Groundhog Day: The Musical makes Canadian premiere in Sudbury

CTV's Lyndsay Aelick and 'special weather correspondent' Phil Connors talk Groundhog Day ahead of YES Theatre's production at the Sudbury Theatre Centre.

After celebrated runs on London’s West End and New York’s Broadway, ‘Groundhog Day: The Musical’ has found its Canadian home with YES Theatre in Greater Sudbury. Based on the 1993 film, the romantic-comedy musical features music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, the acclaimed composer behind ‘Matilda the Musical.’

The production is co-directed by Cameron Carver and Andrew Tribe, with choreography by Carver, whose recent credits include ‘La Cage Aux Folles’ and ‘The Diviners’ at the Stratford Festival. This marks the first of several collaborations with nationally renowned directors at YES Theatre this season, including Peter Hinton-Davis, former artistic director of the National Arts Centre.

The musical, which has garnered rave reviews, was described by The Times of London as “so much fun it should be illegal,” while The New York Times called it “a comfy pair of slippers.” The Sudbury production stars Sayer Roberts, fresh from the Stratford Festival, alongside a talented cast featuring local actors such as Alessandro Costantini as Ned, Colin Eady as Larry the Cameraman, and Ruthie Nkut as Doris. Melissa MacKenzie makes her YES Theatre debut in the role of Rita.

“It’s extremely exciting to be the first people in Canada to do this musical,” said Ruthie Nkut, creative and associate artistic director at YES Theatre, in a news release.

“This is just a fun, hilarious, darkly comedic, romantic musical about a man who is trapped living the same day over and over again. It’s one of the most complex shows we’ve ever done, with props, flies, and dancing in full force. We also have the most amazing dream team working on this show.”

Cameron Carver shared his personal connection to the production, in the news release on Friday.

“I grew up down the road from the Stratford Festival of Canada in London, Ontario, and was exposed to some extraordinary theatre growing up,” he said.

“‘Groundhog Day: The Musical’ is one of the most intricate pieces I’ve ever come across. At the heart of the show beats a story of community and transformation which shines vividly at YES Theatre.”

The musical tells the story of Phil Connors, a cynical weatherman forced to relive the same day repeatedly in the small town of Punxsutawney, PA. Along the way, he undergoes a profound personal transformation, blending humour, romance, and philosophical depth.

‘Groundhog Day: The Musical’ opens with two preview shows on Feb. 12 and officially premieres on Feb. 14 at the Sudbury Theatre Centre.

Tickets and more information are available at YEStheatre.com.