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: 140 minutes (including intermission)
Age Recommendation: 12+
Advisories: This production depicts scenes of recreational cannabis use and coarse language
Title Sponsor
Michael & Stephanie McDonald
Hospitality Sponsor
"Wherever you go, I will go."
The Story
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
AfterWORDS
On Wednesday evenings, immediately after the performance, come up to the Drewlo Lounge for a brief guided discussion with Grand staff members, guest artists, and creative team members. Enhance your theatre experience with this informal chance to dive deeper into the show’s content while mingling with patrons and artists.
Grow events:
AfterWORDS - 4/20 Edition: Wednesday, April 20th (after the 7:30PM show). Guest speakers engage in a lively discussion about GROW, the cannabis industry, and the Amish community depicted in the show. This post-show event is 19+.
Wednesday, April 27: Special Guest – The Grand Theatre's Head of Props, Natalie Kearns, will be talking about her behind-the-scenes work on GROW. Q&A to Follow.
Pull up a chair and join us – the Drewlo Lounge Bar will be open!
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: Until further notice, 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. For more information on this, visit our COVID Protocols page.
- 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, except with consuming refreshments in the lobby spaces.
- 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
Grow
The Cast
