Halifax’s award-winning theatre company KAZAN CO-OP returns to the stage this spring with Bryden MacDonald’s The Weekend Healer – an electrifying glimpse into the lives of an estranged family of three.

Lindalou (Stephanie MacDonald) is packing up to return to Cape Breton after visiting her mother Betina (Kathryn MacLellan) in Ontario for the first time in five years. When Lindalou’s son Curtis (Allie MacDonald) steps out for a pack of smokes and does not return, she fears the worst, and Curtis’ disappearance is the catalyst for a harrowing weekend.

“This play began with a desire to explore the ideas of babies raising babies, the definitions of family, and the nature of lies,” says two-time Governor General Nominee MacDonald. “But ultimately The Weekend Healer is about the birth of reluctant heroes in a very confused world.”

Directed by Dora-winner Dean Gabourie, who directed last season’s hit The Best Brothers, The Weekend Healer features Mayor’s Award and two-time Merritt Award winner Stephanie MacDonald, Mayor’s Award and KAZAN artistic producer Kathryn MacLellan, and Des McAnuff award-winner Allie MacDonald, making his Halifax professional debut.

“The Weekend Healer is one of my absolutely favorite plays,” says MacLellan. “I’ve wanted to produce it since founding KAZAN. Bryden is one of Canada’s greatest voices: original, brilliant.”

MacLellan adds: “I was fortunate to play Lindalou in the Neptune Studio production in 1995. It is a very special role in my career. I gave it to Stephanie to read when she joined our team – I knew that she had to be the next Lindalou.”

The Weekend Healer also features work by Andrew Cull (set design), Janet MacLellan (prop and costume design), Ingrid Risk (stage management and lighting design), Louisa Adamson (production management), Heather MacLellan (marketing), and Kathryn MacLellan (producer).

The Weekend Healer opens Saturday, May 7 and runs to Sunday, May 22 at The Waiting Room, 6040 Almon Street. Pay-what-you-can preview Friday, May 6.

Show begins at 7:30PM (doors open at 6:15 PM).

Runtime: 85 minutes without intermission. Mature subject matter.

No show Mondays. For tickets: tickethalifax.com (search “Weekend Healer” or “KAZAN”)

KAZAN is grateful to BMO Financial Group, Harvey and Marie Crowell, Jack and Joan Craig, Zephyr Home, and The Coast for their support.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR THE WEEKEND HEALER:

“If you need proof that Glace Bay’s Bryden MacDonald is one of the best playwrights in the country…The Weekend Healer is more than compelling evidence.”
Ron Foley MacDonald, The Daily News

“I believe if Tennessee Williams were from the Maritimes and writing today, he’d sound a lot like Bryden MacDonald.” Richard Ouzonian, CBC Radio

“The Weekend Healer is possibly the best thing I’ve seen (Neptune do) this decade. Seriously. It’s that good.” The Coast

“First-rate: great characters…excellent dialogue, both comic and dramatic.”
The Globe and Mail

“Vibrant and pulsating with life…The Weekend Healer emerges as one of the most exciting new plays of the season.” The Toronto Sun

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Kathryn MacLellan
902-209-6108