2025/26 Season Student Matinee
Advisory Guide
Made in Italy
August 26 – September 21, 2025
written by Farren Timoteo
directed by Daryl Cloran
Martha Cohen Theatre
He’s back for an encore performance! After playing to a sold-out run at Theatre Calgary in 2023, Farren Timoteo brings his 25+ characters to life in his one-performer comedy about family, tradition, and food. This is your chance to laugh-out-loud once again (or for the first time) as you enjoy a delicious taste of humour and heart that was Made in Italy!
Grade Recommendation: Grade 9 and up.
Student Matinees: September 17, 2025
Student Matinee start time: 11:00am
Advisory: Some sexual content and some strong language.
Running Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
*Talk Back to follow the performance
See below select script examples of advisories.
Please note - while the most explicit examples are provided, not every mention of the same advisory is listed. For instance, a word may appear more than once in the script but is only identified by one example below. For all script notes, please contact Theatre Calgary’s Education & Outreach Associate.
Page 7:
SALVATORE: Va fungal!
FRANCESCO: That means fuck off.
Page 10:
MARK: What are you looking at faggot?
Page 29-30:
Character is in his underwear.
FRANCESCO:
The doors open and Im welcome into a great foyer by a number of different women, all different ages, different hair colours, different body types, floating like ghosts. Frankly I find them all terrifying. I just wanna fun, until I see…
The silhouette of the most beautiful ghost, standing at the top of the grand staircase,
ANNA:
Vieni qui, bambino.
FRANCESCO:
And with that she disappears into the hall leaving behind a trail of cigarette smoke. Aiutami, San Gabriel…
Her room is very simple. Its hard to tell how old she is, she look young and old at the same time….
She takes my hand and leads me to bed…..
Anna? Bella. Listen, Im not sure if you heard my cousin out there… Before I came in, about never having been with a woman. And, I just have to say… That is not true at all. Obviously. I mean, Im very, um, accomplished. Very. With women. Of course! Women of the day… and night… such as yourself. So…You are in for a real treat… Out of curiosity, how much…. Does this.. whats the… is it like an hourly rate or—-
ANNA:
Sta ‘zitto, bambino. Shhhhh….
FRANCESCO:
Then she reaches to the bottom of her nightgown and lifts if over her head.
Dio mio. Anna…Ti amo.
BLACKOUT.
Page 41:
ANGELO:
I really think it will get us laid.
Dial M for Murder
September 30 - October 26, 2025
adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher
from the original by Frederick Knott
directed by Jillian Keiley
Max Bell Theatre
Get ready for an evening of danger, deception, and murder! Tony suspects his wife may be cheating on him, but shocking twists and revelations will raise the stakes with deadly results. This acclaimed adaptation of the classic thriller would even make Alfred Hitchcock Dial M for Murder.
Grade Recommendation: Grade 10 and up
Student Matinees: October 8, 9, 15, 2025
Student Matinee start time: 11:00am
Advisory: sexual content and violence
Running Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes.
*Talk Back to follow the performance
See below select script examples of advisories.
Please note - while the most explicit examples are provided, not every mention of the same advisory is listed. For instance, a word may appear more than once in the script but is only identified by one example below. For all script notes, please contact Theatre Calgary’s Education & Outreach Associate.
Pages 2-3:
MARGOT: So how would you murder me?
MAXINE: How would you like to be murdered?
MARGOT: What are my choices?
MAXINE: Oh, there are so many methods to choose from. Alphabetically theres asphyxiation, blade, bludgeon, bullet…
MARGOT: Blow to the head?
MAXINE: Same as bludgeon really.
MARGOT: Sorry.
MAXINE: Drowning. Electrocution. Garroting. Hanging. Poison. Strangling.
MARGOT: Isn’t strangling the same as parroting?
MAXINE: Garroting is a subcategory of strangling.
MARGOT: I see.
MAXINE: Truth be told, they’re both subcategories of asphyxiation.
MARGOT: God is in the details. Go on.
MAXINE: Shoot. Stab. Erm…
MARGOT: You’re up to T.
MAXINE: Tickle to death?
MARGOT: It’s been tried.
MAXINE: Yes, I know, you’re immune.
MARGOT: Can one be vivisectioned to death?
MAXINE: If ones alive when you start.
MARGOT: You’re disturbingly good at this.
MAXINE: It’s all I’ve thought about for the past year.
MARGOT: Murder?
MAXINE: Means, motives, killer and killed.
Page 17:
TONY: I looked in the window and what do you think I saw?
LESGATE: I've no idea.
TONY: My wife. In the arms of a woman.
Page 21:
LESGATE: I shall tell them you’re trying to blackmail me into…
TONY: Yes?
LESGATE: Murdering your wife.
Page 23-24:
The plan for the murder is described in detail on these pages.
Page 38:
LESGATE: I was paid five thousand pounds to murder you.
