THE SHAPE OF HOME, Songs in Search of Al Purdy
- Crow’s Theatre presents Festival Players
- Frank Cox-O’Connell, Beau Dixon, Hailey Gillis, Marni Jackson, Raha Javanfar, Andrew Penner
- Frank Cox-O’Connell
- Sep 11 - Sep 25, 2022
- $45-$65
- Approximately 90 minutes no intermission
- Studio Theatre
-
Details
“What the hell do we do with this brief little life of ours?"
– Al Purdy
THE SHAPE OF HOME, SONGS IN SEARCH OF AL PURDY is an original, theatrical, song cycle that beautifully conjures the poetry and letters of one of Canada’s most legendary artists. A musical investigation into the life and work of Canada’s unofficial poet laureate, THE SHAPE OF HOME honours Purdy’s quest to live life fully, to love deeply, and to challenge actively.
Commissioned by Festival Players, located in the heart of Al Purdy's Prince Edward County, this new work was created by award-winning artists Beau Dixon (Passing Strange, Obsidian Theatre and The Musical Stage Company), Hailey Gillis (Master and Margarita, Crow’s Theatre), Andrew Penner (Ghost Quartet, Crow’s Theatre), Raha Javanfar (Rose: A New Musical, Soulpepper), Marni Jackson (co-writer of the film Al Purdy Was Here), and Frank Cox-O’Connell (Hand to God, Coal Mine Theatre), who also directs, THE SHAPE OF HOME is adventurous and audacious and finds beauty in unexpected and unusual places.
Listen to musical excerpts here: https://soundcloud.com/user-431478608
Running time is approximately 90 minutes, no intermission.
Download the show program here: https://www.crowstheatre.com/uploads/2222-2023 SEASON/TheShapeOfHomeProgram.pdf
READ THE REVIEWS:
Now Toronto"The Shape Of Home is smart, moving and full of soul. It does Purdy proud. NNNN"Istvan Dugalin"A loving tribute to his legacy. The Shape of Home is cozy, often rowdy, sometimes poignant and thoroughly persuasive."Lights Up Toronto"A Purdy damn perfect theatrical experience."A View from the Box"The music is intoxicating. Brought to life by such talented artists, it is truly wonderful to witness."https://aviewfromthebox.net/2022/09/14/crows-theatres-the-shape-of-home-songs-in-search-of-al-purdy/Our Theatre Voice"Magnificent!" -
The Team
CAST
- Frank Cox-O'Connell - Performer
- Beau Dixon - Performer
- Hailey Gillis - Performer
- Raha Javanfar - Performer
- Andrew Penner - Performer
- Emily Schultz - Swing Performer
CREATIVE
- Frank Cox-O’Connell - Creator and Director
- Beau Dixon - Creator
- Hailey Gillis - Creator
- Marni Jackson - Creator and Dramaturg
- Raha Javanfar - Creator
- Andrew Penner - Creator
- The Ensemble - Musical Direction
- Steve Lucas - Set Designer
- Steáfán Hannigan - Sound Designer
- Lindsay Forde - Costume Designer
- Noah Feaver - Lighting Designer
- Dylan Trowbridge - Associate Director
- Tamara Vuckovic - Stage Manager