The legendary music of Canada’s most beloved and influential rock bands, The Tragically Hip, will come to life in a brand-new musical from producers David and Hannah Mirvish and Michael Rubinoff. With songs from the iconic catalogue of The Tragically Hip and a book by Brian Hill and Ahmed Moneka, It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken tells the story of a family in turmoil facing the revelation of long-guarded secrets, and the resilience they find through a group of friends in the micro-mosaic of Toronto’s Kensington Market.
It’s A Good Life If You Don’t Weaken will immerse audiences in a powerful original story integrated with The Tragically Hip’s timeless hits, capturing the raw energy, heartfelt lyrics, and unmistakable spirit that have made them an essential part of Canada’s musical identity.
It’s A Good Life If You Don’t Weaken will have its world premiere in 2026 at Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton, Ontario, under the leadership of Artistic Director Mary Francis Moore, in partnership with Thousand Islands Playhouse, led by Managing Artistic Director Brett Christopher. The show will be further developed in partnership with The Creative School Chrysalis at Toronto Metropolitan University. Full details will be announced at a later date.
“Some of the country’s best theatre makers have come together to create a show that honours our music,” said The Tragically Hip. “It’s exciting to see our songs interpreted in a new way that will continue to connect audiences, while supporting a compelling story for the theatrical stage.”
“The Tragically Hip are a foundational part of Canadian culture and music, to be able to support a musical using their music and telling a wonderfully Canadian story is such an exciting opportunity,” said David and Hannah Mirvish.
“The Tragically Hip’s music has had a huge impact on me and millions of other lives, transcending generations and people from all walks of life,” said Rubinoff. “This musical is an opportunity to not only honour the band’s legacy but also celebrate their glorious music. It is a dream project.”
Casting will begin next month with an open casting call on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at The Creative School Chrysalis at Toronto Metropolitan University, 43 Gerrard Street East, Toronto, sign in from 9AM – 1PM. Please note that CAEA members will be seen first. More information about casting is available at theatreaquarius.org/auditions-submission.com.
About The Tragically Hip:
From their hometown of Kingston, ON, Rob Baker, Gord Downie, Johnny Fay, Paul Langlois and Gord Sinclair skyrocketed to fame as The Tragically Hip with their signature blend of rock anthems and poetic lyricism. Over their storied career, the band released 14 studio albums, 9 of which hit #1 in Canada, won 17 Juno Awards, and were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and received a star on Canada’s Walk Of Fame. Their 2016 cross-Canada tour, undertaken after Downie’s terminal cancer diagnosis, was a cultural phenomenon watched by millions. On September 5, 2024, celebrating their 40th anniversary, The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal, a definitive four-part documentary series about the band, premiered at The Toronto International Film Festival, winning the People’s Choice Award. The documentary is currently streaming on Amazon Prime worldwide.
About Brian Hill:
An international writer and director, Brian Hill has written the book for The Story of My Life (Broadway – 4 Drama Desk Award Nominations), Bedknobs & Broomsticks (UK/Ireland Tour) and The Theory of Relativity, as well as the revised book for the acclaimed Goodman Theatre production of Brigadoon and NBC Universal/Old Globe’s October Sky.
About Ahmed Moneka:
Ahmed Moneka is a Juno nominated, multidisciplinary artist in music, theatre, and film. Originally from Iraq, he infuses his rich cultural heritage into both stage and screen. He co-wrote King Gilgamesh & the Man of the Wild, which received five Dora Award nominations, and he co-wrote and directed Spaciousness, an immersive theatre production at a historical site. Ahmed has collaborated with the Canadian Opera Company, Soulpepper, Crow’s Theatre, and the National Arts Centre, among other prestigious institutions.
About Mirvish Productions:
Mirvish Productions is Canada’s largest commercial theatre production company. The company owns and operates four major downtown Toronto theatres. Every year, Mirvish Productions produces and presents dozens of plays and musicals, chosen from the best theatre originating in Canada, New York, London, Australia and beyond. The company programmes two subscription seasons: the Main Season, which offers popular, large-scale productions, and the Off-Mirvish Season, which specializes in smaller more challenging productions.
About Michael Rubinoff:
Michael Rubinoff is the originating producer of the most successful Canadian musical in history, Come From Away. He is Canada’s most prolific producer of new musicals with credits that include the new production of Come From Away in Gander, Maggie, Grow and The Last Timbit. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross by the Governor General of Canada, for his role in creating Come From Away.