Page 40:
Murder. Stage directions: (MARGOT’s hands catch hold of the scarf and try to tear away. They struggle, then LESGATE winds the scarf around her neck. MARGOT gropes for the scissors. She grabs them and drives them into LESGATE’s back. LESGATE cries out, then falls on the floor, on his back.)
Page 41:
MARGOT: I stabbed him.
TONY: The blades went right through.
Page 71:
BBC NEWSREADER: Mrs. Wendice was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death. The trial, which featured lurid revelations regarding Mrs. Wendice and a close female friend, was notable for the accused’s claim that the murdered man had been paid to kill her.
A Christmas Carol
November 28 - December 31, 2025
written by Charles Dickens
adapted for the stage by Geoffrey Simon Brown
directed by Stafford Arima
associate directed by Jane MacFarlane
Max Bell Theatre
On Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge is taken on a spirited journey into his past, present, and future to show him the errors of his ways, with a chance to be a better man. A beloved family holiday tradition in Calgary, A Christmas Carol is not to be missed.
NOTE: Student matinee performances of A Christmas Carol are extremely limited for the 2025-26 season.
Grade Recommendation: K-12
Student Matinees: November 25, 26, 27 & December 3, 4, 10, 2025
Student Matinee start time: 11:00am
Advisory: Some mildly scary moments; ghosts.
Running time: 2 hours
*Talk Back to follow the performance
The Tale of the Gifted Prince
February 14 - March 15, 2026
book & lyrics by Lezlie Wade music by Daniel Green
based on the novel "The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen" by Lloyd Alexander
by permission of The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation
directed & choreographed by Darren Lee
Max Bell Theatre
In a kingdom on the edge of rebellion, Prince Ren must save his father’s throne. Armed with five humble gifts, he embarks on a quest to enlist the aid of a reclusive shaman. As danger looms, Ren discovers the gifts hold powers that will either mend a realm or shatter it forever. Join us for this world premiere musical you will never forget.
Grade Recommendation: Grade 4 and up
Student Matinees: February 25, 26 & March 4, 2026
Student Matinee start time: 11:00am
Advisory: peril and violence
Running Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.
*Talk Back to follow the performance
See below select script examples of advisories.
Please note - while the most explicit examples are provided, not every mention of the same advisory is listed. For instance, a word may appear more than once in the script but is only identified by one example below. For all script notes, please contact Theatre Calgary’s Education & Outreach Associate.
Page 10:
KING TAI: The leader was captured and sentenced to lose his head while his followers were never caught or known.
KUANG: Before his beheading, the last words the rebel said
Page 31:
WOMAN: for those who yearn for deadly things.
Page 32:
VILLAGE OFFICIAL: Your father went too far and murdered.
Page 33:
NA TA: This sword and I will avenge my fathers death and rule the Kingdom of Tang.
Page 38:
ZHIHAO: Should I spend my life enslaved.to every man who comes along?
Page 51:
WOMAN: It was introduced by th eking after your mother was killed.
PRINCE REN:
My mother wasn’t killed. She was sick.
WOMAN: Not so. She was murdered by Na Ta’s father.
Page 57:
ZHIHAO: Relax. You’re not my type.
PRINCE REN: Oh. You’re not my type either.
Page 70:
PRISONER #3: I heard it said sometimes he eats the bones of those he kills
Page 115:
NA TA: Kill the girl.
….
NA TA: Kill Feng.
Page 119:
Stage direction: PRINCE REN runs to NA TA but his sword is knocked from his hands and he becomes defenseless. He stands bravely in front of NA TA as the villain raises his sword for a last killing stroke.
A Doll's House
by Noël Coward
April 7 - May 3, 2026
written by Henrik Ibsen
a new version by Amy Herzog
directed by Anita Rochon
Max Bell Theatre
An ordinary family. A perfect marriage. A wife with a secret. Henrik Ibsen’s theatrical giant of a play still shocks and exhilarates audiences to this day. Join us for the Canadian premiere of Amy Herzog’s fresh, compact, and devastatingly contemporary adaptation that took Broadway by storm.
Grade Recommendation: Grade 9 and up
Student Matinee: April 15, 22, 2026
Student Matinee start time: 11:00am
Advisory: mature themes, some strong language
Running time: 2 hours
*Talk Back to follow the performance
See below select script examples of advisories.
Please note - while the most explicit examples are provided, not every mention of the same advisory is listed. For instance, a word may appear more than once in the script but is only identified by one example below. For all script notes, please contact Theatre Calgary’s Education & Outreach Associate.
Page 15:
KRISTINE: Nora, you’re basically still a child.
NORA: You shouldn’t be so condescending.
Page 17:
KRISTINE: A woman needs her husband’s consent.
Page 23:
NORA: Fuck it all.
Page 38:
TORVALD: Is that how my baby’s feeling about it?
