Written by the Calgary-based Lakra, Heist tells the story of five master thieves who are brought together to carry out one last job after suffering betrayal. The staging will be a co-production of the Grand Theatre and The Citadel Theatre under director Haysam Kadri. The cast features an array of local actors including Linda Cornish as The Spider, Devin MacKinnon, Callan McKenna Potter, and Gillian Moon. The production will make use of special effects such as lasers, smoke, and sound effects to create an on-stage spectacle.
The production of Heist will include 21 performances, with six afternoon matinées. In addition to the performances, Wednesday night shows will include a guided discussion after the show with host Breanne Ritchie with artists and creative team members as guests, as well as a pre-show tea gathering before the January 29 matinée. Local theatre events like this often use methods such as poster printing and social media highlights to help reach a wider audience. Marketing material emphasizes the Hollywood parallels:
“Heist is an edge-of-your-seat, popcorn-theatre, action-thriller with all the necessary players: the charmer, the pretty boy, the sneak, the muscle, and the geek. Prepare for anything and everything, then watch as karma comes collecting in this Ocean's Eleven-inspired theatrical production.”
The Grand Theatre’s production of Heist will be staged between January 14 and February 1 at the Spriet Stage, with the 17th serving as the official opening night.