Described by Rick Waines.
Tickets are $29 for VocalEye users, while they last. Please call the Box Office to purchase tickets and reserve your headsets at 604-687-1644.
Running time is 90 minutes, no intermission. The performance will be followed by a Talk Back with the cast.
VocalEye Members may reserve a Theatre Buddy at least 48 hours in advance by email or phone 604-364-5949.
A moving story about family, healing, and hope, The Waiting Room is the highly anticipated collaboration between Spirit of the West’s John Mann and acclaimed Canadian playwright Morris Panych. Drawn from Mann’s own experience and his solo album of the same name, this musical follows “J” as he navigates life before and after his cancer diagnosis. It’s a story told with grace, honesty, and a sharp sense of humour, with a score that adds a layer of poignant commentary and thoughtful observation.
“A live play within a rock concert.“ -Morris Panych, director/writer
Music and Lyrics by John Mann
Playscript by Morris Panych
Directed by Morris Panych
CHARACTERS
“J” is a professional singer/songwriter, played by Jonathan Young
“L” is a teacher and J’s wife, played by Jillian Fargey
“C” is the ghost of an almost 10 year old girl, played by Matreya Scarrwener
Assorted doctors, nurses, technicians and other characters are played by Peter Anderson, Chris Cochrane and Bonnie Panych.
REVIEWS
“Because pretty much everyone has either had first-hand knowledge of cancer or known someone who has suffered from it, a lot of the scenarios — good, bad and ugly — in this work will have a familiar ring… Not a sad story, but rather a story about survival and coping. The Waiting Room — like Mann’s album — is set to be a reminder that life is bumpy but great, or as Mann says in the song Prayer List: And The Whole Things Sad, But The Whole Things Beautiful Too.” -The Province
“Panych and Mann’s collaboration is likely to charm audiences with its joyous and introspective music; creative and cathartic scripting; and more heart than an audience member could demand from its remarkable team.” -Vancouver 24 Hours
“It’s written by Morris Panych, which means the angst and dread, indignity and depression, is all hysterically funny, because that’s the world that Morris explores with a great sense of absurdity and play and theatricality… It’s poignant and beautiful and haunting.” –Vancouver Sun
“The Waiting Room takes us far beyond a terrifying medical diagnosis into the realm of family, healing and hope… This is a Waiting Room — full of grace, honesty, humour and compassion — you will want to visit. “ –Vancouver Courier
“The Waiting Room is a Beautiful Celebration.” –The Georgia Straight
SUPPORT MATERIALS
Scenes and a song from the show (video)
Interview with cast members Jonathan Young and Matreya Scarrwener (video)
Listen to John Mann’s music here
VocalEye at The Arts Club
