September 11 2024
The Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA) has announced its upcoming season featuring a sensational line-up of plays and musicals for 2024/2025. The Victoria-based institution presents five exciting productions spanning nostalgic classics, edge-of-your-seat adventures, and rapturous musical experiences to be featured on-stage from October 2024 through April 2025.
Speaking of the much-anticipated season, Managing Director (Interim) and Director of Education, Danielle Meunier, says, “CCPA is pleased to bring a powerful blend of new Canadian talent, thought provoking playwrights, celebrated directors, and diverse themes during the upcoming year.”
Opening on Oct. 17, the season kicks off with Ten Lost Years, by Jack Winter and Cedric Smith, and directed by Glynis Leyshon. Equal parts despairing and heartwarming, the play recounts authentic stories of middle-class, working Canadians during the Great Depression.
The powerful and hard-hitting Antigone 方, by Ho Ka Kei (Jeff Ho) and directed by Marjorie Chan opens on Nov. 28. The play is the re-telling of a Greek classic inspired by the 2014 Umbrella movement student protests and the 1989 uprising in Tiananmen Square.
The season shifts gears as CCPA presents the witty and engaging Jane Austen literary masterpiece Sense and Sensibility by Canadian Michelle Deines, directed by Barbara Poggemiller and choreographed by David Roland, opening on Dec. 12.
Opening on Feb. 7, is the multi-award winning, off-Broadway hit Ride the Cyclone, directed by Jordan Laffrenier, choreographed by Laura Ross, with music direction by Stephanie Sartore. This outlandish, dark comedy was created in Victoria by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell.
The season culminates with Rodgers + Hammerstein’s classic musical Cinderella, (music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, new book by Douglas Carter Beane, original book by Oscar Hammerstein II), directed & choreographed by Naomi Costain, with music direction by Jeff Poynter. Theatre lovers will see one of the world’s most loved characters with a quirky, refreshingly irreverent twist. In keeping with CCPA tradition, the Year-End Musical will be staged at the McPherson Playhouse in downtown Victoria from Apr. 18 to 26.
Local community support has played a significant role throughout CCPA’s history in fostering the next generation of artistic leaders. Danielle Meunier says, “We are thankful to the community in Victoria who have supported students’ dreams for the last 25 years. As a boutique, conservatory college tucked away in Oak Bay, we’re honoured to welcome students from across Canada and around the world to explore the Performing Arts through their unique perspectives. Here, students refine their performative skills, shape their creative ideas, and as young creative leaders go on to make a significant impact in our society. We’re particularly excited to welcome back successful CCPA alumni on creative teams this season.”
Subscriptions are open now at ccpacanada.com/tickets.