Tony Award-winning play, The Lehman Trilogy, opens at the Belfry on April 25
“Genuinely epic…behold it with wonder” - New York Times
Victoria, BC...From April 23 to May 19, 2024, the Belfry Theatre will present, The Lehman Trilogy, the 2022 Tony Award winner for Best Play by Stefano Massini and adapted by Ben Powers. Directed by Belfry Artistic Director Michael Shamata, The Lehman Trilogy stars Brian Markinson, Celine Stubel, and Nigel Shawn Williams.
On a cold September morning in 1844, Heyam, a young man from Bavaria stands on a New York dockside dreaming of a new life in the new world. He is soon joined by Mendel and Mayer, and the Lehman brothers’ journey begins.
The growth of global capitalism exposes the fault lines of the American dream. The Lehman brothers and their descendents rise from shopkeepers to bankers, from obscurity to prominence, navigating the Civil War, the Great Depression, and generations of ethical dilemmas.
It is an epic journey, an epic play, and a theatrical tour de force.
Brian Markinson starred with Celine Stubel in our 2015 production of David Mamet’s Speed-the-Plow. Celine starred in many Belfry productions including Venus in Fur, Proud, and most recently, our 2022 production of Kindred by Rosa Dolores.
Making his Belfry acting debut, Nigel Shawn Williams who directed the Belfry productions of Serving Elizabeth by Marcia Johnson (2021) and Lynn Nottage’s Intimate Apparel (2022).
You can catch Brian in the Netflix series, Painkiller, and Nigel in CityTV's new series, Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent.
Why I Chose This Play
There is nothing more exciting than reading a play and knowing instantly that it has to be seen on our stage! That was my experience with The Lehman Trilogy. I couldn’t put the script down. In literary terms—it’s a “page-turner.” In theatrical terms—it is a stunning high-wire act. Three exceptional actors play three brothers and three generations of the Lehman dynasty. It’s a wild ride: from a tiny store in Alabama to a Wall Street highrise—from small-town enterprise to a global financial juggernaut to full-on moral corruption. - Michael Shamata
The Lehman Trilogy is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Cast
Brian Markinson (Henry Lehman)
Nigel Shawn Williams (Emmanuel Lehman)
Celine Stubel (Mayer Lehman)
Creative Team
Michael Shamata - Director
Shawn Kerwin - Set & Costume Designer
Leigh Ann Vardy - Lighting Designer
Tobin Stokes - Composer & Sound Designer
Treena Stubel - Assistant Director
Jennifer Swan - Stage Manager
Meghan Froebelius - Assistant Stage Manager
Adrienne Smook - Dialect Coach
Live & Virtual Events
Our round-up of events happening at the theatre over the next four weeks.
B4PLAY (In-person + Online)
Saturday, April 20 at 11 am
BMO Studio, 1291 Gladstone Avenue
Our live talk show hosted by CBC Radio’s Gregor Craigie and featuring artists from the upcoming show, along with experts from the community, has been designed to provide insight into each Mainstage production.
Each event is held the Saturday before Opening, is free to attend, live-streamed on Facebook, and is available as a podcast on our website.
B4Play is ASL Interpreted. To reserve free tickets, please call our Box Office at 250-385-6815.
TALKBACK THURSDAY
Thursday, May 9 following the performance.
On the third Thursday performance during the run of each show, most (usually all) of the actors return to the stage to answer your questions and provide insight into the play you have just experienced. These Q & A sessions last approximately 20 minutes.
VocalEye – The Lehman Trilogy
Sunday, May 12 at 2 pm (in-person event with Touch Tour & Social After)
For patrons with low or no vision, we offer one VocalEye performance during most Mainstage productions. Trained Audio Describers provide descriptions of the visual elements of the show, allowing people with low vision to enjoy the theatrical experience without missing any of the details. More information at the Box Office - 250-385-6815.
Community Theatre Nights
May 10 & 17
A Community theatre night is an opportunity to partner with a community group to host a diverse or equity-seeking environment at the Belfry Theatre.
We want to ensure that the Belfry offers a safe space where audiences can gather with friends and communities that represent them.
These gatherings will be tailored and unique to each community group, with some similarities between the general format (including Afterplay conversation and refreshments), and community-specific details that will come from the co-creation with each community.
The community theatre night is an opportunity to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and accessibility by doing what we like to do most, enjoying theatre!
If you would like to attend a Community Theatre Night, please contact the Box Office at 250-385-6815.
Ticket Information
We are offering Pay What You Want tickets for all performances this season. Tickets are available at 250-385-6815 or online at tickets.belfry.bc.ca.
Show Sponsors
The Lehman Trilogy is generously supported by BMO, Used.ca, Gabriel Ross, and Peninsula Co-op.
Season Sponsors
The Belfry is generously supported by The Times Colonist, Helijet, and Splashes Bath & Kitchen.
Public Funders
The Belfry is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, the Province of BC, BC Arts Council, CRD Arts Development, and the City of Victoria.
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Mark Dusseault