Halifax’s award-winning theatre company KAZAN CO-OP continues its 2015 season with Stacey and Liz – an intimate evening of theatre in two acts.

Act one features New Glasgow-born, California-based soprano Stacey Fraser in the Canadian premiere of Concerto Suite from Frida by Roberto Xavier Rodriguez, tracing the life of Frida Kahlo.

Act two features Elizabeth Richardson in her show Going On, counterpointing her struggles as a young actress on tour with Peter O’Toole in the 70s with her later challenges as a Buddhist on a three-year meditation retreat.

“These are true stories, told by two talented performers, about artists who lived a century apart” says Kathryn MacLellan, artistic producer of KAZAN. “Going On is modern story, and Frida is about an eternally modern woman – someone unafraid to cross boundaries to define herself.”

Accompanied by celebrated musician Holly Arsenault on piano, Ms. Fraser’s piece follows the chronology of Kahlo`s life and loves at the turn of the century, in a contemporary style that crosses from theatre to opera. Ms. Richardson returns to Halifax to perform Going On fresh off performances in both Mexico and Stratford.

Acclaimed director Linda Moore, recent Merritt winner for best direction in KAZAN’s production of His Greatness, rejoins KAZAN to direct both solo performances in The Waiting Room.

Stacey Fraser says: “My career has taken me from theatre to opera, from La MaMa Experimental Theatre in New York to the Vancouver Symphony. Concerto Suite from Frida holds all that crazy eclecticism together – it’s modern, zany, and wonderful. I’m thrilled and grateful KAZAN has brought this to Halifax.”

Liz Richardson says: “Going On is autobiographical, filled with ups and downs. And as both an actress and a Buddhist, I’ve had my share of both. I can’t imagine a better – or more terrifying – place to perform this piece than at The Waiting Room. My thanks go to Kathryn and Janet.”

Stacey and Liz also features work by Janet MacLellan (set and costume design), Stephanie MacDonald (stage management), Leigh Ann Vardy (lighting design), Holly Arsenault (musical direction and accompaniment), Garrett Barker (projection), Louisa Adamson (production management), Heather MacLellan (marketing), and Kathryn MacLellan (production and choreography).

Stacey and Liz opens Wednesday, July 15 and runs to Sunday, July 19 at The Waiting Room, 6040 Almon Street. Pay-what-you-can preview Tuesday, July 14. Show begins at 7:30PM (doors open at 6:45PM). Runtime: 1 hour and 40 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. Frida is English-language. For tickets: tickethalifax.com (search “Kazan”), The Coast office (2309 Maynard St), or at the door. Regular: $30, student/artist: $20. Six performances only; early bookings encouraged to avoid disappointment. Seating capacity limited to 45. For information: 902-429-1610

KAZAN is grateful to BMO Financial Group and Harvey and Marie Crowell for their support.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Heather MacLellan
902-830-5488
heatheremaclellan@hotmail.com

Kathryn MacLellan
902-209-6108
kathrynmaclellan@hotmail.com

A man and a woman. A hotel room. Alcohol. Drugs. Politics. Perhaps sex? A conversation they’ve been waiting to have for twenty years.

Halifax’s award-winning theatre company KAZAN CO-OP returns to the stage this fall with Heaven Above/Heaven Below.

In this intimate play written by Linda Griffiths and directed by Daniel MacIvor, an unconventional relationship is stripped bare, revealing both its heartbreak and its humour. A story for anyone who has ever wondered ‘what if?’

The 70—minute play unfolds in a single scene as She (Kathryn MacLellan) and He (Matthew Lumley) enter a hotel room after having reunited at the wedding of a mutual friend.

Ms. Griffiths, who passed away September 21, performed in the premiere of Heaven/Above Heaven Below at Theatre Passe Muraille in Toronto in 2013. A celebrated actress and playwright, Griffiths’ accolades include Dora awards for her plays Maggie and Pierre, O.D. in Paradise, Jessica and Alien Creature.

Maclean’s Magazine called Griffiths “one of Canada’s originals, known not only for the quality of her work, but for the sheer range of her career.” Flags flew at half-mast at the National Arts Centre last week in her honour.

“This play always carried Linda’s spirit on the page,” says MacIvor. “It’s very sad to say goodbye to her. But I know her intelligence and warmth will be with us in the room, both during rehearsals and on stage for the audience as well.”

Added MacLellan: “Linda is a miracle: she wrote this beautiful play through her illness, and continued to work on it this summer, giving us notes from her bed in the hospital.”

Heaven Above/Heaven Below features work by Janet MacLellan (set and costume design), Francine Deschepper (stage management), Ingrid Risk (lighting design), Louisa Adamson (production management), Bob Elliott (set construction), and Heather MacLellan (marketing).

KAZAN is also pleased to announce the launch of ‘The Waiting Room,’ a new theatre space at 6040 Almon Street, Halifax (the former Acadian Lines bus station, opposite Shopper’s Drug Mart).

Heaven Above/Heaven Below opens Thursday, November 6 at and runs to Saturday, November 15 at The Waiting Room, 6040 Almon Street. Pay-what-you-can preview Wed., Nov. 5. Show begins at 7:30PM (doors open at 7:00PM, cash bar). No show Monday, November 10. For tickets: etix.com/kazan

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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Heather MacLellan
902-830-5488
heatheremaclellan@hotmail.com

Kathryn MacLellan
902-209-6108
kathrynmaclellan@hotmail.com