TWO MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT
by Michael Ross Albert
Directed by Carey Nicholson
June 11 – 7 pm (Preview)
June 12-13, 18-21, 26-27 – 7 pm
June 14-15, 19 – 2 pm
June 22 – 4 pm
Jack and Tracy really need a vacation, but everything at their all-inclusive tropical getaway has been a disappointment. It’s rained the entire trip, their social media influence hasn’t translated to real revenue yet, and an inbound nuclear missile might be about to annihilate them and everyone nearby. With the world– and their relationship– on the brink of collapse, the bickering couple stares down oblivion together, confronting the illusions that kept them together, and finding hope for their future in the chaos of imminent destruction.
Running time is approximately 90 minutes, with no intermission.
*Please note, this show contains mature content and language. Recommended for ages 12+.
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Hailed by the Toronto Star as “one of Toronto’s most exciting playwrights”, Michael Ross Albert is no stranger to success, having garnered the prestigious Patron’s Pick, Best of Toronto Fringe on two occasions — in 2018 for his play Anywhere and in 2019 for The Huns. In 2017, Albert’s play Tough Jews received the My Entertainment World Critics’ Pick Award for Outstanding New Work and was nominated for six Dora Awards. Albert’s work has also been successful outside of Canada: His plays have been translated into several languages, including German, French, Polish, and Hebrew, and have been staged throughout the United States and the United Kingdom. Originally scheduled for production in 2020, Two Minutes to Midnight finally received its premiere run in 2022 at the Assembly Theatre in Toronto.
Company co-founder, artistic director and general manager, Carey Nicholson is working double duty, directing this first production of the season. After graduating from the George Brown College Dance Program, Nicholson successfully completed the professional performance program at the School of Toronto Dance Theatre (now known as the Dance Arts Institute), where she taught for fifteen years. She moved to the Durham Region in the late nineties and has been involved with professional and community theatre companies primarily in Durham and York regions as a board member, producer, performer, choreographer, set designer, instructor, costume designer, and director. Though she has worn many hats in the realm of theatre, it is directing that Nicholson enjoys most, mainly because it allows her to draw from the multitude of varied experiences she has in theatre, and it gives her the opportunity to discover and play in all areas of production.
This chaotic and hilarious comedy is a thought-provoking start to the season in this year of political climate change. With its satirical look at influencers, Instagrams, and incoming missiles, Two Minutes to Midnight wryly considers the question of what’s important as the nuclear clock ticks down.
Tickets $15 – $39. Limited PWYC tickets available for Wednesday performances.
