# **Hit Stage Adaptation of Ann-Marie MacDonald’s *Fall On Your Knees* Completes its Epic Stage Journey at the Grand Theatre** ![The cast of Fall On Your Knees. Photo by Dahlia Katz](/sites/default/files/styles/hero/public/2023-03/FEAT_FOYK.jpg?h=6a1d43e4&itok=cF1Wm3XH) The National Arts Centre, Vita Brevis Arts, Canadian Stage Company, Neptune Theatre, Grand Theatre production World Premiere Adaptation for the stage by Hannah Moscovitch and Alisa Palmer Co-Created and Written by Hannah Moscovitch Co-Created and Directed by Alisa Palmer Production Dramaturgy by Mel Hague Based on the Novel by Ann-Marie MacDonald On the Spriet Stage March 29 through April 2, 2023 **March 22, 2023 – London ON** – Following acclaimed performances across the nation, the Grand Theatre is proud to present the **final performances** of the **epic, two-part stage adaptation** of author **Ann-Marie MacDonald’s** beloved Canadian classic ***Fall On Your Knees*** from **March 29th through April 2nd.** Produced by the **Grand Theatre, National Arts Centre English Theatre, Vita Brevis Arts, Canadian Stage,** and **Neptune Theatre**, the world premiere of the stage adaptation of *Fall On Your Knees* is the result of a **historic partnership** among the five companies – with the show premiering in **Toronto, ON**, before travelling to **Halifax, NS, Ottawa, ON,** and finishing in **London, ON.** “After years of development and anticipation, we are thrilled to welcome the company of *Fall On Your Knees* to the Grand Theatre to share their final performances with us and complete their epic stage journey,” says **Dennis Garnhum, Grand Theatre Artistic Director**. “Between the sweeping story, the multitude of large theatre companies involved, and the gathering of artists from coast-to-coast, this *truly* is an historic production – one that we are honoured to be a part of and share with the city of London.” Ann-Marie MacDonald’s debut novel, *Fall On Your Knees* is a sweeping work of historical fiction that chronicles three generations of **Cape Breton Island’s Piper family**. The story moves from the battlefields of the First World War to the emerging jazz scene in Harlem, NY, and into the lives of four unforgettable sisters. The stage adaptation is co-created by renowned theatre artists **Alisa Palmer** –who serves as director for the production– and playwright **Hannah Moscovitch**, who developed the work over the course of a decade together. The pair then invited illustrious Toronto/New York composer, **Sean Mayes** to bring a compelling musical score to the production. Finally, this powerful creative team assembled an equally powerful cast to bring the work to life, including: **Tim Campbell, Janelle Cooper, Diane Flacks, Eva Foote, Samantha Hill, Drew Moore, Tony Ofori, Cara Rebecca, Maryem Tollar, Dakota Jamal Wellman, Jenny L Wright, Antoine Yared, Amaka Umeh (*Beethoven Lives Upstairs*, Grand Theatre 2017/18 Season),** and **London’s-own, Deborah Hay** – who last appeared on the Grand Theatre’s Spriet Stage as **Mary** in the 2019 production of ***Mary Poppins*.** *Fall on Your Knees*, MacDonald’s **first novel**, was first published in **1996** by **Knopf Canada** as part of their inaugural “New Face of Fiction”. Becoming an instant Canadian-classic, and critically acclaimed international best seller, the novel won multiple awards, including: the Commonwealth Prize, the People’s Choice Award, the Canadian Booksellers Association Libris Award for Fiction Book of the Year, and was short-listed for the Giller Prize. In 2002 it became an official selection of Oprah’s Book Club. “As *Fall On Your Knees* arrives in London, I want to express how grateful I am,” remarks **Ann-Marie MacDonald**, the celebrated author of *Fall On Your Knees.* “Alisa Palmer and her creative team, along with the incredible producing partners, including the folks at the London Grand, have exceeded my expectations every step of the way. The show is spell-binding. So many people have put so much into bringing this extraordinary theatrical experience to audiences, and they’ve done it out of faith in the importance of stories; and the love of sharing them, live, together, in real time.” *Fall On Your Knees* is a two-part production on the Spriet Stage for a limited run, from **March 29th through April 2nd,** **2023**. **Tickets start at $35** and are available at [www.grandtheatre.com](https://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 2022/23 returning Season Sponsor **BMO Financial Group**. As well as: *Fall On Your Knees* Lead Donors: Margaret Fountain, C.M., D.F.A.(hc), D.H.L.(hc) and David Fountain, C.M. Developed with support from the National Arts Centre’s National Creation Fund. We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts. Produced with the support of the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council. To learn more about ***Fall On Your Knees***, please visit: . Additional facts, photos, and updates can also be found by following @thegrandlondon and #FallOnYourKnees on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheGrandLondon), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thegrandlondon), and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thegrandlondon/?hl=en). The Grand Theatre wishes to acknowledge and honour the original stewards of the land on which our Theatre stands. Gratitude and recognition are extended to the Attawandaron (also known as Neutral), Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, and Lunaapewak peoples for preserving this land where we gather and create art. ## **About the Grand Theatre – World Curious. London Proud.** In the heart of downtown London, Ontario lies one of Canada’s oldest regional theatres and a leading cultural hub of today: the Grand Theatre. