Steven Gallagher & Anton Lipovetsky. Photos by McKenzie James. Image Design by Helios Design Labs.
two male faces looking at the Toronto sky line
dream in high park logo

BLACKOUT

The Musical Stage Company

Book by: Steven Gallagher
Music & Lyrics by: Anton Lipovetsky

A captivating new musical from Canada's leading musical theatre company.

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 preview production of 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.

The Dream in High Park outdoor experience has been designed with the safety and comfort of patrons, artists, and staff as the top priority.  Canadian Stage will continue to monitor and respond to governmental policy changes and advice from health authorities to ensure we are always up-to-date and offering the safest experience possible.

Things to know.
  • Vaccination and Masks: Policies around face masks and vaccination are evolving. At the time of publication, face masks will be optional, as will proof vaccination is no longer required
  • Reduced Contact: As much as possible, interactions between staff and patrons will be contactless. This includes ticket scanning, box office transactions, and health screenings.
  • Sanitation: Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the venue. All high-touch surfaces will be sanitized both prior to and following each performance.
  • Protecting Your Purchase: We understand that things change. If a performance is cancelled or you are no longer comfortable attending the theatre, you will have your choice of one of the following:
    • An account credit to use for a future Canadian Stage production
    • A tax receipt in the amount of the ticket donation

Please do not attend if you have a fever or are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of attending, or if you have had close contact with anyone suspected or confirmed of having COVID-19.

All residents and visitors of Toronto must follow the City of Toronto's current Public Health regulations. Click here to view the current Public Health Regulations for the City of Toronto.

Liability Waiver

While we have put measures in place to enhance safety and help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission from person to person, an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in public places where people gather. By attending Dream in High Park, you voluntarily assume all risks related to possible exposure of COVID-19. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in removal from the venue.

Canadian Stage has been awarded the Safe Travels Stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council.  This international symbol is designed to allow travellers to recognize companies around the world which have adopted health and hygiene safety measures that ensure customers experiences are safe.

High Park is a unique and sacred ecosystem. We can all do our part to keep it vibrant for generations to come. Here are some guidelines on how to enjoy the park responsibly: 

  1. Stay on paths. They were created to allow you to enjoy nature without affecting it. Stepping off a marked path may seem innocent, but it can result in damage to animal habitats and nests and can cause harm to native plants vital to maintaining balance in the ecosystem.
  2. Don’t disturb plants and animals by moving their things around. This is their home. That branch might have a specific purpose. Best to leave everything as is. They will appreciate it.
  3. Leave no trace. Anything you bring on your visit including wrappers, snacks and masks, should exit the park when you do.
  4. Open your heart. The beauty of High Park is to be experienced with your heart. Be present, listen to the sounds, enjoy the views and smells, feel the freshness of the air, and your spirit will swell.

By following these responsible practices, we can minimize our impact on the natural environment in High Park. Enjoy your visit!

Please note that vehicular access to the park is very limited. Please be prepared to walk to the Amphitheatre from one of the numerous points of entry to High Park.

The High Park Amphitheatre is situated in the heart of one of Toronto's most significant and iconic natural sites, High Park.

Please visit our High Park Venue and Directions page for detailed location maps and directions.

 

The pathway leading from the road/sidewalk to the Amphitheatre seating is a natural, unpaved pathway and you may encounter tree roots, rocks, and sections of uneven ground.

Accessible seating is available in the top row of the Amphitheatre. Please inform our Box Office representatives if you require accessible seating when booking your tickets.

At least one accessible portable washroom will be available with roll in ground level access, grab bars, and a self-closing, unmotorized door.

While the pathway within the amphitheatre grounds is lit after sunset, the portion of pathway between the amphitheatre grounds and the road/sidewalk is not.

 

Wheel Trans Arrivals

Wheel Trans Vehicles are permitted to enter High Park on weekends, via bookings on the Wheel Trans website. Please note: all High Park weekend Wheel Trans schedules are co-ordinated by the City of Toronto to ensure the gates are opened for vehicles. Canadian Stage does not have access to these gates.

While there are several parking areas within High Park, please be sure to check the City of Toronto website to verify whether vehicular traffic is permitted in the park on the day of your performance.  

