The Gladstone Theatre has unveiled its new lineup for performances for the 2024-25 season, and the variety is unreal. Stories from different communities, perspectives and mediums abound, with shows from both professional and community companies to showcase local theatre’s true talent.
“It’s indie theatre, so every production company is choosing the work that lights them on fire,” says the Theatre Manager for the Gladstone Theatre, Robin Guy. “It’s super cool, this space—there’s something for everyone here.”
Some of the professional productions include:
- Cautionary Tales: A Daniel MacIvor Double Bill presented by Plosive Productions and Sunny Ryan Productions from Oct. 16–26
- The Awakening by Frayne McCarthy presented by Paper Picture Productions from Dec. 18–21
- MISERY — the play by William Goldman presented by TooBeats Theatre from Jan. 23–Feb. 1
- Late Company by Jordan Tannahill presented by Elevator Theatre Company from Feb. 5–15
- The Children by Lucy Kirkwood presented by Bear & Co. from Feb. 19–March 8
- Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson presented by Three Sisters Theatre Company from March 19–29
- Next to Normal by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey presented by Elevator Theatre Company from May 14–24
- Private Fears in Public Places by Alan Ayckbourn presented by Plosive Productions from June 18–28
The community theatre productions include:
- Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland presented by The University of Ottawa Theatre Club from Nov. 6–9
- The Lion in Winter presented by the Phoenix Players from Nov. 15–23
- The SPONGEBOB Musical presented by TotoToo Theatre from Nov. 28–Dec. 7
- 1979 by Michael Healey presented by the Phoenix Players from April 25–May 3
- HAIR presented by TotoToo Theatre from May 29–June 7
“The Gladstone is primarily a professional, independent theatre company house, but we also have the community theatres here as well,” says Guy. “What unites that entire group of people is this passion to produce, and to put something on stage that just wouldn’t exist if you didn’t take action and make it happen.”
And what’s even more exciting is the inclusion of some brand new local theatre companies performing on Gladstone’s stage this season. The Elevator Theatre Company and TooBeats Theatre will be premiering Late Company and MISERY, respectfully.
“Whether [companies] are doing it on a community theatre basis where they’re all volunteers and they’re just in it purely for the love of it, or it’s the professionals who are doing this as livelihood, what’s shared across that whole umbrella is this passion for indie theatre,” says Guy.
Also featured this season are two performances from The Iron Cabaret—a local Ottawa cabaret performance company—with The Shadows… And What We Do in Them from Oct. 30–Nov. 3 and Roots: A Celebration of Culture and Diversity from June 11–14.
Guy hopes audiences get a sense of connection this season when folks see any of these productions.
“There’s a theme through all of these shows about connection—some people looking for connection, some people trying to avoid connection,” she says. “The reason we come here together, the reason we don’t sit and watch Netflix instead, is we’re getting into a room with live bodies, telling stories in real-time and it’s ephemeral.”
The Gladstone Theatre’s 2024-25 season begins on Oct. 17. Individual tickets are on sale now, as well as ticket packages for the entire season, the professional shows only, the community shows only, or the resident company shows. For more information on the performances featured and for ticket and package pricing, check out their website.
