Theatregoers in London have something to look forward to this fall.
The Grand Theatre has announced plans to reopen to live audiences in October.
The downtown theatre has been closed due to the pandemic since March of last year. During that time it has undergone a $9 million renovation.
“Throughout the last 16 months, we’ve said that we will be back, that the theatre will return, and when we do, we will be even better than before. And today, we are following through on that commitment," said Artistic Director Dennis Garnhum. "Not only have we used this time of being closed to public performances to renovate our physical spaces, but as a company we’ve embarked on a journey to grow, learn and work through a renewed anti-oppression lens, and we can hardly wait to welcome Londoners into the gorgeous space we have created, both inside and out.”
The 2021-2022 season will kick off in October with the Grand Re: Opening Festival. The 16 evening event will include everything from concerts to art installations, from readings to new plays all created by four London artists - Summer Bressette, Richard Gracious, Alexandra Kane, and Mark Uhre.
"We think this is a joyous way to welcome Londoners into our new spaces. A gorgeous new building with inspiring performers making art from top to bottom,” said Garnhum.
For the holiday season, Garnhum is creating and directing a new special production called "Home for the Holidays" that will run throughout the month of December. The theatre has again committed to collecting donations for the London Food Bank through the holiday production's run, an initiative that has raised more than $300,000 over the past four years.
Emma Donoghue's Room, which never saw its official opening night in March 2020, will hit the stage in January 2022. That will be followed by award-winning playwright and Londoner Andrea Scott's Damage Control the month after. The production on the Spriet Stage showcases the story of Canadian civil rights leader Viola Desmond.
On the Auburn Developments Stage during the first two weeks of February 2022 will be Rubaboo: Songs and Stories with Andrea Menard.
Grow, which was originally scheduled for April 2020 and was days away from its first rehearsal when the global pandemic hit, will premier next year. The Jeans ‘n Classics series and the High School Project will also be back in the new year.
The Grand is working with public health officials on safety protocols and procedures that will need to be in place before patrons are allowed to return. It is also learning best reopening practices from other theatres across North America.
Tickets for the productions will not go on sale until the provincial government clarifies capacity level guidelines for theatres.
"It’s our turn to lift London up as we get ready to open the doors to this incredible new space full of rich and diverse programming," said Garnhum. "We have missed seeing you, working with you, creating with you, and celebrating with you. We look forward with Grandticipation to seeing you this fall.”
