Largest Cast Ever for Theatre Erindale!

Largest Cast Ever for Theatre Erindale! [Mississauga ON, February 2012] Theatre Erindale’s blockbuster “Power of Performance” Anniversary Season is about to wind up with the largest cast in its entire history. Stage Door, the hit 1936 comedy-drama by Edna Ferber and George S. Kaufman, will feature 21 women and 8 men, some of them in double roles. It depicts two years in the lives of a boarding-house-full of hopeful young actresses – who have their sights set on Broadway at the height of the Depression – as they fight to hold onto their dreams and artistic integrity despite the odds. The show runs March 8-18 for nine performances only at the Erindale Studio Theatre. Edna Ferber is best known for the source of the landmark musical Showboat, but her other works include the play The Royal Family, the novel behind the film Giant, and the Pulitzer prize-winning So Big. George S. Kaufman is particularly famous as co-author (with Moss Hart) of The Man Who Came to Dinner and the Pulitzer prize-winning You Can’t Take it With You, and for directing the first productions of The Front Page, My Sister Eileen and Guys and Dolls. Their hit Stage Door was immediately adapted for a film starring Kate Hepburn, Ginger Rogers and Lucille Ball. It has recently been revived to great acclaim in both Chicago and Los Angeles, in spaces almost as intimate as the Erindale Studio Theatre. The LA Times called it an “historical valentine to the theater … superb!” Director Heinar Piller is one of Theatre Erindale’s favourite guests, having staged The Libation-Bearers, Love’s Labour’s Lost, and Pillars of Society for the company. He is the former Artistic Director of the Neptune Theatre, the Grand Theatre, and Errant Productions, as well as being the man who turned George Brown College into a major Acting school. Piller points out the parallels between the lives of the struggling stage actresses in the play and those of the actors who will be playing them. The authors opted for what he calls a “slice-of-life approach. They created a carnival of characters, and we come to know – and care for – each and every one of them.” He continues, “I am always astonished anew, working with the gifted students of Theatre Erindale, at their talent, their work ethic, their commitment.” And they will soon be pounding the pavement “on the Canadian equivalent of 42nd Street!” 1/2 Don’t wait to make reservations – some performances are already sold out! Stage Door previews March 8, opens March 9, and runs March 10 and 15-18 in the intimate state-of-the-art Erindale Studio Theatre on the campus of the University of Toronto Mississauga. Tickets are still only $15.00 – just $10.00 for students and seniors. Curtain time Thursdays is 7:30, Fridays and Saturdays 8PM, with 2PM matinees Saturdays and Sunday the 18th. On Thursdays use the CCT Garage accessed from the South end of campus, for other performances use Lot 1 at the North end. Parking is $6.00. For tickets and information or to receive a free colour brochure, call the Box Office at 905-569-4369 or visit www.theatreerindale.com . Contact: Heinar Piller at 416-653-1768 STAGE DOOR Production Photos (high resolution versions by Jim Smagata from Monday March 5th at www.utm.utoronto.ca/academic/theatre/press.htm) Stage Door by Edna Ferber & George S. Kaufman directed by Heinar Piller Previews March 8; Opens March 9; runs March 10 & 15-18, 2012 Thursdays 7:30, Fridays 8PM Saturdays 2PM & 8PM; Sunday March 18 2PM $10-$15 Erindale Studio Theatre Box Office 905-569-4369 or www.theatreerindale.com 2/2 .

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