SUBSCRIBE NOW FOR 2017/18 SEASON

Dear Friends,

We begin our 2017/18 Season with the music of Stan Rogers and end with the music of ABBA. In between are stories of mischief, mystery and reflection as we share with you a variety of productions ranging from local and Canadian-made plays to stories known the world over.

Our 55th season is about reflecting on and celebrating our roots, encouraging an appreciation of the present, and looking to the future. In preparation of our own future, our extensive two-year renovation project is wrapping up with our new and improved Fountain Hall theatre - just in time for our presentation of the holiday classic It's A Wonderful Life. Enjoy great theatre in comfort and style across two stages with something for everyone this season.

George Pothitos

THE MAINSTAGE SERIES

Neptune Theatre presents Geordie Brown's production of
STAN ROGERS: A MATTER OF HEART

A ceilidh-style celebration of a Canadian musical legend

Stan Rogers is known for incredible stories of rural life. This musical tribute features timeless music that has captured the lives of generations of Canadians, including Barrett's Privateers, Northwest Passage and The Mary Ellen Carter. For more than two decades, Stan Rogers: A Matter of Heart has received critical acclaim across the country and this summer these songs of determination and optimism come to Neptune. Join Geordie Brown and celebrate the legacy of a true Canadian legend.

Neptune Theatre presents Porte Parole's Production of
SEEDS
by Annabel Soutar

An unflinching look at the reality of 21st Century farming and life

In 1998, Percy Schmeiser, a Saskatchewan farmer, was accused of planting patented genetically modified seeds on his land by Monsanto, a major agriculture corporation. In 2004, the case was taken to the Supreme Court of Canada, ruling in favour of Monsanto. A true David vs. Goliath story starring Eric Peterson (Corner Gas), Seeds carefully presents the situation using actual court transcripts in a docudrama that looks at life within the context of business, philosophy and biotechnology.

Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
SNAKE IN THE GRASS
by Alan Ayckbourn

Where ghosts from the past take a haunting toll on today

Annabel Chester is returning to the family home she ran away from decades before where her sister Miriam still resides. Now that their abusive father has died, Annabel is the beneficiary to the family fortune. But the nurse Miriam fired claims to have evidence of foul play in his death and demands compensation for her silence. In this sinister play by Alan Ayckbourn, ghosts from the past arise to deliver a story of shocking twists and supernatural turns sure to leave you questioning even those closest to you.

JONAS & BARRY IN THE HOME
By Norm Foster

Norm Foster shows that the best years are also the funniest

One of Canada's most celebrated playwrights delivers laughs in this play about two retirees and their quest to find friendship, love and happiness in an assisted living home. Join Jonas Ainsworth and Barry Butterfield as they attempt to spice up their lives and the lives of those around them at Gateway Gardens, while successfully warming your heart.

Neptune Theatre and Black Theatre Workshop presents
THE MOUNTAINTOP
by Katori Hall

A moving interpretation of Martin Luther King Jr.'s final night

On the evening of April 3, 1968, after delivering his speech "I've Been to the Mountaintop," the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. retires to room 306 of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. The next day, he would be assassinated. In this moving production by playwright Katori Hall, Dr. King's final hours are re-imagined as he confronts his destiny and legacy as a leading figure in the Civil Rights Movement.

MAMMA MIA!
Music and Lyrics by
Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus
and some songs with Stig Anderson
Book by Catherine Johnson
Originally conceived by Judy Craymer

A mother. A daughter. Three possible Dads.

On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to uncover the secret of her father's identity brings three men from her mother's past to the sunny Greek island they last visited 20 years ago. The storytelling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this charming tale of love, laughter and friendship. Dance along to pop classics like "Take A Chance On Me," "Dancing Queen" and more in this ultimate feel-good show the New York Times calls "terrific fun!" Seen by over 60 million dancing fans in more than 40 countries, you too will be singing "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do" to Mamma Mia!

