Spriet Stage
Grow
Grow
Book by Matt Murray
Music by Colleen Dauncey
Lyrics by Akiva Romer-Segal
Directed by Dennis Garnhum
April 19 to April 30, 2022
Opening Night April 22
Spriet Stage
Running Time: 120 minutes
Age Recommendation: 12+
Advisories: This production depicts scenes of recreational cannabis use
Title Sponsor
Michael & Stephanie McDonald
Hospitality Sponsor
"Wherever you go, I will go."
The Story
GROW is an outrageously fun, big-hearted musical that examines the bonds of family, the value of community, and the choices we make in order to grow.
Before they must commit to the Amish faith forever, nineteen-year-old twins Hannah and Ruth leave the comfort of their sheltered community to go on Rumspringa - a time when Amish teenagers are free to explore the modern world. After arriving in Toronto, their plans quickly go up in smoke and they team up with a down-on-his-luck cannabis dealer to help run his illegal grow-op.
The Background
Originally titled Rumspringa Break, GROW was written by Sarnia playwright, Matt Murray and features songs composed by Toronto song-writing team, Colleen Dauncey and Akiva Romer-Segal. Celebrated by the Globe and Mail as "the Canadian musical's next power duo", the pair have written the scores to The Subway Songs, Scenes from the Bathhouse, and Bremen Rock City. They have also notably composed the music to The Louder We Get (formerly Prom Queen: The Musical), which was staged during the Grand’s 2018/2019 Season as its High School Project.
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.
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.
For Your Safety
In a steadfast commitment to the health and safety of its audience, artists, technicians, staff, and volunteers, the Grand has implemented the following measures:
- Flexible Seating: Patrons seeking further physical distancing when seated in one of the Grand’s Theatre spaces are given the option to switch seats in our flexible seating program. Grand ushers will be equipped with up-to-date seating charts at all performances and are happy to escort patrons to new, unoccupied seats.
- Full Vaccination: In conjunction with the Provincial mandate, all those* entering the Grand Theatre are required to provide proof of being fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, with the final dose having been received at least 14 days prior to entry.
- Face Masks: All those inside of the Grand’s building are required to wear a mask that fully covers the nose, mouth, and chin at all times.
- Sanitation: Hand sanitization stations can be accessed on all floors of the Theatre. In addition, the Theatre will be maintaining stringent cleaning protocols before and after all performances.
Prior to attending a performance, the Grand asks all patrons who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 to call the Theatre Box Office to exchange their ticket(s) to a future performance. We thank you for your continued cooperation and support.
* Unless holding medical exemption