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Dennis Garnhum and Executive Director Evan Klassen, the Grand proudly presents diverse, relevant, and original stories from around the globe – and around the corner – on its two stages. The not-for-profit theatre is committed to developing, producing, and premiering original stories through its COMPASS New Play Development program. Further, it is an ardent supporter of educational programming, as demonstrated through initiatives like the High School Project and Subsidized Student Matinees. For more information, visit: grandtheatre.com. Follow us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheGrandLondon), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thegrandlondon), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thegrandlondon/?hl=en), [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/TheGrandTheatre), and[ LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-grand-theatre/). **For more information please contact:** Caitlin Core, Communications Manager ccore \[at\] grandtheatre.com (ccore\[at\]grandtheatre\[dot\]com) 519-672-9030 ext. 266 ## **ABOUT THE NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE** The National Arts Centre is Canada’s bilingual, multi-disciplinary home for the performing arts. The NAC presents, creates, produces, and co-produces performing arts programming in various streams — the NAC Orchestra, Dance, English Theatre in collaboration with Black Theatre Workshop, French Theatre, Indigenous Theatre, and Popular Music and Variety — and nurtures the next generation of audiences and artists from across Canada. The NAC is located in the National Capital Region on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe. ## **ABOUT VITA BREVIS ARTS** Vita Brevis Arts (VBA) was founded by Alisa Palmer to support the development of unusual theatre projects, aimed for larger spaces and audiences. VBA was created to support projects that are ambitious in scope, urgent in content and that have the capacity to speak to diverse audiences in a highly theatrical and sensually rich language. Inclusive and artistically excellent storytelling is at the heart of VBA's mission. In practice, VBA partners with established theatre companies and helps to realize projects that may be outside the box: to curate artist - driven development processes outside traditional development models, and which require sensitivity to culturally specific material. VBA is comprised of producers Alisa Palmer, Paul Beauchamp, and Patricia Cerra. ## **ABOUT CANADIAN STAGE** Canadian Stage is one of the country’s leading contemporary performing arts organizations. A collision of disciplines and cultures, Canadian Stage reflects the dynamism and complexity of Canada and is a vital artistic force locally, nationally, and internationally. In its over thirty-year history, Canadian Stage has employed thousands of artists and developed and produced hundreds of new productions. Many of the plays developed by Canadian Stage have been awarded and nominated for Canada's most prestigious literary and performing arts honours, including Governor General's, Chalmers, and Dora Mavor Moore Awards. Throughout the theatre season, nearly 100,000 patrons attend performances and workshops in its three Toronto venues. ## **ABOUT NEPTUNE THEATRE** Neptune Theatre is Atlantic Canada’s regional theatre, now in its 59th season. On our stages you’ll experience theatre that is uplifting and thought-provoking. Working with the best local, regional, and Canadian theatre professionals, we seek to present a thought-provoking playbill that amplifies creative voices, inspires future generations of theatre artists, and delights audiences. With a mindful and inclusive approach, we are committed to bringing stories that represent the history and diversity of our region and its people to life on our stages. The work created and presented at Neptune explores our rich history and diversity, builds understanding, and shapes dialogue, helping to create a stronger, connected community. ## **THE CAST** James Piper - Tim Campbell Adelaide Taylor / Sweet Jessie Hogan - Janelle Cooper Sister St. Monica / Giles MacVicar / Mrs. Luvovitz - Diane Flacks Lily Piper - Eva Foote Frances Piper - Deborah Hay Kathleen Piper - Samantha Hill Ralph Luvovitz / David - Drew Moore Leo “Ginger” Taylor / Impresario - Tony Ofori Materia Piper / Charity Woman - Cara Rebecca Mrs. Mahmoud / Musician - Maryem Tollar Rose Lacroix / Doc Rose - Amaka Umeh Anthony / Ambrose - Dakota - Jamal Wellman Mercedes Piper / Jeanne - Jenny L Wright Mr. Mahmoud / Jameel / Maestro - Antoine Yared Rehearsal Swing - Kira Chisholm Rehearsal Swing - Naomi Ngebulana ## **THE MUSICIANS** Conductor, Piano, Accordion - Douglas Price Violin, Accordion - Anna Atkinson Flutes, Reeds, Pipes - Spencer Murray Vocals, Qanun, Oud, Percussion - Maryem Tollar ## **THE CREATIVE TEAM** Author - Ann-Marie MacDonald Director / Adaptor / Co-Creator - Alisa Palmer Writer / Adaptor / Co-Creator - Hannah Moscovitch Associate Director - Cherissa Richards Choreographer - Natasha Powell Associate Choreographer - Holly Wood Jade Associate Choreographer - Terek A Tyler-Davis Music Supervisor & Composer - Sean Mayes Set Designer - Camellia Koo Costume Designer - Judith Bowden Associate Costume Designer - Joyce Padua Lighting Designer - Leigh Ann Vardy Sound Designer - Brian Kenny Audio Engineer - Brandon Wells Technical Director - Daniel Bennett Associate Music Supervisor - Douglas Price Fight & Sexual Choreographer - Anita Nittoly Dramaturg - Mel Hague Dialect Coach - Jane Gooderham Dialect & Disability Consultant - Yousef Kadoura Stage Manager - Michael Hart Assistant Stage Manager - Sarah Miller Apprentice Stage Manager - Virg Iredale