Theatre
Alberta theatre companies’ new seasons.
Edmonton
CITADEL THEATRE
Venue: Shoctor Theatre unless noted
Artistic director: Daryl Cloran
Website: citadeltheatre.com
MAINSTAGE SERIES
LIFE OF PI
Sep 13–Oct 5
Based on the novel by Yann Martel, adapted by Lolita Chakrabarti, directed by Haysam Kadri.
A young Indian boy survives a shipwreck and is left stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean with only a tiger named Richard Parker for company.
VINYL CAFE: THE MUSICAL
Nov 8–30
Based on the Vinyl Cafe stories by Stuart McLean, adapted by Georgina Escobar and Jess Milton, directed by Daryl Cloran.
This musical weaves some of McLean’s most popular stories, including “Dave Cooks the Turkey.”
DEATH OF A SALESMAN
Jan 24–Feb 15
By Arthur Miller, directed by Daryl Cloran.
Willy Loman, a traveling salesman, struggles to reconcile his aspirations with the reality of unfulfilled dreams.
THE WIZARD OF OZ
Mar 7–Apr 12
Based on the novel by L. Frank Baum, directed by Thom Allison.
Dorothy travels the land of Oz with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion.
CASEY AND DIANA
Venue: Maclab Theatre
Apr 4–26
By Nick Green, directed by Lana Michelle Hughes.
Set in 1991 during the AIDS crisis. Residents and staff of Casey House prepare for Princess Diana’s visit.
CYRANO DE BERGERAC
May 2–24
By Edmond Rostand, directed by Amanda Goldberg.
A classic about a romantic whose sharp tongue and sword conceal a tender heart and deep insecurities.
THE HIGHWIRE SERIES
BIG STUFF
Venue: Maclab Theatre
Oct 18–Nov 9
By Matt Baram and Naomi Snieckus, directed by Kat Sandler.
The comedy duo use improv storytelling to explore grief.
BURNING MOM
Venue: Rice Theatre
Feb 14–Mar 8
Written and directed by Mieko Ouchi.
Dorothy, a 63-year-old widow, honours her late husband’s retirement plan and takes their RV to Burning Man.
SEASONAL SHOWS
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Venue: Maclab Theatre
Nov 22–Dec 24
Based on the novella by Charles Dickens, adapted by David van Belle, directed by Lianna Makuch.
The classic 1950s holiday story of Ebenezer Scrooge.
BEAR GREASE SHACK UP FOR THE WINTER
Dec 18–21
Directed by Crystle Lightning.
The 1978 musical with a festive Indigenous twist.
FRINGE THEATRE
Website: fringetheatre.ca
EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVAL
Aug 14–24
The 44th edition of this festival features over 220 theatre productions in 40 venues with more than 1,600 artists.
MACEWAN THEATRE
Venue: Triffo Theatre or Tim Ryan Theatre Lab
Website: macewan.ca/theatre
Students present a season of musical theatre.
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
Oct 29–Nov 2
By Rachel Sheinkin.
Six mid-pubescents compete in the title championship.
CARRIE: THE MUSICAL
Nov 26–30
Based on the novel by Stephen King, by Lawrence D. Cohen.
A lonely teenage outcast bullied at school and controlled by her religious mother at home gains the power of telekinesis.
MONOCEROS
Mar 4–8
Based on the novel by Suzette Mayr, adapted by Josh Epstein and Kyle Rideout.
When a classmate dies, Faraday sets off on a quest to honour him by obtaining a unicorn assistance certificate.
A CHORUS LINE
Mar 25–29
By James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning musical has young and veteran hoofers auditioning for a spot in a Broadway production.
NORTHERN LIGHT THEATRE
Venue: Studio Theatre inside Fringe Theatre Adventures
Artistic director: Trevor Schmidt
Website: northernlighttheatre.com
This is NLT’s 50th season.
THE PINK UNICORN
Sep 26–Oct 11
By Elise Forier Edie.
