April 23, 2013
The MonitorApril 12, 2013
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A Segal Centre production
Jay Baruchel will star in the world premiere of Sherlock Holmes, a new stage production based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle written by Greg Kramer and directed by Andrew Shaver. A Segal Centre Production presented by Delmar Cargo, Sherlock Holmes runs in the Segal Theatre from May 5th to May 26th, 2013. Watch the trailer !
Made in Montreal
Montreal actor Jay Baruchel will play the title role in the Segal Centre’s original adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic tales of Sherlock Holmes. With an impressive roster of Hollywood blockbusters to his name such as How to Train Your Dragon, Million Dollar Baby, Knocked Up, Tropic Thunder and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Baruchel brings his distinctive energy and talent to this important Montreal premiere:
“I am honoured to get to play this iconic character and in my home of all places. Montreal is my heart and having the opportunity to make my little contribution to our great city's culture means the world to me. Flattered, touched, honoured: these are the adjectives of my involvement with the Segal Centre,” states Baruchel, who, in addition to his work in the US, proudly devotes himself to creating quality Canadian works, in his hometown and nationally, such as the cult film The Trotsky and the hit hockey feature Goon.
In Memory of Beloved Friend & Artist Greg Kramer
The Segal Centre commissioned multi-talented British-born Montreal-based writer, director and actor Greg Kramer to pen this new Canadian work inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories of Sherlock Holmes.
Tragically, Kramer passed away on the eve of rehearsals. The Segal Centre dedicates this production to his memory:
“We mourn the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Greg Kramer. We cherish the time we spent with Greg, an inspired and talented actor, director, writer, musician and magician. Greg devoted his life to his art. We honour his memory and legacy by continuing on with his final gift to the world, his Sherlock Holmes,” said Artistic Producer, Paul Flicker.
Greg had appeared in over 100 productions across the country, at The Vancouver Playhouse, Tarragon Theatre, Factory Theatre, the NAC, the Manitoba Theatre Centre and here in Montreal at the Centaur Theatre, most recently in SideMart Theatrical Grocery’s acclaimed play, Haunted Hillbilly. Directorial highlights include Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Inherit the Wind here at the Segal Centre and Kit Brennan’s Tiger’s Heart at the Centaur Theatre. His unique talent also extended to writing; he penned the original plays Lies of the Vampyre, Skateboard Tango, and Isadora Fabulist (Imago Theatre) and the novels The Pursemonger of Fugu, Couchwarmer, Hogtown Bonbons and Wally. Sherlock Holmes marked his most recent writing project, a fresh take on an unrivaled classic.
The Game Is Afoot
London, England, the end of the 19th Century. The opium wars have ended. The Ripper has wreaked his havoc. Electricity is on the rise and Scotland Yard is in its infancy. Lord Neville St. John gives a moving speech in the House of Lords to ban opium and a vote on the matter is imminent. Meanwhile, Professor James Moriarty, notorious criminal kingpin, plots to thwart the upcoming opium vote. When a drowned body is discovered, and Lord Neville goes missing, Scotland Yard turns to “the world’s only consulting detective” and newest resident of 221B Baker Street, Sherlock Holmes. Thrilling, humorous, full of head-scratching crimes and dazzling deduction, Sherlock Holmes will take you on a heart stopping adventure through the opium dens, the muddy docklands and the gritty backstreets of London. See if you can solve the mystery along with the famous sleuth of Baker Street!
The Usual Suspects
One of Montreal’s most exciting young directors, Andrew Shaver, known for his work with the critically-acclaimed company SideMart Theatrical Grocery (Trad, Haunted Hillbilly, Gordon), brings his ironic and kinesthetic vision to the production.
An eleven-person cast of the city’s brightest stage talent will transform our stage into the thrilling world of Sherlock Holmes. Joining Jay Baruchel as the detective’s faithful associate and biographer Dr. John Watson is Karl Graboshas, who appeared alongside Baruchel in Goon. The extraordinary dynamic between both actors promises to be one of the highlights of the production.
Sherlock Holmes co-stars include Gemma James-Smith as the intriguing Irene St. John, Kyle Gatehouse as Sherlock’s arch enemy Professor James Moriarty and Graham Cuthbertson as henchman Colonel Sebastian Moran. The lively ensemble is completed by Trent Pardy, Patrick Costello, Chip Chuipka, Deena Aziz and Mary Harvey.
A stellar design team has been assembled to create Sherlock’s world. Steampunk infused with a hint of Jean-Paul Gaultier has inspired set and costume designer James Lavoie’s aesthetic take on a neo-Victorian London. Adding the elegance of Luc Prairie’s lighting, a powerful score by sound designer Jesse Ash and video design by George Allister and Patrick Andrew Boivin promises to translate the era into a “cinematic” theatrical experience.
About the Segal Centre for Performing Arts
The Segal Centre is a meeting place for all of the performing arts, showcasing the best professional artists from here and abroad and playing a leading role in the artistic development of Montreal’s youth and the creation of its cultural legacy. Through theatre, music, dance, cinema and the Academy, the Segal Centre is setting a broad vision by recognizing the importance of building bridges through the arts and supporting multicultural projects in Montreal. The Centre’s commitment is to ensure that creativity resonates within our community and that it remains accessible and inspiring each and every day, leading the performing arts world of tomorrow. www.segalcentre.org It Happens Here! Discover the Segal Centre’s 2013-2014 Season.