
ONLINE PROGRAM THEORY OF RELATIVITY
music and lyrics by NEIL BARTRAM
book by BRIAN HILL
book and lyrics by THOMAS MEEHAN
directed by JP THIBODEAU, JOE SLABE, CASSIE DOANE
THEORY OF RELATIVITY is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Presented by StoryBook's Student Intensive Program
Learn more about our program >
The videotaping or making of electronic or other audio and/or visual recordings of this production or distributing recordings on any medium, including the Internet, is strictly prohibited, a violation of the author’s rights and actionable under copyright law.
aug 20 to
sept 4 2021
Indoor Presentation
sept 5 to 30 2021
Filmed LIVE onstage,
Streamed online on-demand
running time 90 mins


presented in partnership with OCL Studios.

SHOW SUMMARY
This moving and unconventional song cycle bursts with originality as it examines the interconnectedness of us all through life's shared experiences - from the hilarious to the heartbreaking.
From Drama Desk Award nominees Neil Bartram and Brian Hill (The Story of My Life), The Theory of Relativity is a joyous and moving look about our surprisingly interconnected lives. Whether you're allergic to cats, in love for the first or tenth time, a child of divorce, a germaphobe or simply a unique individual, audience members and actors alike are sure to find themselves in this fresh new musical.
Through a seemingly unrelated collection of songs, scenes and monologues, The Theory of Relativity introduces a compelling array of characters experiencing the joys and heartbreaks, the liaisons and losses, the inevitability and the wonder of human connection.
Performed LIVE on Beddington Theatre Arts Centre, with audiences at limited assigned table seating, the show will also be streamed online for at-home viewing. Should provincial restrictions be lifted, more seats may be made available.
> Check out the OUTDOOR SEATING PLAN here.
RATING: PG | 12+
Read more about show ratings and recommendations >
ON BEHALF OF THE DIRECTORS: FROM CASSIE DOANE
The Theory of Relativity is a Canadian musical that was first workshopped at Sheridan College in 2012. It is a collection of songs and monologues that explore how young adults search for connections with others while dealing with their own journey to self-discovery. Whether it’s leaving home for the first time to go to college, trying to find the confidence to say hello to your crush, or dealing with the loss of a parent, the stories in this show are ones we can all relate to in one way or another.
At the beginning of this year, we didn’t know what SSIP would look like or if it was even going to be a possibility. However, as JP has mentioned time and time again, this program gives StoryBook life, and reminds the team why we do what we do, and why theatre is so special. So, we knew we had to make it happen.
The Theory of Relativity was the perfect show to choose because of its focus on the human connection, which is something we have been missing out on for the past year and a half. This show reminds us that we are all in this together, and even when you feel alone, there is always someone there.
I am so unbelievably proud of the work that these students have done. They come to every rehearsal ready to work and with the desire to grow and develop as performers. It has left me feeling inspired and encouraged for their bright futures. I hope you enjoy this show and being back in the theatre!

Production Inclusion Statics
59.36% FEMALE/NON-BINARY
REPRESENTATION

66.67% ON STAGE
26% OFFSTAGE
56.94% MARGINALIZED REPRESENTATION

50% ON STAGE
63.88% OFFSTAGE
31.66% BIPOC
REPRESENTATION

16.67% ON STAGE
46.64% OFFSTAGE
30.96% LGBTQIA2S+
REPRESENTATION

27.78% ON STAGE
34.14% OFFSTAGE
ABOUT THE CREATORS THOMAS MEEHAN, CHARLES STROUSE AND MARTIN CHARNIN
Bios and images source: MTI Theatre International, mtishows.com