Parents try to protect and empower their children.
HOW PATTY AND JOANNE WON HIGH GOLD AT THE GRAND CHRISTMAS CUP WINTER DANCE COMPETITION
Nov 28–Dec 13
By Trevor Schmidt.
A mismatched pair and an unexpected friendship.
REQUEST PROGRAMME
May 1–16
By Franz Xaver Kroetz.
A wordless performance played by 17 actors from the past 50 years of NLT history.
SHADOW THEATRE
Venue: Varscona Theatre
Artistic director: John Hudson
Website: shadowtheatre.org
MORNINGSIDE ROAD
Oct 15–Nov 2
By Simon Abbott and Mhairi Berg, directed by Lana Hughes.
A girl and her granny, who is slipping into dementia.
AN ILIAD
Jan 21–Feb 8
By Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare, directed by John Hudson.
A modern-day retelling of Homer’s tale of the Trojan War.
THE REVOLUTIONISTS
Mar 18–Apr 5
By Lauren Gunderson, directed by John Hudson.
Four women during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror.
AUTUMN
May 6–24
By Peter Quilter, directed by Lana Hughes.
Eccentric older sisters urgently organize a wedding.
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA STUDIO THEATRE
Venue: Timms Centre for the Arts unless noted
Website: ualberta.ca/studio-theatre
A HARVEST TRUCE: A PLAY
Venue: Bleviss Laboratory Theatre
Sep 2–7
By Serhiy Zhadan, directed by Stanislav Tsybrukh.
Set during the 2014 invasion of an eastern Ukrainian town.
THE MOORS
Oct 9–18
By Jennifer Silverman, directed by Alissa Watson.
A dark comedy about love, desperation and legacy.
ANTIGONE LIVES*
Dec 4–13
By Susanna Fournier, directed by David Kennedy.
A reinvention of one of Sophocles’s great tragedies.
TARTUFFE
Feb 5–14
By Molière, directed by Katherine Weiss.
The classic French comedy.
DESERTERS
Apr 1–11
By Kenneth T. Williams, directed by Carmen Aguirre.
A diverse set of characters, including a punk rock band, military officers and an army radio DJ, navigate a civil war.
WALTERDALE THEATRE
Venue: Walterdale Playhouse
Website: walterdaletheatre.com
At 60 years old, this is one of western Canada’s longest-running amateur theatre groups.
ACCORDING TO THE CHORUS
Oct 8–18
By Arlene Hutton, directed by Barbara Mah.
Set backstage at a mid-1980s Broadway theatre, where the chorus girls and their dressers wage a turf battle.
PRESENT LAUGHTER
Dec 3–13
By Noël Coward, directed by John Anderson.
A matinee idol’s extramarital affairs are exposed.
THIS IS WAR
Feb 4–14
By Hannah Moscovitch, directed by Shawn Marshall.
Four soldiers’ differing accounts of a botched mission in Panjwaii, a volatile theatre of Canada’s war in Afghanistan.
WAITING FOR THE PARADE
Apr 15–25
By John Murrell, directed by Monica Roberts.
Five women’s stories about civilian life in Calgary during the Second World War.
ONCE
Jul 8–18
By Edna Walsh, directed by Bethany Hughes.
This Tony Award-winning musical features an Irish busker and his piano-playing muse.
FROM CRADLE TO STAGE FESTIVAL
May 20–25
Coordinated by Shawn Marshall.
A festival of new, original works by local playwrights.
Calgary
ALBERTA THEATRE PROJECTS
Venue: Martha Cohen Theatre, Arts Commons
Artistic director: Haysam Kadri
Website: albertatheatreprojects.com
THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW
Oct 22–Nov 9
Based on the story by Washington Irving, adapted by Peter Balkwill, Anna Cummer, Steven (Pityu) Kenderes and Judd Palmer, directed by Craig Hall.
Featuring The Old Trout Puppet Workshop.
Ichabod Crane tries to bring this superstitious hamlet into the 18th century.
