavee, and Augustus Gloop--Charlie is swept inside of the mysterious factory with his Grandpa Joe. Inside, the winners encounter a magical world full of amazement, innovation, sugary treats, and, of course, Oompa-Loompas. But as the winners begin to let their greed and selfish nature's get the better of them, it seems that everything is not as sweet as it seems. Finally, Charlie is the last child standing--the only child not to have succumbed to the sweet temptations of Willy Wonka’s magical world. His humble, loyal nature has not gone unnoticed by Mr. Wonka, and Charlie’s reward is more than he could ever have dreamed.

L. Frank Baum’s classic novel comes to life in The Wizard of Oz. Young Dorothy Gale is swept away by a tornado from her Kansas farm to the magical land of Oz. There, she encounters a host of whimsical characters: good witches, bad witches, animals that talk, scarecrows that walk, and things magical to behold. To find her way home, she must journey along the Yellow Brick Road to see the mysterious and all-powerful Wizard in Emerald City. Along the way, she makes new friends, but must also brave many dangers, including the Wicked Witch of the West, who will stop at nothing to get her hands on Dorothy’s magical ruby slippers. To make it home safely, Dorothy must learn an important lesson: there’s no place like home.

Inspired by Motown and R&B legends of the 1960s-70s, Dreamgirls follows the rising stardom of the Dreamettes, an all-girl singing trio from Chicago. The three best friends—the phenomenally talented, but demanding Effie White, the beautiful and appealing Deena Jones, and the eager, romantic Lorrell Robinson—team up with driven, demanding manager Curtis Taylor, who is determined to see their—and his—star rise. As their careers begin to take off, changes are made to ensure their mass appeal to the pop market. Egos are bruised, tempers flare, and hearts are broken in pursuit of stardom. Inspired by the stories of groups such as The Supremes and The Shirelles and featuring many iconic classic songs, Dreamgirls is a love letter to American R&B music and the artists that make such music great.

Based on P.L. Travers’ beloved book series of the same name, Bert, a jack-of-all-trades, invites us into the world of London, England in 1910 — and, specifically, into the dysfunctional home of the Banks family. Jane and Michael, the young Banks children, have sent yet another nanny packing, dismissing these children as hopelessly and irrevocably spoiled and misbehaved. With a father who works constantly and mother who is always distracted, Jane and Michael have suffered without strong caretaking forces in their lives. Then the magical Mary Poppins flies in on the wind, bringing with her a combination of whimsy, magic, and disciplined common sense to the children’s lives. Together, they go on memorable and magical adventures — and also learn the importance of a tidy nursery and of taking the medicine they need (with a spoonful of sugar, of course.) Mary Poppins’ transformational influence does not stop with the children — eventually, she teaches the grown-ups, as well, to open up and realize that “anything can happen if you let it.”

Scullions! Rampallians! Rascals! Lend us your ears!

In the 1590s, wayward brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to find fame but are firmly in the shade of that roguish Renaissance rockstar, “The Bard.” When a mischievous wise man predicts that the future of theatre will meld singing, dancing and acting, Nick and Nigel decide to write the world’s very first musical. However, by a fraught and hilarious opening night of dandy standards, both Bottom brothers realize that 'true to thine own self' might just save their skins. Join us for this jolly, light-hearted romp which will have you tapping your feet and rolling in the aisles. Welcome to the Renaissance!

Something Rotten was nominated for ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It's an Ottawa premiere!

Hockadoo!

Huey Calhoun, a local white boy with a passion for music desperately wants to bring Soul, R&B and Rock & Roll music to southern white audiences during the early 1950s. Felicia Farrell is an aspiring Black singer who performs under the watchful eye of her overprotective brother in his underground night club. When Huey and Felicia connect over their shared love of music, dreams and ambitions they are faced with objections from not only their families but the world around them. Can music transcend race? Can love win over hate?

Stop the presses!

Based on a true story, Disney’s Newsies is an exhilarating underdog tale with a big heart and a resilient spirit. It’s 1899 New York City, and Jack Kelly, a charismatic young “newsie,” has big dreams away from the big city. But when the giants of publishing raise distribution prices at the expense of the young newspaper sellers, Jack rallies youth from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right!

