BLACKOUT
On August 14th, 2003, Toronto was sent into chaos when the largest blackout in Canadian history left millions stranded in the dark and unable to reach or connect with their loved ones.
Inspired by real events, Blackout depicts three stories of connection that unfolded when the city was dark and strangers banded together to find the light. A new Canadian musical by two of Canada’s most exciting voices, Blackout is a story of hope, resilience and community.
Originally developed through The Musical Stage Company’s innovative musical development initiative Launch Pad, a selection of this new work was first seen in 2019 as part of REPRINT.
Credits
Commissioned with funding by the Aubrey & Marla Dan Fund for New Musicals
Originally commissioned by The Musical Stage Company (Mitchell Marcus, Artistic & Managing Director; Robert McQueen, Director of New Musical Development)" and Yonge Street Theatricals (Linda Barnett and Natalie Bartello, Producers) as part of Launch Pad.
Book by
Steven Gallagher
Music & Lyrics by
Anton Lipovetsky
Director & Dramaturg
Ann Hodges
Music Supervisor
Wayne Gwillim
Venue
Frequently Asked Questions
Show Calendar
DEVELOPMENTAL HISTORY
- Developed through the 2019 Launch Pad program. under its former title ‘CYGNUS’
- FEBRUARY – APRIL 2020: Private Workshops with actors.
CONTINUED GROWTH
Produced in association with Canadian Stage, BLACKOUT is set to have its full-length premiere in May 2021 at the Berkeley Street Theatre as part of Canadian Stage’s 2020-21 season.
CREATOR BIOS
STEVEN GALLAGHER – BOOKWRITER
Based in Toronto, Steven Gallagher is a writer, director and actor. His play, Memorial, the winner of the Trafalgar 24 Play Festival, premiered in Toronto at the Next Stage Festival in 2013, and it’s US Premiere at Half Moon Theatre in New York. His play Stealing Sam premiered at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2013, and was also seen off Broadwayat The United Solo Theatre Festival in 2014 where it was awarded Best Drama. With his collaborator Linda Barnett, his musical Pollyanna was shortlisted for the 2016 Playwrights Guild of Canada Best New Musical Award. Drama 101, written with Kevin Wong, was commissioned by Bravo Academy in Toronto and premiered in 2017. Wally Flynn, written with composer Eli Bolin, is being developed by Yonge Street Theatricals in Toronto. He is a Merritt Award nominee and the recipient of a 2013 Harold Award.