Centaur Theatre's New Season

Vittorio Rossi's Paradise By The River runs from October 5-13th

A Montreal celebrity is humble and unassuming, yet as recognizable a part of Montreal as any of its landmarks. Whether it's the late Mordecai Richler walking down the streets of Plateau Mont Royal, former hockey great Yvan Cornoyer popping up at a Habs game, or playwright Vittorio Rossi, who is often seen strolling downtown. Even Montrealers who have never seen a Vittorio Rossi play can pick him out in a crowd. The award-winning playwright has made a name for himself bringing his Italian-Canadian heritage to the stage. His 1998 play Paradise by the River opens the new season at Montreal's Centaur Theatre next week (October 5-31).

There was a time when Montreal had its own stock exchange. In fact, the Montreal Stock Exchange was the first one in Canada. In the early part of the 20th century it was housed in a beautiful, Beaux-Arts-style building that now houses the renowned Centaur Theatre Company in Old Montreal. Founded in 1969, many great Canadian playwrights premiered plays there, most notably David Fennario and his 1979 classic Balconville. Vittorio Rossi became Centaur's writer in residence in 1987, and has since become known as the foremost Italian-Canadian playwright in the country. He's had his share of both stage and screen time. American audiences might remember him from the TV drama Urban Angel. He draws his inspiration from his Italian heritage, and from his life growing up in Montreal's Ville Emard neighbourhood. It's what informs Paradise by the River.

Earlier this year Canada's Parliament passed a bill to recognize the unjustified internment of Italian-Canadians during World War II. This production of Paradise by the River is dedicated to the 70th anniversary of this appalling time in Canada's history. The events provide the backdrop to the story of a young father-to-be who is ripped from his home in what would eventually become the playwright's hometown, and sent to a POW camp in Petawawa, Ontario. Paradise by the River features a talented cast that includes the playwright himself.

The Centaur's new season is an impressive one that includes a new adaptation of Don Quixote, one world premier, and a new musical about one of the most renowned restaurants in Montreal. Watch this space for more details.

The Centaur is also where you'll be able to catch Montreal's Black Theatre Workshop's production of the classic A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry. The original 1959 Broadway cast featured Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Louis Gossett Jr., and John Fiedler, all of whom reprised their roles in the 1961 film version. Danny Glover and Esther Rolle starred in a 1989 made-for-TV revival. Another revival, in 2008, starred Sean “Diddy” Combs, Phylicia Rashad, and John Stamos. The Black Theatre Workshop's production stars Montreal jazz singer Ranee Lee, and will run at the Centaur from November 24-December 5.

Call the Centaur Theatre Box Office at 514-281-3161.

Dan Laxer is an announcer at Montreal's CJAD Radio, a budding stand-up comedian, and a writer. He is Citeeze's entertainment writer.

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