September 25, 2006 -

A Théâtre du Gros Mécano (Quebec) production, in coproduction with the NAC English Theatre

“Colour, fantasy, magic, and irresistible movement; a romantic comedy… that explores the serious notions of self-esteem, the desire to love and be loved, and the importance of listening to one’s own heart when it goes “boom, boom!” and firmly seizing the day.”
Jean St-Hilaire, Le Soleil (Quebec City)

Ottawa -- Celebrated playwright Marie-Josée Bastien’s romantic, charming, story about first love, chocolate, the mysteries of life, and books is in rehearsal at the NAC for its first ever production in English. Translated by Maureen Labonté, the play that so delighted French audiences last season as part of the NAC Théâtre français’ season (and that has been an audience favourite for over 200 performances since November 2003), is certain to be as engaging and well-loved as the original. The Bookshop is suitable for audiences ages 7 to 97 – a romantic comedy that lifts the spirits and brings a smile to the face. The Bookshop opens on Friday, September 29 at 19:00 in the NAC Studio. Subsequent performances are at 13:00, 15:00 and 19:00 on Saturday, September 30, and at 11:00 and 15:00 on Sunday, October 1. Tickets for the play are $12 for children and adults alike and are available through Ticketmaster at (613) 755-1111, through the Ticketmaster link at www.nac-cna.ca , or in person at the NAC Box Office. Subscriptions for the NAC English Theatre Family3 series are still available online or by calling (613) 947 7000 ext. 620. (A surcharge applies to all purchases made through Ticketmaster.) There are four school matinees of The Bookshop on October 3 and 4 for which tickets are still available.

The Story:
It’s the day of the grand opening! First thing this morning, Jane officially took over as owner of the old bookshop on the corner. Everything is going smoothly until she receives a visit from the charming Samuel, who has just opened a chocolate boutique next door. Jane suddenly finds herself tongue-tied with shyness. Since troubles always seem to come in bunches, who should appear in the bookshop in the middle of the night but a charming old gentleman looking for a book he misplaced… more than 70 years ago?

“I wanted to talk about and share my love of books, those marvellous things that contain all the stories in the world, from picture books to universal encyclopedias. I wanted to talk about the irresistible urge to take a book and devour every word, gulp down every syllable; to dive into a book, get lost in a book. Every book is unique and speaks directly to our heart. It’s a passport to imaginary worlds.”
Marie-Josée Bastien

This first play for young audiences by acclaimed author and actress Marie-Josée Bastien is directed by Frédéric Dubois, one of Quebec’s hottest young stage directors, and features for the first time an English speaking cast made up of some of Ottawa’s and Montreal’s finest and most exciting Anglophone actors. Eleanor Noble plays Jane, the shy young bookshop owner. Marcel Jeannin plays Victor, a haunting presence in the bookshop. Sarah McVie plays Pétra, and Pierre Simpson takes the role of chocolatier Samuel.

This production is designed by the team that created the original French-language version of the play. Set design is by Élise Dubé; costumes are by Isabelle St-Louis; music is by Pascal Robitaille; and lighting design is by Félix Bernier Guimond. Stage Managers for this production are Lucien Deschênes and Benoît Pâquin.

Founded in 1976, le Théâtre du Gros Mécano has earned a reputation in Canada, the United States and Europe for excellence in the creation and production of theatre for young audiences. Artistic Director Carol Cassistat embraces the company’s mandate to offer young people superb theatre experiences and to introduce them to cultural events in a positive and fun way. This first coproduction with the NAC English Theatre is warmly welcomed by both companies.

In addition, the National Arts Centre English Theatre and le Théâtre du Gros Mécano are collaborating to promote this production for future touring, and are thrilled that it has been selected to be performed at both the CAPACOA and CINARS showcases this November.

For more information about The Bookshop, notes by the artists, set photos and audio clips of the artists, visit www.nac-cna.ca/en/theatre and follow the links to The Bookshop. For more information about le Théâtre du Gros Mécano, please visit www.theatredugrosmecano.qc.ca . Production photographs for The Bookshop will be available on the NAC English Theatre web site.

More More More!

• Opening Night Party - Please join us after the performance on opening night, Friday, September 29 for a post-show party with the cast in the Fountain Room at the NAC.
• WWW: More background information on all the shows, including design sketches, artists’ notes, study guides, audio clips of the artists, Peter Hinton talking about the plays, and lots more, visit www.nac-cna.ca and follow the links to English Theatre

Quick Listings information for The Bookshop

Tickets for The Bookshop are available at the NAC Box Office in person or through Ticketmaster at (613) 755-1111, and on-line through the Ticketmaster link on the NAC’s web site at www.nac-cna.ca (a service charge applies to all purchases made through Ticketmaster). Ticket prices are $12 for children and adults.

Groups of 10+ save 15% - 20% off of the regular price of tickets to NAC Music, Theatre and Dance performances, to reserve your seats call 947-7000 ext. 384 or e-mail grp@nac-cna.ca

Quick reference listings info.:

Running dates:
September 29 at 19:00
September 30 at 13:00, 15:00 and 19:00
October 1 at 11:00 and 15:00

School Matinees:
Oct 3 at 10:00 and 13:00
Oct. 4 at 10:00 and 13:00
Tickets: $7 for schools

Tickets:
$12 children and adults

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For more information, or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Laura Denker, Communications Officer,
NAC English Theatre
(613) 947 7000 ext. 389
ldenker@nac-cna.ca