9 performances announced for Lunchbox Theatre's 2016-17 season

Calgary’s Lunchbox Theatre has released details of its 2016-17 season, with a comedic cabaret, heartbreaking true story and It’s A Wonderful Life among the highlights.

Tickets go on sale on Monday, April 18; individual tickets cost $25 (or $20 for students), while playpasses for eight flexible admissions are priced at $175 (or $140 for students).

Here’s a rundown of the full lineup:

After Jerusalem

By Aaron Bushkowsky
September 19 to October 8, 2016

A quirky romantic comedy from award winning Vancouver playwright Aaron Bushkowsky, telling the story of a down-on-her-luck middle-aged school teacher trying to find love in Israel by pretending to be a famous actress.

Lest We Forget

Created by Mark Bellamy, Joe Slabe & JP Thibodeau
October 24 to November 12, 2016

This show will journey from WWI to the present day, using music and song to look at the lives of soldiers, their families, the way our lives are changed by war – and honours all that makes us proud to be Canadian.

It’s a Wonderful Life

By Joe Landry
November 28 to December 21, 2016

One of the most iconic Christmas stories ever told! It’s a Wonderful Life, adapted as a live 1940s radio broadcast for the stage by Joe Landry. When misfortune befalls George Bailey on Christmas Eve, he is shown what his town and family would be like if he had never lived.

6 Guitars

By Chase Padgett & Jay Hopkins
January 9 to 28, 2017

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In partnership with the High Performance Rodeo, written and performed by Chase Padgett, this is a pitch perfect blend of music, comedy, and characters. Padgett delivers a virtuosic performance as six different guitar players, from a teen rock prodigy to an aging blues man.

The Exquisite Hour

By Stewart Lemoine
February 13 to March 4, 2017

A warm and beautiful hit show from Edmonton’s Stewart Lemoine. The year is 1962, the season is summer and Mrs. Darimont has boldly penetrated the pleasant backyard of bachelor Zachary Teale late in the afternoon, to politely ask him for an hour of his time.

Girl Crush

By Sharron Matthews
March 20 to April 8, 2017

The Calgary premiere of award winning, world acclaimed cabaret artist, Sharron Matthews and her new show, Girl Crush, which weaves in her singular re-imaginings of the music of artists such as Elton John, The Police, Blondie, The Killers, Beyonce and Cyndi Lauper.

Newfoundland Mary

By Scott White and Peter Fenton
April 24 to May 13, 2017

Based on a true story, this musical celebrates the life of Mary McCarthy Gomez Cueto, a remarkable Canadian who spent her life in exile in her adopted homeland of Cuba. When she meets Luis Gonzalez, who dreams of singing like Sinatra, her world is forever changed.

The Emerging Director’s Showcase

June 1 to 3, 2017

The Emerging Director’s Showcase is a unique opportunity for Lunchbox Theatre to provide mentorship to an emerging Calgary artist, and for audiences to have the opportunity to see the work of Calgary’s next great director.

The Suncor Stage One Festival of New Work

June 8 to 24, 2017

For 30 years Lunchbox Theatre has been dedicated to the creation, development and production of new Canadian one-act plays. In June, the theatre will commemorate this remarkable achievement, and this year will feature special celebratory readings and events.

Lunchbox Theatre Season 2016-17

Where: 160, 115 9th Avenue SE

When: September 19, 2016 – June 24, 2017

Tickets: On sale from Lunchbox Theatre on Monday, April 18. Individual tickets $25 ($20 for students), playpasses $175 ($140 for students).