RETOLD
Prompted by 3 acclaimed short stories by award-winning Canadian author Mavis Gallant, Canada’s most exciting musical minds have created an imaginative triptych of short original musicals premiering at Toronto’s historic Reference Library. RETOLD is the second production of Launch Pad, a ground-breaking musical development residency from The Musical Stage Company and Yonge Street Theatricals. This innovative program offers a 10-month residency in which musical theatre composers, lyricists and bookwriters navigate a full developmental process, shepherding 30-minute musicals from conception to production with guidance from skilled creative teams and internationally renowned mentors.
Sponsors






Credits
The Musical Stage Company, Toronto Public Library, & Yonge Street Theatricals presents RETOLD
Composer & Lyricist
Adam Sakiyama
Bookwriter & Lyricist
Kat Sandler
Composer & Lyricist
Suzy Wilde
Bookwriter
Rose Napoli
Bookwriter & Lyricist
Fatuma Adar
Composer & Lyricist
Ben Elliott
Director
Kaylee Harwood**
Movement Director
Tyler Pearse*
Music Director & Piano Conductor
Benjamin Kersey*
Apprentice Artistic Director
Sarah O'Brecht**
Music Supervisor
Jonathan Corkal-Astorga
Production Designer
Patricia Reilly
Stage Manager
Jasmyne Leisemer
Apprentice Stage Manager
Sydney Stobo
Performer
Eric Craig
Performer
Starr Domingue
Performer
Emily Lukasik
Performer
Tracy Michailidis
“Divorce Lunch” Development Director/Dramaturg
Richard Greenblatt
“Divorce Lunch” Development Music Supervisor/Music Director
Chris Barillaro
“The Carette Sisters” Development Director/Dramaturgy
Mary Francis Moore
“The Carette Sisters” Music Supervisor/Music Director
Nicky Phillips
“Marigold” Development Director/Dramaturg
Sarah Garton Stanley
“Marigold” Development Music Supervisor/Music Director
Bob Foster
Venue
Frequently Asked Questions
Show Calendar
Accessibility at RETOLD
Are you d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing? The Musical Stage Company is thrilled to announce that the sold out run of RETOLD will be live streamed with ASL interpretation on March 22 and 23. There are no additional steps to request ASL interpretation for your live stream ticket – simply secure your free live stream ticket and ASL interpretation will be provided picture-in-picture throughout the performance.
Questions about RETOLD’s ASL interpretation? Please contact Accessibility Manager Alethea Bakogeorge at aletheabakogeorge@musicalstagecompany.com.
ABOUT DIVORCE LUNCH
Jules has been dating Ed for 10 years and the only thing standing in the way of taking their relationship to the next level is Lena, Ed’s not-quite-ex-wife. He needs her signature on divorce papers, so Jules sets up a divorce lunch: a chance to meet and end their marriage. What ensues is a hilariously eventful five star dining experience that doesn’t end the way anyone intends. With an entertaining score and unforgettable characters, Divorce Lunch examines the relationships in our lives that no longer serve us, yet are impossible to let go of.
From creators Kat Sandler and Adam Sakiyama, this 30 minute excerpt of a new musical comedy takes inspiration from Mavis Gallant’s short story “Edouard, Juliette, & Lena”.
ABOUT THE CARETTE SISTERS
The Carette Sisters is a captivating and heartfelt new 30-minute musical based on the short story series by Mavis Gallant.
Berthe and Marie are two sisters who couldn’t be more opposite of each other; Berthe is loud, reclusive, and single. Marie is quiet, honest (to a fault), mild-tempered, and newly widowed. Shortly after her husband’s death Marie becomes convinced that he is haunting her. Determined to prove her sister wrong, Berthe, armed with her sharp wit, accompanies her sister into the home only to discover that the house is, in fact, haunted. As they venture to move this spirit on, the two sisters are set on a journey of self-discovery as they come to terms with tragic losses and learn more about each other.
Creators Rose Napoli and Suzy Wilde bring this touching musical to life with humor and tenderness as they show us just how enduring the bond between sisters really is. Accompanied by a breathtaking score, The Carette Sisters is a reminder that our sisters truly are the loves of our lives.
ABOUT MARIGOLD
Set in 1930s Montreal, Marigold follows the story of Linnet – a young girl navigating a world where adults are constantly trying to dim her imaginative light. In the topsy-turvy universe of Marigold, where everything seems upright, Linnet’s unique perspective on the world finally flourishes and strengthens her sense of self. This magical place isn’t as stable as it appears, though, and soon enough Linnet must confront the negative adults in her life head-on.
Inspired by Mavis Gallant’s “Linnet Muir Stories” and from the creative minds of Fatuma Adar and Ben Elliot, Marigold is an spectacular journey filled with unexpected twists and turns that is sure to transform audiences’ understanding of childhood innocence and the perception of what is real.
Want to learn more about Mavis Gallant? Take a quick read to get to know a little more about this iconic Canadian author.
Read the digital programme here.