Based on the 1992 film, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein. Packed with classic songs and exuberant dance numbers, this high-energy, family-friendly musical inspires all of us to seize the day!

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the board directors had to take the decision to cancel this production.

Scullions! Rampallians! Rascals! Lend us your ears!

In the 1590s, wayward brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to find fame but are firmly in the shade of that roguish Renaissance rockstar, “The Bard.” When a mischievous wise man predicts that the future of theatre will meld singing, dancing and acting, Nick and Nigel decide to write the world’s very first musical. However, by a fraught and hilarious opening night of dandy standards, both Bottom brothers realize that 'true to thine own self' might just save their skins. Join us for this jolly, light-hearted romp which will have you tapping your feet and rolling in the aisles. Welcome to the Renaissance!

Something Rotten was nominated for ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It's an Ottawa premiere!

Director and Choreographer: Debbie Guilbeault

Music Director: Paul Legault

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the board directors had to take the decision to cancel this production.

All aboard the first rate ocean liner S.S. American, chock-a-block with love, light, laughter, lyrics, gangsters, tap-dancing sailors and a dose of good-old fashioned blackmail! Who will win the day with classic high jinks on the high seas?
Music and lyrics by Cole Porter.

Director: J.T. Morris

Music Director: Kenny Hayes

Choreographer: D.J. Eyamie

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the board directors had to take the decision to cancel this production. Another production may be mounted in the same timeslot, if conditions allow.

Orphaned in Colonial India, young Mary Lennox is sent to Yorkshire, England to live with her embittered, reclusive Uncle Archibald, whom she has never met. While there, the ill-tempered and lonely Mary helps bring life back to a small garden plot with the help of a chambermaid, a gardener and her cousin, Colin. Surrounded by spirits from the past, who both warn and welcome her, determined Mary begins to peel away the layers of sadness that cover the house and the secret garden, showing the power that 'one small girl' can have when her faith is bigger than her fears.

Stage Director: Michael Gareau

Music Director: Murray Doggett 

Choreographer: Lynne Fleury

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the board directors had to take the decision to cancel this production.

Scullions! Rampallians! Rascals! Lend us your ears!

In the 1590s, wayward brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to find fame but are firmly in the shade of that roguish Renaissance rockstar, “The Bard.” When a mischievous wise man predicts that the future of theatre will meld singing, dancing and acting, Nick and Nigel decide to write the world’s very first musical. However, by a fraught and hilarious opening night of dandy standards, both Bottom brothers realize that 'true to thine own self' might just save their skins. Join us for this jolly, light-hearted romp which will have you tapping your feet and rolling in the aisles. Welcome to the Renaissance!

Something Rotten was nominated for ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It's an Ottawa premiere!

Stage Director and Choreographer: Debbie Guilbeault

Music Director: Paul Legault

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the board directors had to take the decision to cancel this production.

All aboard the first rate ocean liner S.S. American, chock-a-block with love, light, laughter, lyrics, gangsters, tap-dancing sailors and a dose of good-old fashioned blackmail! Who will win the day with classic high jinks on the high seas?
Music and lyrics by Cole Porter.

Stage Director: J.T. Morris

Music Director: Kenny Hayes

Choreographer: D.J. Eyamie

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the board directors had to take the decision to cancel this production.

Does the mention of the 1950s stir memories of hula hoops and American bandstand? Do go-go boots, Motown tunes and love ballads take you back to the 1960s? Then Roger Bean's award-winning musical comedy, The Marvelous Wonderettes, is guaranteed to be a slam dunk!

The Marvelous Wonderettes is a tribute to the girl-group sound of the 50s and 60s, featuring iconic songs, including such classics as Mr. Sandman, Heatwave and Leader of the Pack. Act I joins four innocent teenages, as they celebrate their 1958 super senior prom and share their hopes and dreams for the future. Act II fast-forwards to their 1968 Ten Year High School Reunion. The girls have lived, loved and lost (and loved again).

The Marvelous Wonderettes is a show celebrating dreams, friendship, heartbreak and love. Please step back in time and join us back in the days of crinolines, cat eye glasses and sock hops. We hope you enjoy this hilarious and beautiful ride down memory lane!

Stage Director: Jennifer Grimsey

Music Director: John McGovern

Choreographer: Aileen Szkwarek