Peggy Shannon News

Ryerson Theatre School is pleased to share our 2015/16 season! RTS is recognized nationally for producing works in collaboration with and by world-renowned and award winning Actors, Dancers, Directors, Choreographers and Production Designers.

On Sunday night the stars of Toronto's musical theatre scene came out to pay tribute to Des McAnuff as he received an honourary doctorate from Ryerson University for his contribution to the arts over the last few decades. Including cast members from the original Toronto production of Jersey Boys and the current Stratford Festival production of Jesus Christ Superstar, the evening was filled with good music and fantastic tales from Des' extraordinary life. BWW was on hand to bring its readers exclusive photos from the performances and the after party.

On Sunday October 23rd the Ryerson Theatre School is holding a special one night only concert at Koerner Hall to celebrate the achievements of Tony Award Winning director Des McAnuff. It has been a banner year for McAnuff, with his production of Jesus Christ Superstar a runaway hit at the Stratford Festival and bound for Broadway in March of 2012. The concert will feature songs from many of Des' shows, as well as cast members from Jesus Christ Superstar, Toronto's Jersey Boys and more. BWW spoke to Peggy Shannon, Chair of the Ryerson Theatre School, on what we can expect at the event and on the new scholarship the school is offering in Des' honour.

Silk Road Theatre Project's Al Kasida Staged Reading Series Presents CALLIGRAPHY, a play by Velina Hasu Houston, directed by Lisa Portes. Featuring: Cheryl Hamada, Christine Lin, Anthony Peeples, Jennifer Shin, and Lisa Tejero. Thursday, August 25 at 7:30pm, Saturday, August 27 at 8:00pm, and Sunday, August 28 at 2:00pm.

Palestine. 1939. A dying revolution. An Arab family trapped: divided between rebellion and hope for a stable future. True events inspire this compelling story about Arab revolt against British occupation as two nations fight for their stake to land during a period of momentous global change. Emerging playwright Ismail Khalidi lends a bold, contemporary voice to the Israeli/Palestinian history in Tennis in Nablus, the sixth winner of the nationally recognized Kendeda Graduate Playwriting Competition. Off-beat humor abounds in this 'tragipoliticomedy' about allegiance, struggle and crisis, where events and people are not what they seem. Sacramento Theatre Company Artistic Director Peggy Shannon directs this new work on the intimate Hertz Stage at the Alliance Theatre. Opening Night is Wed, Feb. 3, at 8 p.m.

Palestine. 1939. A dying revolution. An Arab family trapped: divided between rebellion and hope for a stable future. True events inspire this compelling story about Arab revolt against British occupation as two nations fight for their stake to land during a period of momentous global change. Emerging playwright Ismail Khalidi lends a bold, contemporary voice to the Israeli/Palestinian history in Tennis in Nablus, the sixth winner of the nationally recognized Kendeda Graduate Playwriting Competition. Off-beat humor abounds in this 'tragipoliticomedy' about allegiance, struggle and crisis, where events and people are not what they seem. Sacramento Theatre Company Artistic Director Peggy Shannon directs this groundbreaking new work on the intimate Hertz Stage. Opening Night is Wed, Feb. 3, at 8 p.m.