ABOUT THE SHOW
The Theory of Relativity is a collection of seemingly unrelated songs, scenes, and monologues that come together to show the interconnected nature of humanity. These stories centre around finding your true identity and discovering your place in the world. From falling in and out of love to allergies, the wide array of characters take the audience on a journey, experiencing the wonders of human connection.
With music and lyrics by Neil Bartam, and a book by Brian Hill, the show explores how young adults deal with their personal feelings and situations and, as well, how they develop communities based on their shared experiences.
The musical was commissioned by The Canadian Music Theatre Project at Sheridan College in Toronto in 2012, and first presented in 2014 as part of the Festival of New Musicals at Goodspeed Musicals in East Haddam, Connecticut. Afterwards, in the Spring of 2015, the show was presented more fully in the Norma Terris Theatre at Goodspeed Musicals.
SONG LIST
Person A - Company
Relativity - Julie, Ryan, Jenny, Anthony, Mira, Company
I’m Allergic to Cats - Paul
Pi (part 1) - Adam
The End of the Line - Jenny, Sara
Great Expectations - Catherine, Mike, and Company
Relativity (reprise #1) - Oliver, Amy, Mira, Anthony, Adam, Ryan, and Company
Footprint - Ryan
Pi (part 2) - Adam
Lipstick - Anthony, Jenny
Transition to Apples & Oranges - Paul, Sara, Jenny, Catherine, Adam, Mike
Apples & Oranges - Oliver, Mike
Me & Ricky - Caroline, Sara, and Backups
Promise Me This - Mira
Julie’s Song - Julie
Pi (part 3) - Adam
Relativity (reprise #2) - Adam, Caroline, Anthony, and Company
Relative Pitch - Company
You Will Never Know - Company
Person A (reprise) - Julie and Company
Nothing Without You - Company

STAGE & FILM TEAM CREDITS
STORYBOOK THEATRE
Artistic Director | JP THIBODEAU
Office Administrator | EVA STIEBER
THEATRICAL TEAM
Stage Directors | JP THIBODEAU, JOE SLABE, CASSIE DOANE
Musical Director | JOE SLABE
Musical Director | SELINA WONG
Choreographer | NICOLE PEMBERTON
Stage Manager | MICHAEL LUONG
Associate Musical Director | DALLAS HAYES SPARK
Vocal Coach | SUSAN LEONTARIDIS
Dance Instructor | WUNMI IDOWU
Assistant Stage Manager | MADDIE ARNASON
Assistant Stage Manager | JUSTYN NISHIMURA
Costume Designer | DARCIE HOWE
Hair Designer | CAT BENTLEY
Lighting Designer | JP THIBODEAU
Set Designer & Prop Designer | JJ PENARAND
Graphic Design | JENNIFER MERIO
Public Relations | ALDONA BARUTOWICZ
FILM TEAM
Film Direction | KRIS MISH
Director of Photography | KRIS MISH
Lighting Programmer | SKYLAR DESJARDINS
Script Supervisor | MICHAEL LUONG
Production Assistant | LLOYD CADAY
Production Assistant | SKYLAR DESJARDINS
Soundtrack Recording | OCL STUDIOS
Music Editor & Supervisor | JOSH GWILLIAM
Video Editor | KRIS MISH
Assistant Editor | GRAHAM KINGSLEY
Executive Producer | STORYBOOK THEATRE
StoryBook would like to share our complete appreciation to OCL Studios, for donating their studio time for the cast recording sessions. Thanks to their generosity, support, and hard work, our cast was able to capture their beautiful voices, and safely record the magic that is the music of Annie. Check out OCL Studio's inspiring space >

PARTNER SHOWCASE THANK YOU OCL STUDIOS
SUPPORTERS, DONORS & CONTRIBUTORS - needs updating
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DONORS, SUPPORTERS & CONTRIBUTORS
Calgary Foundation
Rozsa Foundation
Patrice Barnes
Jennifer Gerritsen
Lori Goods
Janet Gourlay Vallance
Valerie How
Jody Hubler
Preston Lee
Kevin Leiver
Maureen MoranHesson Persaud
Melissa SmithSteve ThannhauserBabsTricia Whenham
Hawthorn Blossom Investments
Occasional Notes Productions
Leela Aheer
Pat Arnason
Darryl Arnason
Catherine Davis / Transcanada
Catherine Handford
David Granger / Meg Energy
Gil Hopkins
Amanda Ierfino
Jody Low
Krista Noriega
Hesson Persaud
Anne Roggensack
Jessica Roney
Kenneth Wilson
The Flanagan Foundation
Beddington Heights Community Association
Anonymous Donor @ Calgary Foundation
Bridget Chan
Maureen Morris
Sheila Telford
THANK YOU TO...
THANK YOU TO... NEEDS UPDATING
Catherine Handford
Jessica Roney
Lorie Masur
Heather Racz
Molly Racz
Hannah Kerbes
OCL Studios