STRIKE! THE MUSICAL
Music & Lyrics by Danny Schur
Book by Rick Chafe and Danny Schur
June 18-28 and July 2-5, 2019
If you think you’ve seen it before…think again. Based on true events and staged one hundred years to the day of the climactic conclusion of the Winnipeg General Strike, Danny Schur and Rick Chafe’s award-winning musical will be re-imagined by a visionary creative team led by Winnipeg director, Sharon Bajer.
This new Centennial Version of the musical more accurately reflects the people of the time with diverse characters, new songs and new arrangements inspired from the upcoming feature film, STAND! Some additions include the role of Emma – an African American woman fleeing violence in the United States – played by recording artist Maiko Watson Munroe (of Sugar Jones) and the role of Gabriel – an indigenous soldier struggling to find his voice in his colonized land – played by Rainbow Stage newcomer Nick Nahwegahbow.
The fight for basic human rights in the workplace wasn’t only for the workers of 1919, it was for future generations of Canadians. The next generation is represented by three child prodigies – siblings of Jewish/Mennonite heritage – who are exceptional musicians and actors: Malacai Hiebert (Violin), Jonah Hiebert (Cello/Banjo) and Shiloh Hiebert (Violin).
The cast is filled out by a virtuosic cast representing the Ukrainian and Jewish community: Cory Wojcik (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST), Duncan Cox (debut), Josh Bellan (debut) and Elena Howard-Scott (RING OF FIRE), returned soldiers: Dane Bjornson (debut), Jesse Grandmont (RING OF FIRE) and Liam Naughten (debut), the ruling class: Kevin McIntyre (MAMMA MIA), and Paula Potosky (MARY POPPINS), and the famed Helen Armstrong is played by Andrea del Campo (LES MIS). This new production will not only feature performers who act, sing and dance…but who play instruments along with our musicians at the same time.
Director Bajer will be joined by award-winning choreographer Stephanie (SAM) Manchulenko (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST) and music director/arranger Jesse Grandmont (RING OF FIRE, MAMMA MIA). Our design team includes wall-of-fame lighting designer, Scott Henderson, expert sound designer Emily Porter (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST) and international set-designer Douglas Paraschuk.
A proud member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT), Rainbow Stage presents STRIKE! THE MUSICAL in solidarity with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Music Professionals of Manitoba (MPM), Canadian Actors’ Equity Association (CAEA), Associated Designers of Canada (ADC) and Playwrights Guild of Canada (PGC).
STRIKE! THE MUSICAL is the first locally-penned book musical in Rainbow Stage’s history. If there is one event you want to take in for the centenary of the Winnipeg General Strike, don’t miss this one-stop flagship event.
Get your tickets now at rainbowstage.ca
Box Office: 204.989.0888
Tickets start at $25 and go up to $65 – all taxes and fees included.