THE WIZARD OF OZ
Nov 25–Jan 4, 2026
Based on the novel by L. Frank Baum, music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg.
When a tornado sweeps Dorothy over the rainbow she sets off down the Yellow Brick Road to find the mysterious Wizard of Oz.
CASEY AND DIANA
Feb 24–Mar 15
By Nick Green, directed by Lana Michelle Hughes.
At the height of the AIDS crisis, residents of Casey House, Canada’s first AIDS hospice, receive word that Princess Diana will visit.
WILDWOMAN
Apr 21–May 10
By Kat Sandler.
Three women fight for influence in the royal court. A caged oddity awakens Catherine de Medici’s wild side, which once unleashed leaves no one safe from her wrath.
DOWNSTAGE
Venue: Motel Theatre, Arts Commons, unless noted
Artistic director: Clare Preuss
Website: downstage.ca
BOTTICELLI IN THE FIRE
Venue: Big Secret Theatre
Mar 5–15
By Jordan Tannahill.
A fierce reminder of why art matters, especially in a crisis.
STAGE IT FESTIVAL
May 21–24
Stage It’s third year will showcase newly developed work by two emerging creator– producer duos.
HANDSOME ALICE THEATRE / INSIDE OUT THEATRE
Handsome Alice presents plays with women, trans and non- binary voices.
Website: handsomealice.com
Inside Out offers production opportunities for people with mixed abilities and special needs.
Website: insideouttheatre.com
They present a joint production of Lazy Susan in spring 2026.
JUBILATIONS DINNER THEATRE
Venue: Westbrook Mall
Website: jubilations.ca
TOP GUNN 2: A SUPERSONIC SPOOF
Aug 16–Oct 18
PIRATES OF THE RIVER SASKATCHEWAN
Oct 25–Jan 10, 2026
LET IT BE BEATLES
Jan 17–Mar 21
GOLDEN GIRLS VEGAS VACATION
Mar 28–May 30
LUNCHBOX THEATRE
Venue: Lunchbox Theatre, Tower Centre
Artistic producer: Bronwyn Steinberg
Website: lunchboxtheatre.com
Founded in 1975, Lunchbox continues to focus on Canadian work examining socially relevant issues.
BEYOND THE SEA
Oct 14–Nov 2
By Kristen Da Silva.
On a pier in a small town, two strangers who need a second chance meet by accident.
RIDGE
Nov 5–16
By Brendan McLeod.
About the “battle that made Canada,” Vimy Ridge, with its 10,000 Canadian casualties.
HOW PATTY AND JOANNE WON HIGH GOLD AT THE GRAND CHRISTMAS CUP WINTER DANCE COMPETITION
Nov 25–Dec 21
By Trevor Schmidt.
Two mismatched women in an adult beginner tap class decide to compete even though their teacher has quit.
RIBSTONE
Jan 21–25
By Christopher Hunt.
With a banjo in hand, Hunt weaves tales of ranching roots and lost traditions.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ORDER
Mar 17–Apr 4
By Jessica Moss.
When a fulfillment-centre employee falls in love with a customer’s order, she mails herself to him.
ONE YELLOW RABBIT
Venue: Big Secret Theatre, Arts Commons
Artistic director: Blake Brooker
Website: oyr.org
OYR produces the work of the resident performing ensemble and hosts the High Performance Rodeo.
HIGH PERFORMANCE RODEO
Jan 12–Feb 2
An unpredictable mix of anything from comedies to cabarets.
STORYBOOK THEATRE
Venue: Beddington Theatre Arts Centre
Artistic director: J.P. Thibodeau
Website: storybooktheatre.org
Now in its 45th year, Storybook creates theatre for young audiences and their families.
CHICAGO: THE MUSICAL–TEEN EDITION
Aug 15–31
SCHOOL OF ROCK: THE MUSICAL
Oct 3–Nov 1
Based on the movie.
