# **The Grand Theatre Presents the World Premiere of *GROW*** *From the program that launched the Broadway smash-hit **Come From Away** comes a “high”-ly anticipated new musical comedy* Book by Matt Murray Music by Colleen Dauncey Lyrics by Akiva Romer-Segal Directed by Dennis Garnhum On the Spriet Stage April 19 to 30, 2022 **April 12, 2022 – London ON** – Is the grass always greener on the other side? From **April 19 to 30**, this age-old question will be theatrically explored as London’s Grand Theatre proudly presents the **World Premiere** of the Canadian musical comedy ***GROW*.** ***GROW*** follows Amish twins, Hannah and Ruth, as they leave the comfort of their sheltered community to explore the modern world for the first time. After arriving in Toronto, their plans quickly go up in smoke and they wind up crashing with a down-on-his-luck illegal cannabis dealer. Their sisterhood is tested when the creation of the “world’s greatest weed” launches one of the twins to astronomical heights. Packed with soaring songs, big laughs, and unforgettable characters, this brand-new musical comedy examines the bonds of family, the value of community, and the choices we make in order to grow. “When I first encountered GROW in **2016**, I knew I was in the presence of something uniquely-exceptional,” remarks Grand Theatre Artistic Director and *GROW* Director, **Dennis Garnhum**. “Although *GROW* tells an entirely original story, addressing the anonymities of Amish culture, its themes of family and personal choice are incredibly relevant and deeply relatable. Is your family defined by blood? Or, is your family the ones you choose to be with? Audiences will be left to decide as they become some of the firsts in the world to experience this beautiful, heart-warming, and “high”-larious musical.” The book for *GROW* was written by Sarnia-born playwright, **Matt Murray** (***Myth of the Ostrich, Ross Petty Pantomimes, Going Under, Maggie: a new musical written with award-winning recording artist Johnny Reid***). Canadian song-writing team, **Colleen Dauncey** and **Akiva Romer-Segal** penned the musical’s memorable music and lyrics. Celebrated by the Globe and Mail as "the Canadian musical's next power duo," the pair have written the scores to ***Going Under*,** ***Bremen Rock City*** *and* ***The Louder We Get*** (formerly ***Prom Queen: The Musical*)**, which was staged during the Grand’s 2018/2019 Season as its High School Project. At the invitation of prominent Canadian producer, **Michael Rubinoff,** in 2016 *GROW* was first developed through **Sheridan College’s Canadian Music Theatre Project**, where the Broadway smash hit ***Come From Away*** originated. It was further workshopped at the prestigious **Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals** in East Haddam, Connecticut in 2020. *GROW* brings renowned international and Canadian talent to the Spriet Stage. Making their Grand Theatre debut are: **Ann Paula Bautista, Megan Dallan, Izad Etemadi, Christina Gordon, Arinea Hermans, Taran Kim, Sweeney MacArthur,** **Clea McCaffrey, Adam Sanders,** and **Jenny Weisz**. Returning cast includes: **Andrew McAllister**, who last appeared at the Grand in the 2012 production of *Hair* ; Scarborough-born, **Masini McDermott** who captivated audiences with her powerful vocals in the Grand’s holiday spectacular, *Home for the Holidays* (2021); and notable Canadian actor, director, and instructor, **Jan Alexandra Smith** who has appeared in seven seasons at the Grand– perhaps most notably remembered as Johannah Donnelly in the cultural epic, *Vigilante* and Scrooge in *A Christmas Carol*. A **COMPASS New Play Development** production, *GROW* was scheduled to have its world premiere at the Grand Theatre in **April 2020** but was suspended in the wake of the **COVID-19 pandemic**. Determined to bring the compelling musical to its London audience, the Grand postponed the show to close its 2021/2022 season on the **Spriet Stage**. “It’s been a long two years for us all,” says *GROW* producer, **Michael Rubinoff**. “After all that *GROW*, and we as a society have gone through, I