When a dazed college graduate becomes entangled in a love triangle with a mother and daughter, he finds himself caught between the allure of experience and the promise of a bright future.

The Segal Centre for Performing Arts dives headfirst into to its much-anticipated 2014-2015 Season with The Graduate, Terry Johnson’s hit stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning 1967 film written by Calder Willingham and Buck Henry and the 1963 cult novel by Charles Webb. Directed by Andrew Shaver, starring Luke Humphrey and Brigitte Robinson and featuring live music on stage by Justin Rutledge and Matthew Barber, this hot summer production from August 31 to September 21 will launch the Segal Centre’s new season. 

“I’m a little worried about my immediate future” – Benjamin Braddock

The Graduate tells the story of disillusioned college graduate Benjamin Braddock, made famous in the landmark 1967 feature film starring Dustin Hoffman, and brings it vividly to life on stage in an adaptation that infuses the iconic tale with bittersweet emotion and sharp humour. Set in 1964 within a polarized America to an exquisite folk-rock soundtrack, this coming-of-age comedy follows Benjamin as he gets seduced by the sultry Mrs. Robinson, the wife of his father’s business partner, and falls in love with her daughter, Elaine. In a script that brilliantly captures the essence of a time brimming with social, political and cultural transformation, The Graduate compels us to ponder the age old question, “What does the future hold?”

Terry Johnson’s theatrical version of The Graduate premiered in 2000 on London’s West End to great critical and commercial success, and his since been performed worldwide, notably on Broadway with Kathleen Turner as the lascivious Mrs. Robinson.

“After wowing us with Sherlock Holmes, we’re thrilled to have Andrew Shaver and his team revisit this iconic story and awaken our nostalgia with a fun, sexy and entertaining production. A perfect way to end the summer and kick off our exciting new theatre season,” said Segal Centre Artistic and Executive Director, Lisa Rubin.

Director Andrew Shaver, Artistic Director of SideMart Theatrical Grocery (Trad, Haunted Hillbilly), offers up a uniquely melodious theatre experience backed by SideMart’s trademark vitality and humour. The rising director invited acclaimed singer-songwriters Justin Rutledge and Matthew Barber to join the cast and to perform original music live on the Segal stage. The Toronto-based musicians team up to compose and play original songs inspired by the film’s seminal Simon & Garfunkel soundtrack.

“Mike Nichols’ 1967 film of The Graduate changed the face of American cinema and Simon and Garfunkel’s music left an indelible mark on all film soundtracks that followed. So, we have some big shoes to fill and I couldn’t have more confidence in our team. From Brigitte Robinson and Luke Humphrey as the near mythic Mrs. Robinson and Benjamin Braddock to two of Canada’s finest songwriters Matthew Barber and Justin Rutledge composing new songs, you’re in good hands. And that doesn’t even factor in this hot young buck Graham Cuthbertson that I’ve been hearing so much about,” stated Andrew Shaver, winner of a META Award for his Direction of Sherlock Holmes starring Jay Baruchel.

Matthew Barber has produced seven albums in the 20th Century Folk-Rock tradition and has previously composed for theatre in SideMart Theatrical Grocery’s cult vampire musical Haunted Hillbilly (created and developed presented by the Segal Centre). Juno Award-winning Justin Rutledge is equally prolific in the North American Folk scene, having shared the stage with artists such as Blue Rodeo, Dolly Parton, Martha Wainwright and Great Lake Swimmers and composed for the stage productions of The Arsonists (Canadian Stage) and Divisadero (Necessary Angel).

This new Segal Centre production stars Stratford’s young leading man Luke Humphrey as Benjamin and Shaw Festival favourite Brigitte Robinson as Mrs. Robinson, with Georgina Beaty as Elaine Robinson. Alain Goulem, Marcel Jeannin, Jane Wheeler, Graham Cuthbertson and Seska Lee make up the stellar supporting cast.

“I’ve got just one thing to say, Ben. PLASTICS” – Mr. Robinson

California mod meets the Golden Age of television in James Lavoie’s Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show inspired set design, Susana Vera’s vibrant costume design and a retro lighting design by Martin Sirois. Jesse Ash (Sound Design) and George Allister and Patrick Andrew Boivin (Video Design) will create a dynamic and immersive environment and complete the young and exciting design team.

Tickets: $44-$59 (Regular) Season Subscriptions, Group, Senior, Student, Under 30 discounts available. 514-739-7944 www.segalcentre.org   Matinées: Sunday, August 31 at 1:30 pm, Wednesdays September 10 & 17 at 1:00 pm. and Sundays at 2:00 pm. The Segal Theatre is located at 5170 chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal.

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