Kim’s Convenience

Kim’s Convenience, the most celebrated and widely seen new Canadian play in recent history that launched
the hit CBC sitcom of the same name, makes its way to Quebec for the very first time with an exclusive two week run at the Segal Centre for Performing Arts. Ins Choi’s hilarious and touching debut play set in a Regent Park Korean convenience store has been a smash-hit from coast to coast, with its realistic portrayal of the Kim family and their life running a neighbourhood convenience store.

“…A CANADIAN CLASSIC THAT HAS TOUCHED AND ENTERTAINED AUDIENCES ACROSS THE COUNTRY.”
– NOW TORONTO

In Kim’s Convenience, Korean immigrant Mr. Kim (Appa) works hard to support his wife and children with his Toronto convenience store. As he evaluates his future, he faces both a changing neighbourhood landscape and the gap between his values and those of his Canadian-born children.

Choi writes from personal experience, giving this award-winning play a feeling of integrity and authenticity. A fractured but loving family, led by the inimitable Appa, played by Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, confronts an uncertain future while learning to forgive the past. Thoroughly funny and engaging, Kim’s Convenience is a new Canadian classic and must-see comedy.

FROM FRINGE FEST TO PRIMETIME
Originally created as a vignette in 2005 under a playwriting unit in the Fu-GEN Asian Canadian Theatre Company, Kim’s Convenience became the smash hit of the 2011 Toronto Fringe Festival, taking Best New Play honours. It opened Soulpepper Theatre Company’s 2012 season, going on to be remounted multiple times. The production was nominated for two Dora Mavor Moore Awards, including Best New Play, and received the Toronto Theatre Critics’ Award for Best New Canadian Play. It has been touring Canada under the Soulpepper banner and in 2017 it will
be making its debut Off-Broadway at New York’s Pershing Square Signature Center in July as part of Soulpepper’s first NYC season. Ins Choi recently adapted Kim’s Convenience into a hit TV comedy series on the CBC, featuring Paul Sun-Hyung Lee.

THE “DÉPANNEUR” IS OPEN!
“Kim’s Convenience has delighted audiences around the country with its hilarious and poignant story. I’m so excited that Montreal will finally get the chance to see what all the hype is about and rejoice in this Canadian classic,” said Segal Centre Artistic and Executive Director Lisa Rubin.

The Montreal production will feature original cast members Paul Sun-Hyung Lee and Jean Yoon reprising their roles as Appa and Umma Kim. Their daughter Janet will be played by Rosie Simon and their wayward son Jung will be played by Richard Lee.

CRITICAL PRAISE
“★★★★★” – Now Magazine
“… the comedy is funny, and the emotions genuine. [Appa] made me laugh and he made me cry; and you can’t ask for more than that.” – The National Post
“There are many reasons to cheer…Join the celebration” – Toronto Star
“Funny, touching and as warm as a visit to Grandpa’s.” – Edmonton Sun
“We get far too few new plays that are this authentic, honest and heartfelt.” – Calgary Sun
“The beauty of this Canadian classic is that Ins Choi has written a play that in its own way, adds a fresh, funny new chapter to all of ours.” – Calgary Herald
“Kim’s Convenience has an undeniable honesty.” – The Georgia Straight
“A slice of history with plenty of humour.” – The Province

Performances
Wednesday, March 8 – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 9 – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 11 – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 12 – 7:00 p.m.
Monday, March 13 – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 14 – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 15 – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 16 – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 18 – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 19 – 7:00 p.m.

Matinées
Wednesday, March 15 – 1:00 p.m.
Sundays, March 12 & 19 – 1:00 p.m.

SUNDAY @ THE SEGAL
Sunday, March 12 – 11:00 a.m.
An enriching pre-show lecture on the history, themes and ideas behind Kim’s Convenience.

MONDAY NIGHT TALKBACKS
Monday, March 13, 2016
A chance to interact with the creators and actors of the play after the curtain goes down.

*Recommended for ages 12 and up (mature language)
Approximate running time: 1 hour and 25 minutes. There will be no intermission.

For tickets and information: www.segalcentre.org    514-739-7944
Group, Senior, Student, Under 30 discounts available

Segal Centre
5170 chemin de la Côte-Ste-Catherine, Montreal, H3W 1M7