The Citadel Theatre announced its 2023/24 season this week; and it's one that aims to be packed with action, adventure, music and storytelling.
“Our theme for this season is All for One and One For All. We are exploring stories about individuals who band together to support (and fight for) each other, iconic figures who stand up for their communities, and the bonds, connections and challenges of family,” said Artistic Director, Daryl Cloran, at the season launch event.
The 2023/24 Season shines a light on the Citadel’s international reputation, with the return of the Broadway hit, SIX, (Aug. 12-Sept. 10). This musical is still running on Broadway but makes a return to Edmonton. It's a Tony-award winner showcasing the wives of Henry VIII who go from Tudor queens to pop icons.
“This spring there will be three shows running on Broadway the Citadel had a hand in developing: Hadestown, SIX: The Musical and Peter Pan Goes Wrong. Edmonton audiences have the opportunity to experience some of the best theatre, right here in our city," Cloran said.
The season also celebrates and amplifies great work by Edmonton artists, uplifts important Black and Indigenous stories and showcases great classics.
The Importance of Being Earnest (September 23 – October 15, 2023) is Oscar Wilde’s celebrated comedy about two society bachelors, Jack and Algernon, who both secretly pretend to be a man called Ernest. After meeting two women who know them only as their alter egos, a weekend in the country sparks mayhem and hilarity as they attempt to conceal the truth and keep up the charade.
Little Shop of Horrors (October 21 – November 19, 2023) Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s Little Shop of Horrors is one of Off-Broadway’s longest running musicals. A sci-fi comedy with an electrifying, 60s inspired, pop/rock score.
Rubaboo (February 10 – March 3, 2024) Written by Andrea Menard with Music by Andrea Menard and Robert Walsh, and directed by Alanis King. Derived from the Michif word for “leftovers stew” or “big pot,” Rubaboo will take audiences on an intimate, moving, and joyous journey—guided by powerhouse Métis performer Andrea Menard.
The Sound of Music (March 2 – 31, 2024) The Tony Award-winning musical with music by Richard Rogers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, This is sure to be a family favourite--big and lush and a co-production with the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre.
The Mountaintop (March 30 – April 21, 2024) Katori Hall’s gripping reimagination of events the night before the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On April 3, 1968, after delivering one of his most memorable speeches, an exhausted Dr. King retires to his room at the Lorraine Motel while a storm rages outside. When a mysterious stranger arrives with some surprising news, King is forced to confront his destiny and his legacy to his people.
The Three Musketeers (April 20 – May 12, 2024) Adapted by Catherine Bush from the novel by Alexandre Dumas, and directed by Daryl Cloran. The season ends with a swashbuckling adventure--All For One and One For All!, a co-production with the Arts Club Theatre in Vancouver.
For the holidays, A Christmas Carol returns (November 25 – December 23, 2023) by David van Belle. Based on the novella by Charles Dickens and directed by Daryl Cloran. Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of this Edmonton holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol is back at The Citadel. Starring Edmonton’s own John Ullyatt as “Scrooge”.
Don't miss this special presentation: Made in Italy (January 6 – 28, 2024) Written by Farren Timoteo and directed by Daryl Cloran. Edmonton’s favourite Italian returns to the Citadel for a mainstage run! Edmonton playwright/performer Farren Timoteo’s tour-de-force solo show about an Italian teenager growing up in Jasper in the 1970s, caught between two worlds and determined to make his mark.
For tickets, see citadeltheatre.com
