Once the warm weather goes into hiding and grey rainy days take over, one incredible thing can bring joy to both young and old – theatre! Luckily, we are blessed to have Simply Theatre in Geneva, bringing the excitement of British-style drama to the stage.
Immerse yourself in the sheer magic of live theatre and create cherished memories with your family. Witness the incredible power of storytelling and embrace the breathtaking beauty of the performing arts at Simply Theatre.
Here, at Parentville HQ we’ve been fans of Simply Theatre for years, and we always look forward to the new season.
Professional theatre groups perform some shows, and others – equally great – are brought to life by the students of Simply Theatre Academy (I wrote about it here).
Let’s see what they prepared for us this season!
AUTUMN
Romeo & Juliet
November 11-19, ages 11+
This production seems to promise an electrifying and thought-provoking take on Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy, « Romeo and Juliet. » Set in a world marked by ceaseless conflict and deep-rooted animosity, this adaptation of the classic tale delves into the complex theme of forbidden love.
The production is teeming with passion and an unwavering yearning for change. The audience can expect a fiery tale of love at first sight, as well as a deeply emotional exploration of the consequences of love in a hostile world. With a powerful narrative and an exploration of timeless themes, this theatrical production promises to be an intense and unforgettable experience that will resonate with audiences of ages 11+.
WINTER
Claus – A Musical Adventure
November 25-26, 28-30; December 1-3, 12-17
This is a show that will make enter the holiday season in a magical and joyful way. As always, the Christmas show at Simply will be filled with magic, laughter, and positive energy! Be prepared that some songs will stay with your family for Christmases to follow. Some songs from Simply’s shows from the past has become traditional in Parentville HQ.
« Claus – A Musical Adventure » is a heartwarming and whimsical story featuring a delightful ensemble of characters and toe-tapping songs that are sure to fill your heart with the spirit of Christmas. It’s a show that’s perfect for the entire family, promising an evening of laughter, magic, and unforgettable memories.
So, join the adventure and let the jolliness of Claus, the magic of Christmas, and the cheer of the holiday season sweep you off your feet. « Claus – A Musical Adventure » is part of the Simply Theatre Studios’ Professional Season, and it’s an experience suitable for all ages, recommended for kids aged 4 and up (please note that tickets are required for children aged 2 and above). The performance is expected to last approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, including an intermission.
Get ready to say « Ho ho ho » and let the festive fun begin!
The Lightning Thief – The Percy Jackson Musical
February 20-21, 27-28, ages 8+
Any Percy Jackson fans here? This show is an adaptation from the beloved best-selling book, « Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief » by Rick Riordan. A great opportunity for the fans and those who would like to be introduced to the Percy Jackson’s world?
In the captivating world of Percy Jackson, a young hero with extraordinary lineage faces a host of challenges. Born as the son of a Greek god, Percy grapples with newly-unearthed powers beyond his control, a destiny he never sought, and a legion of mythical monsters hot on his trail.
Trouble erupts when Zeus’s all-powerful lightning bolt is stolen, and Percy finds himself wrongly accused. To clear his name and prevent an impending war among the gods, Percy embarks on a perilous quest to locate and return the stolen bolt. However, catching the thief is just the beginning…
The Wizard of Oz
March, 2-3, 8-10, ages 4+
This is THE show! « The Wizard of Oz » continues the tradition of Simply Theatre’s remarkable productions, following the success of their sell-out show, « Peter Pan. » With stunning sets, captivating costumes, and special effects that will leave you spellbound, the production promises to transport you and your family to the merry and magical land of Oz this March.
It’s a sensational family production that’s sure to delight all ages. This captivating show features the iconic songs from the beloved MGM motion picture, making it a must-see for parents and children alike.
The adventure begins with Dorothy and her faithful companion, Toto, as they are swept away by a powerful tornado from their Kansas farm to the enchanting and mysterious land of Oz. But as they arrive, they quickly discover that nothing is quite as it seems in this magical realm. To find her way back home, Dorothy must grasp an important life lesson: « there’s no place like home. » This heartfelt message resonates with audiences of all ages.
This enchanting journey is recommended for children aged 4 and above, making it a perfect family outing that promises fun, laughter, and valuable life lessons for all.
SPRING
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
March, 14-24, ages 12+
« 3 Actors. 37 plays. 97 minutes. It’s Shakespeare at its funniest! »
Get ready for Shakespeare like you’ve never seen before! London’s longest-running comedy, « The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), » has made its way to Geneva, and it’s an irreverent, high-energy romp through the entire Shakespearean canon that will have you roaring with laughter.
In this whirlwind production, the comedies are condensed into the uproarious « Four Weddings and a Transvestite, » while the history plays transform into a chaotic game of American football. Othello takes the stage in a rap performance, and Titus Andronicus becomes a TV cooking show. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any more entertaining, « Hamlet » is dissected as a psychological exploration of Hamlet’s ego and Ophelia’s id, performed in a matter of minutes, and even delivered in reverse!
Whether you’re a Shakespeare enthusiast or someone who typically avoids the Bard, this show promises to be a riotous experience for all. As « The Today Show » puts it, « If you like Shakespeare, you’ll love this show. If you hate Shakespeare, you’ll love this show! »
A word of caution: This performance is a high-speed rollercoaster ride through Shakespeare’s works and may not be suitable for those with heart conditions, bladder concerns, inner-ear or outer-ear disorders, Shakespearean scholars, holders of degrees in Elizabethan history, or anyone prone to motion sickness.
Fantastic Mr Fox
April, 27-28 & May, 2-5, ages 6+
“You know as well as I do: no-one outfoxes a fox!”
Roald Dahl’s « Fantastic Mr. Fox » delivers wholesome family entertainment at its best. This delectable story of avarice, pride, and the strength of camaraderie is a splendid outing for the entire family, offering a side-splitting celebration of one of the animal kingdom’s most remarkable heroes.
Mr. Fox is intelligent, resourceful, and truly remarkable, but he underestimates the relentless determination of these vengeful farmers. Can he devise a plan to protect his family and friends? Will they manage to elude the menacing diggers and outmaneuver the farmers? And will Rabbit manage to keep quiet long enough to avoid giving their secret away?