Page 58:
RANK: Id need a little more information to make a judgement like that.
NORA: You dirty old man.
RANK: What else will I see tomorrow?
NORA: Im not telling you any more because you are misbehaving.
Page 92:
TORVALD: Oh baby. I cant hold you tight enough. Did you know that sometimes I fantasize that you’re in danger, real danger, so that I get to risk my life to save you?
Page 94:
TORVALD: You stupid bitch!
….
NORA: Once Im gone from this world he wont be able to —
Page 105:
NORA: IM leaving your house and that releases you of all obligations towards me
…….
NORA: There it’s done.
…..
TORVALD: Will you ever think of me?
NORA: Often. You and the children and our home here. Yes.
TORVALD: Can I write to you?
NORA: No.
Come From Away
When an unexpected disaster halts air travel around the world, the people of Gander, Newfoundland come together to welcome those who have been stranded in their town. This all-new production of the award-winning musical tells a story of resilience, kindness, and unexpected friendships in a time of crisis.
Grade Recommendation: Grade 6 and up
Student Matinee: June 3, 4, 10, 2026
Student Matinee start time: 11:00am
Advisory: some strong language, some mature themes
Running time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
*Talk Back to follow the performance
See below select script examples of advisories.
Please note - while the most explicit examples are provided, not every mention of the same advisory is listed. For instance, a word may appear more than once in the script but is only identified by one example below. For all script notes, please contact Theatre Calgary’s Education & Outreach Associate.
Page 4:
BONNIE: Jesus H!
Page 7:
DWIGHT: Lucky shit.
Page 14-15:
OZ: Jaysus thats a jumbo!…. Holy shit!
Page 8:
Toni: Are you FUCKING KIDDING ME?
Page 27:
ALL: Complimentary booze!
Page 44:
NICK: The drunk people form our plane are snoring back there.
Page 51:
BEULAH: There’s this one man- from the Middle East- well, we really don’t know. Hint said a word to a soul- and some of the other passengers seem a bit wary of him
Page 62:
KEVIN J: Its my company- and Kevin’s my secretary.
KEVIN T: Im his sexy-tary.
……
DIANE: but I wasn’t going into a bar in the middle of the afternoon with three men I had just met.
NICK: And I think, I’ll stay with Diane, you know, instead of the gay men who hate me.
Page 66:
MATTY: You’re gay?
KEVIN J: And Im about to pass out.
KEVIN T: But then Matty says…
MATTY: Well, praise be to God. My daughters gay!
KEVIN T: And then Brenda says…
BRENDA: Sure, my sisters gay— and the man across the road just ran off with her best friend!
KEVIN T: And then Brenda’s brother says…
BRENDA’S BROTHER: Our uncle is 68 years old and just told us he’s bi-sexual.
KEVIN T: We somehow ended up in the gayest town in Newfoundland. And Kevin and I are looking at each other like- I think I even say “ There must be something in the water” .And then Brenda’s brother says….
BRENDA’S BROTHER: That's why I only drink beer.
Page 72:
BEULAH: “We’re going to be apart for a long time- and this island is full of young, attractive native girls. I need something to take my mind off them”. So his wife sends him an accordion and says, “Why don’t you learn to play this then?” So finally, he comes home from his tour of duty and says to his wife, “I can’t wait to get you into bed.” And she says, “first, lets see how well you play that accordion.”
WANT TO BOOK NOW?
To book a performance, please email students@theatrecalgary.com or call 587 441 9060 and Virginia Rempel will contact you to collect payment and provide further details.
Please include ALL of the following information in your email:
- School Name
- Grade(s)
- Name and date of performance
- Number of seats required (total to include both students and adults)
- Teacher/Contact Name
- Phone Number
- Best time to contact you by phone
- If any attendees require special seats due to mobility, sight, hearing or other limitations
More educational activities from Theatre Calgary
WORKSHOPS
Arts education is a powerful tool to build confidence, inspire creativity, make connections, forge friendships and teamwork, think critically, and learn through play. Theatre Calgary believes that the next generation of theatre artists and audiences are in your classroom.
Theatre Calgary offers ARTISTS in the CLASSROOM and SCHOOLS ON SITE programming. Choose whether you can bring your students to the theatre, or we bring artists to you!
Select Workshop length: 45 through 120-minute workshops, half or full day experiences, or longer residencies.
Choose from any of the following Workshop Experiences at the theatre or at your school:
- Musical Theatre
- Theatre Games
- Devised Theatre Creation
- Monologue or Scene Study
- Auditioning
- Technical Theatre
- Costume Design
- Shakespeare
- Stage Combat
All theatre workshops can include a backstage tour!
Coming to a matinee? Add a show-themed drama workshop day-of or prior to the performance date!
To find out more, book a workshop, or register for a program, contact:
Jennie Esdale, Education & Outreach Associate, Theatre Calgary
jesdale@theatrecalgary.com