TOP SECRET MUSICAL
Oct 20
Show to be revealed on the night of the performance.
WONDERSTRUCK
Nov 8
A one-man show by Canada’s Got Talent finalist Savio Joseph.
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: THE MUSICAL
Nov 21–Dec 30
Based on the movie.
ONE CHRISTMAS CAROL
Dec 8–23
One actor, Natascha Girgis, plays 35 distinct characters.
SINGERS @ SNOWFALL
Jan 12, 26, Feb 9
Broadway’s biggest hits.
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES: THE MUSICAL
Feb 20–Mar 15
Orphan Anne Shirley arrives unexpectedly at a farm.
MISCAST
May 1
Artists in roles in which they wouldn’t traditionally be cast.
SHREK: THE MUSICAL
May 22–Jun 21
An unlikely hero is joined by a wisecracking donkey to rescue a feisty princess.
THEATRE CALGARY
Venue: Max Bell, Arts Commons (unless noted)
Artistic director: Stafford Arima
Website: theatrecalgary.com
Calgary’s first professional theatre company.
MADE IN ITALY
Venue: Martha Cohen Theatre
Aug 26–Sep 21
By Farren Timoteo, directed by Daryl Cloran.
Timoteo brings his 25+ characters to life in this one- performer comedy about family, tradition and food.
DIAL M FOR MURDER
Sep 30–Oct 26
Based on the novel by Frederick Knott, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, directed by Jillian Keiley.
Tony suspects his wife may be cheating on him. Twists and revelations raise the stakes further, with deadly results.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Nov 28–Dec 31
Based on the novella by Charles Dickens, adapted by Geoffrey Simon Brown, directed by Stafford Arima.
Ebenezer Scrooge is taken on a spirited journey into the past, present and future to show him the errors of his ways.
THE TALE OF THE GIFTED PRINCE
Feb 14–Mar 15
Based on the novel by Lloyd Alexander, by Lezlie Wade, directed by Darren Lee.
In a rebellious kingdom, Prince Ren must save his father’s throne. Armed with five gifts, he seeks the aid of a reclusive shaman, whose powers will mend the realm—or shatter it.
A DOLL’S HOUSE
Apr 7–May 3
By Henrik Ibsen, adapted by Amy Herzog, directed by Anita Rochon.
An ordinary family and a perfect marriage cracks open in this contemporary adaptation of a classic.
COME FROM AWAY
May 26–Jun 21
Book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, directed and choreographed by Jesse Robb.
When 9/11 grounds airplanes around the world, the people of Gander, Newfoundland welcome passengers who have become stranded in their town.
VERTIGO THEATRE
Venue: Vertigo, Tower Centre
Artistic director: Jack Grinhaus
Website: vertigotheatre.com
The company bills itself “Canada’s national theatre of mystery and intrigue.”
THE BROTHERS PARANORMAL
Sep 27–Oct 26
By Prince Gomolvilas.
Max and Visarut’s new paranormal investigation business probes unexplained phenomena.
PERIL IN THE ALPS
Nov 15–Dec 14
Based on a collection by Agatha Christie, adapted by Steven Dietz.
Hercule Poirot travels to the Alps to work on two missing persons cases. Six actors bring to life dozens of eccentric characters and suspects.
MONSTRESS
Jan 17–Feb 15
By Trevor Schmidt.
After a doctor is expelled from her school of medicine for “dangerous dabbling,” she accepts a father’s request to resurrect his daughter.
A KILLING SNOW
Mar 14–Apr 12
By Paul Ciufo.
Four strangers take shelter in a spooky, secluded farmhouse during a blizzard. Should they escape the house of terror or tempt fate by staying?
THE VERDICT
May 9–Jun 7
Based on the novel by Barry Reed, adapted for the stage by Margaret May Hobbs.
Frank Galvin, a washed-up alcoholic lawyer, refuses an out-of-court settlement and instead takes the negligent doctors to court.
