Commissioned by The Citadel Theatre (Edmonton, AB)and co-commissioned by The National Arts Centre (Ottawa, ON)co-commissioning partners:Alberta Theatre Projects (Calgary, AB)The Cultch (Vancouver East Cultural Centre, Vancouver, BC) 

Ottawa, ON, February 29, 2012 – The NAC English Theatre is proud to present Ronnie Burkett and his latest creation, Penny Plain, as his Theatre of Marionettes celebrates its 25^th anniversary.  Having so far performed to sold-out houses in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto, Ronnie Burkett will now make his long anticipated return to the National Capital.

Penny Plain is blind, but she hears plenty about the state of things and the fate of mankind.  When her companion dog Geoffrey leaves to live as a man, Penny sits waiting for the world to end. But her vigil is interrupted by survivalists, a serial killer, a cross-dressing banker, talking dogs and mysterious strangers seeking sanctuary. Part gothic thriller, part apocalyptic drawing room comedy, Penny Plain shows the horribly funny consequences of mother earth reclaiming her ground.

“Full of wit, humour and humanity, Penny Plain is virtually flawless.” – Calgary Herald

Ronnie Burkett is recognized as one of Canada’s foremost theatre artists and has been credited with creating some of the world’s most elaborate and provocative puppetry.  His company, Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes, sparked a renaissance in adult puppet theatre – continuously playing to great critical and public acclaim across Canada and throughout the world.  2011/12 marks the 25^th anniversary of Theatre of Marionettes, celebrated with a national and international tour of Penny Plain.

Ages 14+. A marionette play for adults only.
Latecomers will not be admitted. No intermission.
Patrons exiting the Hall during the performance will not be permitted to return to their original seat.

Penny Plain
Created and performed by Ronnie Burkett
Music by John Alcorn
Lighting Design by Kevin Humphrey

Previews:    Wednesday, March 14 and Thursday, March 15
Opening:     Friday, March 16

Talkbacks:   Wednesdays, March 21 and 28, and Thursdays, March 22 and 29
                   Stay in your seats for a post-show question-and-answer session with
                   Ronnie Burkett.

Performance Schedule:  
Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. (no Saturday matinees for this presentation.)
(no performances on Mondays.)

Tickets range from $22 - $66
Groups of 10 or more contact grp@nac-cna.ca or visit http://www.nac-cna.ca

Tickets are available for purchase:

• Online on the NAC’s website: www.nac-cna.ca
• In person at the NAC Box Office
• At all Ticketmaster outlets
• By telephone 1-888-991-2787
• A service charge applies on all purchases made through Ticketmaster.

 

Find out more about NAC English Theatre on Facebook and YouTube. To discover some fascinating facts about Penny Plain click www.nac-cna.ca/en/englishtheatre.

This production is eligible for the Live Rush program.
Full-time students age 14-29 with a valid Live Rush membership may buy up to two tickets per performance at the discounted price of only $12 per ticket. Live Rush tickets are available from 10 a.m. on the day before the performance to 6 p.m. the day of the performance. This includes all available seats, including the best in the house.
Check out liverush.ca for information on the Live Rush program.

Embassy Hotel & Suites is proud to be the Official Hotel Partner for the National Arts Centre English Theatre.

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For information, please call:
Sean Fitzpatrick, Communications Officer, National Arts Centre English Theatre
613-947-7000 ext. 389; e-mail: sean.fitzpatrick@nac-cna.ca
or visit the NAC website at www.nac-cna.ca