Beethoven Lives Upstairs

A stage version at Centaur of a worldwide known Canadian production

“Dear uncle, something terrible has happened: a madman has moved into our house!” That madman turns out to be none other than Ludwig Van Beethoven. The letter quoted is written by Cristoph, a young, fatherless boy whose mother has taken in the composer as a border. The story opens on the day of Beethoven’s death. “Monday, March 26, 1827,” Chrisoph’s uncle narrates, “The north wind blows and snow billows through the air. Thunder claps above the empty streets. It is a day that will go down in history.”

Beethoven Lives Upstairs began as an audio recording, where the above lines are from, interspersing excerpts of Beethoven’s best-known works with letters written between Cristoph and his uncle. Written and directed by Barbara Nichol, this wholly Canadian production went from a celebrated audio format, with actors Nathaniel Moreau and Stephen Ouimette, to an award-winning made-for-TV movie, with Fiona Reid, Paul Soles (the original voice of Spider-Man), and Albert Schultz, Sheila McCarthy. The film has been seen all over the world in several languages, and has also made it to the stage in various forms. It’s a heart-warming story that celebrates Beethoven’s music and passes it down from generation to generation.

The stage version, conceived by Susan Hammond, is next up on the Geordie Productions stage. And while the movie featured a handful of some of Canada’s best actors, Geordie’s version features a similar who’s who of Montreal theatre.

Geordie Productions has been around since 1982. In fact they’ve just announced their upcoming 31st season. Currently under the direction of Dean Patrick Fleming, the company has been touring schools and local theatres, presenting some of the best theatre for children around.

Beethoven Lives Upstairs is recommended for children 5 and up, but you know your own kids best; my kids have been enjoying Geordie shows since they were 2 or 3. The show runs from May 13 to May 22, with a special family gala on May 19. The evening will be called Moonlight Sonata, after Beethoven’s best-know piano piece. A $100 ticket ($75.00 for kids) includes cocktails, an auction (click here for a partial list of items), a presentation of the play, and a post-show reception.

There are still a couple of plays to go in the current season. But the next season features The Little Prince; I, Claudia; and Pinocchio, among others.

Beethoven Lives Upstairs, by Geordie Production, May 13-22, Centaur Theatre. Tickets: $14.50 children / $18 adults / $17 students & seniors. 514-845-9810.