Moncton's Hubcity Theatre to present 'very high-quality non-musical drama'

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Moncton’s Hubcity Theatre will stage its next production, Aaron Posner’s Stupid Censored Bird, April 10 to 20 at Theatre l’Escaouette.

In a news release, Hubcity Theatre said the play will follow up to last year’s production of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. Hubcity is also known for presenting Shakespearean plays at Centennial Park in Moncton.

Hubcity said Stupid Censored Bird is a contemporary adaptation and satire of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull, a play which explores what it means to create art, be in love, and find one’s truth.

Directed by Hubcity Theatre’s Artistic Director, JB Vanier, the production showcases seven New Brunswick actors portraying a complicated cadre of friends and family over the course of a tumultuous three days.

Stupid Censored Bird stars Samuel Grove, Jake Michaud, Kelly Tynan, Jessica Dunphy, Brad Butland, Jessica Whalen and Darren Blois.

“This cast is exceptional together,” Vanier said in the news release. “We are blessed to have a breadth of wonderful actors in our Moncton community, but I believe we found the right group that will have you in tears and in stitches. We also have original music composed by local musician and New Brunswick Youth Orchestra alumni Malcolm Mealey and lighting by Tyler Andrew, the designer responsible for the lights of last year’s musical.”

The story begins as a young playwright, Con, invites his uncle, his mother, her lover, and his two closest friends to see his new play, which stars his girlfriend, Nina. The play follows the resulting clash of family, fate, and feelings as each character explores their relationships with each other, the world, and the ideas of love and art. 

“While we will definitely return to blockbuster shows like Jesus Christ Superstar, we consider it an important part of our mandate to bring very high-quality non-musical drama to the stage,” Vanier said. “These stories are deep, moving, and hilarious, and we want to provide the opportunity for people to see amazing shows that aren’t performed as often in the Maritimes.”

Vanier said Aaron Posner’s play has received acclaim across the U.S. and Canada for its comedy and mashup of comedy, mock and awe.

The theatre company said this play contains strong language, sensuality, a gun, and themes concerning suicide, mental health, sex, and violence. It is suggested for audiences of 14 and up with parental supervision. 

The show is taking place from April 10 to 20 at Theatre l’Escaouette. Showtime is 7:30 pm, and it has a running time of two hours 30 minutes with two intermissions. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 506-855-0001, extension 207.