Around Alberta
GRANDE PRAIRIE
GRANDE PRAIRIE LIVE THEATRE
Manager: Wayne Ayling
Website: gplt.ca
The community theatre’s 63rd season includes seven plays.
7 STORIES
Sep 18–Oct 4
By Morris Panych.
A dark comedy taking place on a seventh-storey ledge as a man contemplates life through endless interruptions by neighbours.
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS
Oct 23–Nov 8
Based on the Agatha Christie novel, by Ken Ludwig.
A train stranded by a snowdrift is the setting for this murder mystery featuring the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot and a diverse group of passengers-turned-suspects.
FIVE ALARM
Nov 27–Dec 13
By Kristen Da Silva.
A Canadian comedy in which Ava Rose, who has tried and failed to win her town’s annual chili cookoff for 16 years, attempts to piece together her late father’s recipe.
LOOKING GLASS LAND
Jan 23–25, Jan 30–Feb 1
Based on the novel by Lewis Carroll, by James De Vita.
A young-audience play.
PAINT NIGHT
Feb 19–Mar 7
By Carey Crim.
In this new comedy, six women gather for drinks and food at a local paint and sip night. Over the course of the evening their carefully curated Instagram- tinted lives come unravelled.
TICK, TICK… BOOM!
Mar 26–Apr 11
By Jonathan Larson.
This autobiographical tale from the creator of Rent is the story of an aspiring musical composer in New York City who questions his career choices while navigating complicated friendships.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
May 7–23
Based on the Jane Austen novel, by Jane Kendall.
This English literature classic centres on the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy and explores societal manners, prejudices and expectations.
LETHBRIDGE
NEW WEST THEATRE
Venue: Yates Theatre
Artistic director: Kelly Reay
Website: newwesttheatre.com
Founded in 1990.
DECADES: REMIXED
Aug 7–23
The iconic sounds and genres of several eras.
CLUE
Sep 5–20
By Sandy Rustin.
Based the 1985 film inspired by the classic board game.
HOLIDAY ROCK
Dec 11–28
A holiday revue and festive celebration of the season.
THE BIRDS AND THE BEES
Feb 12–21
By Mark Crawford.
A mother and her adult daughter juggle second chances.
UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE DRAMA
Website: ulethbridge.ca/mainstage-seasons
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Venue: University Theatre
Oct 29, 30, Nov 5–8
By William Shakespeare, directed by Douglas MacArthur.
In this timeless comedy, worlds collide as love, magic and mischief intertwine.
ORLANDO
Venue: David Spinks Theatre
Mar 5–7, 12–14
Based on the novel by Virginia Woolf, adapted by Sarah Ruhl, directed by Mia van Leeuwen.
A playful, poetic romp through time, gender and identity.
DRAMA 4000 COURSE PERFORMANCE
Apr 17, 18
Senior student performances.
MEDICINE HAT
ESPLANADE
Website: esplanade.ca/performing-arts
BILLY BISHOP GOES TO WAR
Nov 7
By John Gray in collaboration with Eric Peterson.
The story of a First World War flying ace.
PINOCCHIO
Mar 7
By Farren Timoteo and Jeff Unger, with Alberta Music Theatre.
A puppetmaker’s wish is magically granted.
FIREHALL THEATRE
Website: www.firehalltheatre.ca
Eresman Theatre
CHRISTMAS ON THE AIR
Nov 6–16
By Lucia Frangione.
A small radio station on Christmas Eve 1948.
MEDICINE HAT MUSICAL THEATRE
Website: mhmtheatre.com
THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW
Oct 17–Nov 1
By Richard O’Brien.
ROSEBUD
ROSEBUD THEATRE
Venue: Rosebud Theatre Opera House
Website: rosebudtheatre.com
THE GREEN HOUSE
Sep 19–Oct 25
By Krista Marushy.
Susanne is drawn back to her childhood to learn who she is.
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
Nov 7–Dec 23
By Caleb Marshall.
Kris Kringle in a courtroom battle over Santa’s existence.