October 2, 2018Canadian actor (ME!) to launch the first Actor-Musician production company in Canada I've spent my life performing as an actor, singer and musician, often at the same time. This is when I am the most happy onstage, when I am immersed in the character in every expressive way. I've seen first hand how audiences react to this immersive experience, and it has been a joy to challenge myself in this way as both an actor and a musician.
Today, I proudly announce the formation of my own theatre production company, Garner Productions: The Actor-Musician Theatre Company. With my richly talented colleagues in the theatre industry, we will interweave onstage storytelling with the musical score with existing plays, musicals and with new works.
The Garner Productions inaugural workshop presentation will be A Man of No Importance, music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and a book by Terrence McNally; a story that emphasizes the need for tolerance and allowing people to express who they truly are. The theme of this opening production aligns with the company’s mandate to choose pieces that spark thought and debate and introspection.
I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the support of a group of ‘angel donors’ that has allowed for a full-length workshop production of A Man of No Importance. Taking place Saturday, October 27, 2018 this invite-only event will feature a 15 member cast of talented veterans of the Canadian theatre scene.
Please don't hesitate to contact myself or my lifelong friend and colleague Rachel Lambe for further information on the work of Garner Productions.
And happy Tuesday.
Donna Garner, Artistic Director
Garner Productions
Rachel Lambe, Executive Producer
Garner Productions
Phone: 416-992-8741
info@donnagarner.ca
July 30, 2018A great role in a brand new Canadian musical!Dr. Silver: A Celebration of Life is an inaugural co-production of A Musical Stage Company and Outside the March, Canada’s leaders in immersive theatre, created by two of the most exciting and innovative artists in Canadian musical theatre, Anika Johnson and Britta Johnson.
“Siblings Britta and Anika Johnson are revolutionizing the musical theatre world.” – NOW Magazine
book, music, and lyrics: Anika Johnson & Britta Johnson
music director & supervisor: Elizabeth Baird
accompanist & conductor: Adam Sakiyama
director: Mitchell Cushman
choreographer & assistant director: Barbara Johnston
arrangements: Bram Gielen
starring: Rielle Braid, Peter Deiwick, Bruce Dow, Donna Garner, Kira Guloien
& Edge of the Sky Young Company from Wexford Collegiate as The Silver Singers
production designers: Nick Blais, Nick Bottomley, Anahita Debhonehie & Ken Mackenzie
sound designer: Richard Feren
stage manager: Kate Sandeson
apprentice stage manager: Lucy McPhee
production manager: Oz Weaver
associate production manager: C.J. Astronomo
For tickets, and more info, visit the following links:
September 1, 2015The Sound of MusicDonna is currently performing the role of Frau Schmidt in the brand new North American tour of
The Sound of Music directed by three time Tony award winner Jack O’Brien.
The Sound of Music is the beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family featuring music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse.
It has thrilled audiences with its Tony®, Grammy® and Academy Award® winning Best Score,
including “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss” and the title song
“The Sound of Music.”
2015 marked the 50th anniversary of the film version, which continues to be the most successful
movie musical in history.
For more information and tour dates, please go to: February 1, 2015Once The Musical-All Canadian CastAfter 16 months on the road with the First National Tour of the Tony Award winning musical Once, Donna has transferred to the all Canadian cast of Once and is currently performing the role of Baruška at the Ed Mirvish theatre in her home city of Toronto.
Once is based on the 2006 film of the same name, featuring the music and the vision of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. It is imagined for the stage by Tony Award-winners John Tiffany and Steven Hoggett, with book by Enda Walsh, and orchestrations by Martin Lowe.
It wins critical raves (Tony, Drama Desk, Grammy, Olivier, Academy Award) and is performed in six countries.
For more information, and show dates, go to: October 1, 2013Once The MusicalDonna is currently performing the role of Baruška in the First National Tour of the Tony Award winning musical Once.
Once is based on the 2006 film of the same name, featuring the music and the vision of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. It is imagined for the stage by Tony Award-winners John Tiffany and Steven Hoggett, with book by Enda Walsh, and orchestrations by Martin Lowe.
It wins critical raves (Tony, Drama Desk, Grammy, Olivier, Academy Award) and is performed in six countries.
For more information and tour dates, please go to: