12 August 2008 - Ron Ulrich says farewell to Nova Scotia

Ron Ulrich takes his final bow as Neptune Theatre Artistic Director on Friday, August 15th. Having announced his resignation on March 31st of this year, Ulrich departs to take on the role of Managing Artistic Director at Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton, Ontario.

“I’m leaving some great friends but I have so many memories to cherish of my time in Halifax,” says Ulrich. “Obviously anytime one embarks on a new journey one is filled with mixed emotions. I am, of course, very excited to assume my new role at Theatre Aquarius, but with the strong team currently assembled at Neptune I also have a great sense of ease about this theatre continuing its move forward.”

Ulrich began at Neptune in the fall of 2000 and since that time has guided the theatre artistically through an extremely successful period. His tenure is highlighted by popular triumphs such as Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (2007) and Cats (2004), alongside critically acclaimed works including Copenhagen (2003), The Syringa Tree (2004) and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf (2006).

Ulrich will also be returning to Neptune in March of 2009, albeit for a limited engagement, to direct John Patrick Shanley’s Pulitzer Prize winning drama Doubt, A Parable. Appearing March 3rd to March 29th, 2009 on the Fountain Hall stage, the production features a stellar cast including Fiona Reid (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?), Andrea Lee Norwood (The Miracle Worker), Stuart Hughes (Dinner with Friends) and Dora Award winner Yanna MacIntosh making her Neptune debut.  

“Doubt is an extraordinarily compelling script that I’ve wanted to direct at Neptune for some time, so I really couldn’t pass up the opportunity to return,” says Ulrich. “Plus I think it’s safe to say a piece of my heart will always remain in Nova Scotia. It is a wonderful province with incredibly hospitable people and I’m hoping to make many returns in the future. Besides which, I love this theatre!”

Theatre Aquarius, to which Ron Ulrich is going, is in its 35th season as Hamilton's professional regional theatre. It currently plays to 8,500 subscribers and over 100,000 patrons annually. Like Neptune, it produces work that features Canada’s leading actors and designers, however it seats 750 and has a performing space that is nearly twice the size of the Fountain Hall stage.

Neptune Theatre is located at 1593 Argyle Street, Halifax. With two stages, Fountain Hall and the Studio, a Theatre School and its Young Neptune Company Tour, Neptune continues to produce world-class theatre.

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Media Contact: Mark Laventure
(902) 494-8465
mlaventure@neptunetheatre.com