Please note that High Park is closed to vehicles on the weekends. Parking can be found along Parkside Drive or Bloor St W. The closest entrances to the amphitheatre are located at High Park Blvd & Parkside Dr and Bloor St W & High Park Dr. Both of these entrances are a 15 minute walk from the park entrance to the amphitheatre.

Tickets for Dream in High Park are general admission seating. At noon on the day of the performance, Rush Pay-What-You-Wish (PWYW) tickets will become available online or by phone. These will also be available at the gate, beginning 2 hours prior to the performance, subject to availability.

Tickets will be delivered to you as a PDF attachment by email. You may either print your tickets and bring them with you to your performance, or you can display your ticket barcode(s) on your mobile device.  Please be sure to have your tickets ready upon arrival and, if you are using your mobile device, have the brightness turned all the way up.

Seating in the High Park Amphitheatre is General Admission.

Chairs are not permitted in the main amphitheater seating area. Seating is on the ground, and we recommend guests bring blankets, cushions, and/or pillows to add to their comfort. If you are require accessible seating, there are limited chairs on-site, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact the Box Office if you'd like to reserve accessibility seating on the day of your performance.

The gates to the Amphitheatre generally open 2 hours prior to each performance. As seating is General Admission, we recommend arriving as early as possible to find a spot in the Amphitheatre.

The High Park Amphitheatre is an outdoor venue so we suggest you wear clothing appropriate to the weather conditions. You may also wish to bring sunscreen, bug spray, and a blanket or cushions on which to sit.

No, except for service animals, pets are not allowed in the High Park Amphitheatre.

Portable washrooms, including an accessible portable washroom, are available on site for the use of ticketed patrons, and are regularly sanitized. All washrooms will be equipped with hand sanitizers. Please sanitize your hands before and after use.

Yes. We encourage guests who arrive early to bring a picnic with them to enjoy as they wait for the performance to begin.

Please note that alchoholic beverages are not permitted in the High Park Amphitheatre.

Yes, pre-packaged snacks and beverages will be available for sale.

 

 

The Musical Stage Company is indispensable. – The Globe and Mail

Book by

  • Steven Gallagher

Music & Lyrics by

  • Anton Lipovetsky

Direction & Dramaturgy by

  • Ann Hodges

Music Direction & Supervision by

  • Wayne Gwillim

Movement Direction by

  • David Andrew Reid

Set Design by

  • Brandon Kleiman

Costume Design by

  • Alex Amini

Lighting Design by

  • Logan Raju Cracknell

Sound Design by

  • Kaitlyn MacKinnon

Production Management provided by

  • WxW (WhatbyWhen)

Production Supervision by

  • Crystal Lee

Production Management by

  • Leslie Hernandez

COVID-19 Safety Consultation by

  • Tali Anzel-Sivkin

COVID-19 Infection Control Monitoring by

  • Daniel Oulton

Stage Management by

  • Dustyn Wales

Apprentice Stage Management by

  • Joey Lau

Music Assistance & Copyist work by

  • Jonathan Corkal-Astorga

Fight & Intimacy Direction by

  • Siobhan Richardson

Props by

  • Mary Spyrakis

Wardrobe Production Assistance by

  • Bebe Brunjes

Production Assistance & Running by

  • Aimée Tremblay Woodman

Apprentices

  • RBC Apprentice Director, as a part of the Kathleen C. Freeman Leadership Development Fund - Vanessa Sears
  • RBC Apprentice Producer - Alicia Barban
  • RBC Apprentice Stage Manager - Joey Lau
  • RBC Apprentice Sound Designer - Olivia Shortt

Cast

  • Brandon Antonio
  • Michael De Rose
  • Chilina Kennedy
  • Rami Khan
  • Germaine Konji
  • Yemie Sonuga
  • Jonathan Winsby
  • Synthia Yusuf

Band

  • Piano/Conducting by Wayne Gwillim
  • Guitar by Steve John Dale

IA Technicians

  • Chris Robbinson- High Park Head Technician
  • Paul Bourgeois- FOH Mixer
  • Giulia D’amanzo- Head LX

A Musical Stage Company Production, in Association with Canadian Stage.

Musical Stage logo

BLACKOUT Producing Patrons for The Musical Stage Company: The Don & Shirley Green Family Foundation.

Commissioned with funding by The Aubrey & Marla Dan Fund for New Musicals (via The Musical Stage Company).

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 2019.

Currently Playing at Canadian Stage

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