HOLIDAY PRODUCTION

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Adapted for the stage by George Pothitos

A Christmas tradition comes alive on stage

Get into the Christmas spirit with the stage adaptation of one of the most iconic films ever made. When misfortune befalls George Bailey on Christmas Eve, guardian angel Clarence swoops in to remind him of all the good he has done in the lives of those who love him most. Make a visit to Bedford Falls for the timeless message that faith, hope and family make life truly wonderful.

THE STUDIO SERIES

SALT-WATER MOON
by David French

Can old flames rekindle?

When Jacob Mercer returns to Coley’s Point, Newfoundland after abruptly leaving for Toronto a year before, he wants to win back the love of his old flame Mary Snow, who is engaged to be married to another man. Time does not heal all wounds – but is fate written in the stars? Written by Newfoundland playwright David French, Salt Water Moon is a classic Canadian play that has been performed at regional and community theatres and on university stages across the country hundreds of times since its premiere in 1985.

Neptune Theatre presents Eastern Front Theatre's Production of
HALF-CRACKED: THE LEGEND OF SUGAR MARY
by Mary-Colin Chisholm

Don't believe everything you're told

What do you have when you pair a questing folklorist in search of discovery and two spinster sisters with a knack for weaving fact and fantasy into an impossible blend of truth, fiction and gossip? A unique, quirky and hilarious comedy written by Nova Scotia playwright Mary-Colin Chisholm. When the car of a folklorist breaks down at the foot of Sugar Mary’s driveway, she believes it is destiny that they meet, much to the dismay of her fiercely protective sister Yewina. Half-Cracked is making its world premiere on the Scotiabank Stage with Eastern Front Theatre.

IN A WORLD CREATED BY A DRUNKEN GOD
by Drew Hayden Taylor

The moral divide between two brothers, two cultures, and two nations.

When Jason, a half-Native man, is confronted by the American brother he never knew he had, his world blows apart. His biological father, a man who exploited Jason's Native mother and abandoned them both, is dying – and Jason may be the only hope for saving his father's life. In a World Created by a Drunken God is a compelling drama by Ojibwe playwright Drew Hayden Taylor that shakes the most fundamental beliefs of two brothers through their respective relationships with the father they share.

BONUS FEATURES

DICKENS' A CHRISTMAS CAROL
by Charles Dickens
Adapted and directed for the stage by Jeremy Webb

The classic family holiday show is brought lovingly to life in this very special holiday experience. Hilarious and sometimes spooky; Dickens' A Christmas Carol has been lovingly recreated for the whole family. Scrooge, Marley, Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, and three seasonal spirits will fill your family with holiday joy. Tried and tested, Webb's adaptation has met with fantastic critical and box office success in Nova Scotia and the USA since 2003. Co-Production with Eastern Front Theatre.

MAKAYLA LYNN
BRINGS NASHVILLE TO NOVA SCOTIA

Poised for country superstardom, rising star Makayla Lynn takes the stage at Neptune, hot on the heels of the release of her second album On a Dare and a Prayer. Backed by some of Nashville's top musicians, Makayla has shared the stage with the biggest names in country music including Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and Tim McGraw. She has received recognition from Music Nova Scotia, the ECMAs and IMEAs, and is ranked by Reverbnation as the #1 country artist in Nova Scotia and #3 in Canada.

PORT CITIES

One of Canada's next big acts, Halifax-based band Port Cities are a perfect balance of Nashville and Nova Scotia. Comprised of already-established solo musicians Carleton Stone, Dylan Guthro and Breagh MacKinnon, the Port Cities are only just beginning. In February, the former CBC Searchlight semifinalists released their debut album Port Cities, produced by Gordie Sampson, and were chosen as iHeartRadio's Future Star in April for their new single Back to the Bottom. Catch them while you can!

Vocalypse Productions
ECHOES OF TIME: SAGAS, TALES, AND MYTHS
Janice Isabel Jackson

Janice Isabel Jackson, soprano, has been performing to captivated audiences around the world for over 30 years. Having performed with contemporary music ensembles and in concert halls in cities such as Beijing, Paris, Berlin, New York and more, she returns home to Nova Scotia. Encompassing four decades of music, most of which was written for her, Echoes of Time brings the world to Neptune with mythological tales from Japan, Greece, Mexico and Denmark.