Theater lovers throughout Western New York still have time to catch a show (or two) at the historic Grand Theatre in nearby London, Ontario, before the close of the 2011-12 MainStage season.
Beginning on March 13 and running through the end of the month is Theatre Newfoundland Labrador’s production of “Tempting Providence” by Robert Chafe. This inspiring portrait of nurse Myra Bennett, one of Newfoundland’s first out-port nurses, is based on true events. Myra moved from her native London, England, in 1921 after hearing of the desperate need for health care in rural communities in Newfoundland. During her time of service, she assisted countless patients, delivering more than 5,000 babies and pulling more than 3,000 teeth, reaching her patients spread throughout the 320-kilometer Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland by horse, boat, dogsled and foot! She was the only nurse in the area for more than 50 years and ultimately became a true Canadian hero.
Switching gears, the MainStage season concludes with the ever-popular production of “Hair.” Originally produced by the New York Shakespeare Festival, “Hair” will rule the stage from April 10 through May 13. This unforgettable American tribal love-rock sensation asks questions, seeks answers, embraces change and celebrates hope, with unforgettable songs including “Aquarius,” “Let the Sunshine In,” “Easy to be Hard” and “Good Morning, Starshine.” Due to the subject matter (nudity, sexuality, drugs, etc.), you may want to keep the young ones home for this one!
The beautifully renovated Grand Theatre is located at 471 Richmond St. in downtown London. For more information on The Grand, please visit www.grandtheatre.com. To view a brief video about the theater, visit http://www.londontourism.ca/Discover-Our-Spirit/Attractions/The-Grand-Theatre. And, for helpful information on planning a quick getaway to London, visit www.londontourism.ca.