couldn’t be happier that audiences will finally experience this joyous, beautiful, and compelling piece of Canadian theatre. But, even more than that, I am honoured that the London community will join us in making theatre history by being among the first to see *GROW*.” *GROW* is on the Spriet Stage from **April 19 - 30, 2022** for an estimated run time of **120 minutes (plus intermission)**. Tickets are **$59.89 total** for all seats and are available at [www.grandtheatre.com](http://www.grandtheatre.com), by phone at 519-672-8800, or at the Box Office, 471 Richmond Street. The Grand Theatre gratefully acknowledges the continued support of the 2021/22 returning Season Sponsor **BMO Financial Group**, *GROW* Title Sponsors, **Michael & Stephanie McDonald,** and Hospitality Sponsor**, Tourism London** To learn more about *GROW*, please visit grandtheatre.com. Additional facts, photos, and updates can also be found by following @thegrandlondon and #GROWattheGrand on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheGrandLondon), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thegrandlondon), and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thegrandlondon/?hl=en). ### **ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE** **AfterWORDS** On Wednesday evenings, immediately following the performance, audience members are invited to the Drewlo Lounge for a brief guided discussion with Grand staff members, guest artists, and creative team members. This unique opportunity provides patrons the informal chance to dive deeper into the show’s content while mingling with patrons and artists. The Grand’s Wednesday AfterWORDS series for *GROW* will take place on **April 20** and **27.** **About the Grand Theatre – World Curious. London Proud.** Under the leadership of Artistic Director Dennis Garnhum and Executive Director Deb Harvey, the Grand is a leading cultural hub located in the heart of downtown London, Ontario. The Grand offers diverse, relevant, and original stories from around the globe through collaborations with national and international performing arts organizations and is committed to developing, producing, and premiering original stories through its [COMPASS](/compass) New Play Development program. The Grand supports educational programming through initiatives like the High School Project and Subsidized Student Matinees. The Grand completed a $9.5 million renovation to its lobby spaces and backstage areas in Fall 2021. After the cancellation of its 2020-21 Season in June 2020 due to the global pandemic, the Grand officially reopened its doors in November 2021. ## **MEDIA CALL** **When:** Tuesday, April 19 at 1:00 p.m. (Cameras, please arrive at 12:30 p.m. to set up) **Where:** Spriet Stage, Grand Theatre, 471 Richmond Street, London, Ontario **What:** *GROW* photo, video, and interview opportunities for media **For more information please contact:** Caitlin Core, Communications Manager ccore \[at\] grandtheatre.com (ccore\[at\]grandtheatre\[dot\]com) 519-672-9030 ext. 266 ## **THE CAST** (in alphabetical order) Ann Paula Bautista - Emma / Brenda Megan Dallan - Hannah & Ruth Understudy Izad Etemadi - Samuel / Owen Christina Gordon - Sarah / Gloria Arinea Hermans - Hannah Taran Kim - Moses / Kevin Sweeney MacArthur - Father / Larry Andrew McAllister - Ephraim / Alan Clea McCaffrey - Martha / Janis Masini McDermott - Mary / Alexis Adam Sanders - Jacob / Skor Jan Alexandra Smith - Miriam / Susan Jenny Weisz - Ruth ## **THE PRODUCTION TEAM** Matt Murray – Book Writer Colleen Dauncey - Composer Akiva Romer-Segal - Lyricist Michael Rubinoff - Producer Dennis Garnhum - Director Wayne Gwillim - Musical Supervisor / Orchestrations Andrew Petrasiunas - Music Director Linda Garneau – Choreographer Saccha Dennis - Associate Director Bretta Gerecke - Set & Costume Designer Kevin Fraser - Lighting Designer Jamie Nesbitt - Projection Designer Brian Kenny - Sound Designer Cameron Fraser - Assistant Projection Designer Stephan Ermel - Music Copyist Kelly Luft - Stage Manager Melissa Cameron - Assistant Stage Manager Logan McNutt - Apprentice Stage Manager