(Inset photo – UMC Communications)
The post THE TRAGICALLY HIP’s Iconic Music Is Coming To Life In New Stage Musical Premiering In 2026 appeared first on BraveWords - Where Music Lives.
Continue reading...
It’s A Good Life If You Don’t Weaken will immerse audiences in a powerful original story integrated with The Tragically Hip’s timeless hits, capturing the raw energy, heartfelt lyrics, and unmistakable spirit that have made them an essential part of Canada’s musical identity.
It’s A Good Life If You Don’t Weaken will have its world premiere in 2026 at Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton, Ontario, under the leadership of Artistic Director Mary Francis Moore, in partnership with Thousand Islands Playhouse, led by Managing Artistic Director Brett Christopher. The show will be further developed in partnership with The Creative School Chrysalis at Toronto Metropolitan University. Full details will be announced at a later date.
“Some of the country’s best theatre makers have come together to create a show that honours our music,” said The Tragically Hip. “It’s exciting to see our songs interpreted in a new way that will continue to connect audiences, while supporting a compelling story for the theatrical stage.”
“The Tragically Hip are a foundational part of Canadian culture and music, to be able to support a musical using their music and telling a wonderfully Canadian story is such an exciting opportunity,” said David and Hannah Mirvish.
“The Tragically Hip’s music has had a huge impact on me and millions of other lives, transcending generations and people from all walks of life,” said Rubinoff. “This musical is an opportunity to not only honour the band’s legacy but also celebrate their glorious music. It is a dream project.”
Casting will begin next month with an open casting call on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at The Creative School Chrysalis at Toronto Metropolitan University, 43 Gerrard Street East, Toronto, sign in from 9AM – 1PM. Please note that CAEA members will be seen first. More information about casting is available at theatreaquarius.org/auditions-submission.com.
About The Tragically Hip:
From their hometown of Kingston, ON, Rob Baker, Gord Downie, Johnny Fay, Paul Langlois and Gord Sinclair skyrocketed to fame as The Tragically Hip with their signature blend of rock anthems and poetic lyricism. Over their storied career, the band released 14 studio albums, 9 of which hit #1 in Canada, won 17 Juno Awards, and were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and received a star on Canada’s Walk Of Fame. Their 2016 cross-Canada tour, undertaken after Downie’s terminal cancer diagnosis, was a cultural phenomenon watched by millions. On September 5, 2024, celebrating their 40th anniversary, The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal, a definitive four-part documentary series about the band, premiered at The Toronto International Film Festival, winning the People’s Choice Award. The documentary is currently streaming on Amazon Prime worldwide.
About Brian Hill:
An international writer and director, Brian Hill has written the book for The Story of My Life (Broadway – 4 Drama Desk Award Nominations), Bedknobs & Broomsticks (UK/Ireland Tour) and The Theory of Relativity, as well as the revised book for the acclaimed Goodman Theatre production of Brigadoon and NBC Universal/Old Globe’s October Sky.
About Ahmed Moneka:
Ahmed Moneka is a Juno nominated, multidisciplinary artist in music, theatre, and film. Originally from Iraq, he infuses his rich cultural heritage into both stage and screen. He co-wrote King Gilgamesh & the Man of the Wild, which received five Dora Award nominations, and he co-wrote and directed Spaciousness, an immersive theatre production at a historical site. Ahmed has collaborated with the Canadian Opera Company, Soulpepper, Crow’s Theatre, and the National Arts Centre, among other prestigious institutions.
About Mirvish Productions:
Mirvish Productions is Canada’s largest commercial theatre production company. The company owns and operates four major downtown Toronto theatres. Every year, Mirvish Productions produces and presents dozens of plays and musicals, chosen from the best theatre originating in Canada, New York, London, Australia and beyond. The company programmes two subscription seasons: the Main Season, which offers popular, large-scale productions, and the Off-Mirvish Season, which specializes in smaller more challenging productions.
About Michael Rubinoff:
Michael Rubinoff is the originating producer of the most successful Canadian musical in history, Come From Away. He is Canada’s most prolific producer of new musicals with credits that include the new production of Come From Away in Gander, Maggie, Grow and The Last Timbit. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross by the Governor General of Canada, for his role in creating Come From Away.
(Inset photo – UMC Communications)
The post THE TRAGICALLY HIP’s Iconic Music Is Coming To Life In New Stage Musical Premiering In 2026 appeared first on BraveWords - Where Music Lives.
Continue reading...
