2011 Season

This year’s The Next Wave Festival of New Musicals features an array of exciting new shows.

The Brain from Planet X / Le cortex de la planète X

presented in an English version and an all-new, locally-produced French adaptation

This smart and fast-paced musical is an affectionate spoof of 1950’s sci-fi movies. In this show, a mutant brain from another planet comes to Earth with the intention of dominating our world. How will it accomplish this sinister task? By destroying the traditional family unit as we know it, that’s how! But what happens when the aliens arrive on Earth and discover their respective libidos for the first time? The show includes toe-tapping music and some of the most delightful, original characters you’ve ever seen in a musical.

playing August 11 and 19 in French, and August 12 and 18 in English
at Pierre-Dupuy Auditorium, 2000 Parthenais, 8 p.m.

[title of show]

presented in English

Imagine a musical about two guys writing a musical! [title of show] is an inside, minute-to-minute look at the joys and heartaches of creating a new musical show. It is ultimately a valentine for anyone who pursues a dream, and what happens to them when that dream comes true. The show is based on the true story of its authors. See how much can be accomplished with four performers, four chairs and a keyboard! [title of show] will make you laugh, cry and feel the excitement, immediacy and power of contemporary musicals.

playing August 10, 13, 17 and 20
at CETM Studio, 2205 Parthenais, 8 p.m.
extremely limited seating – advance reservation is required

Le prince et le pauvre / The Prince and the Pauper

 

 presented in the original French version and an all-new, English-language edition

This show won the 2008 Marius award in Paris for best new family-oriented musical of the year. A fresh retelling of the Mark Twain classic tale of two boys from different worlds who conspire to switch identities to see how the other half lives, the show will be presented as a specially-staged concert with a live orchestra, supervised by the original creative team. The English–language version will have its world premiere during The Next Wave.

playing August 5 and 6 in French and August 9 in English and French
at Espace Libre, 1945 Fullum, 8 p.m.

My Favorite Things

presented mostly in English, with some French

The Next Wave opens with a special presentation of some of musical theatre’s most beloved classic songs. Excerpts from My Fair Lady, Gypsy, Funny Girl, The Sound of Music and Company are among the shows that will be cited during this original presentation, conceived and performed by The Next Wave’s Artistic Director. Discover the roots of musical theatre and learn why musicals have become such a popular worldwide phenomenon. This warm and loving tribute pays homage to some of the greatest of the greats.

playing August 2
at CETM Studio, 2205 Parthenais, 8 p.m.
extremely limited seating – advance reservation is required

 

The Next Wave Educational Series 

 One special presentation, one discussion group, one CD launch and one workshop will bring insight to the inner workings of musical theatre today.

Workshop

“Choosing Material for Your Musical Theatre Audition”

How do you choose an effective musical theatre audition song? This workshop is especially designed for performers and other interested individuals who want to make their best possible selections when it comes to their audition material. A veteran of over 500 auditions helps you demystify the process of effective song selection.

August 15, exact time t.b.a.
at CETM Studio, 2205 Parthenais
extremely limited seating – advance reservation is required

Discussion group

“What’s It Like to be a Musical Theatre Author or Composer?”

A bilingual (E/F) activity

A panel of musical writers and composers comes together to share their experiences. This discussion is designed for members of the general public who want to know more about how musicals are created. Scheduled guests include Vincent de Tourdonnet, creator of one of Montreal’s biggest musical productions to date (Jeanne la pucelle, 1995) and Alexis Diamond, past president of Playwrights’ Workshop Montréal and author of The Ride Project (2007). Participants are free to ask questions and offer their own insights.

August 8, exact time t.b.a.
at CETM Studio, 2205 Parthenais
extremely limited seating – advance reservation is required

Special presentation in the park

“Stories from 45 years in professional musical theatre”

in English, with some simultaneous translation in French

The Next Wave Festival is proud to present an intimate encounter with Tony nominee Tim Jerome. Tim has participated in some of the world’s best-loved musicals, and his extensive Broadway credits include Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast, The Rothschilds and Tarzan. He is the founding president of the New York-based National Music Theatre Network, and currently sits on the board of American Actors’ Equity Association. His appearance in Montreal will represent a kind of homecoming, as one of his first professional gigs was in the original tour of “Man of La Mancha” which played at Place des Arts in 1967. In addition, Tim is incredibly personable and has wonderful stories to share about the creation of new musical theatre.

August 9 at 5 p.m.
under the trees in Parc de Rouen (corner of De Lorimier and De Rouen Streets)
(in case of bad weather, this event will be moved to CETM Studio, 2205 Parthenais)

Daisy and the Wonder Weeds CD launch and community discussion

 

in English

Come and hear musical selections from the runaway hit of last year’s Next Wave Festival, Daisy and the Wonder Weeds. Meet some of the original cast in person, and listen to them perform live excerpts from the show. Daisy’s message about the importance of our urban green spaces is proof that musical theatre can sometimes change political minds (Think of West Side Story or Hair, for example). There will also be friendly discussion and debate featuring representatives of such local groups as La ferme dy zéphyr, the NDG Food Co-op, and La co-op verte. Presented in collaboration with the International EcoCity 2011 Conference.

August 23 at 6:30 p.m.
at the Gesù, 1200 Bleury