Factory Theatre presents … The Real McCoy

Factory Theatre presents … The Real McCoy

Factory Theatre proudly presents the world premiere of The Real McCoy, written and directed by Andrew Moodie. The production opens on Factory’s Mainspace Theatre on February 2, 2006 (with previews from January 28 – February 1) and runs until February 26. The Real McCoy features a superb ensemble of actors including Bruce Beaton, Ardon Bess, Matthew Deslippe, Kevin Hanchard, Marcia Johnson, Zainab Musa and Maurice Dean Wint.

Inspired by the true life story of Elijah McCoy, The Real McCoy tells the tale of this extraordinary black inventor, born in Canada to runaway slaves, who became a leading expert in the field of thermo-dynamics and whose invention of the self-lubricating cup revolutionized steam engine travel. When others tried to imitate his inventions with lesser success, suppliers began asking for “the real McCoy”, an expression of authenticity that has lasted more than a century. Yet McCoy’s own true racial identity became a hindrance to his career interests, and his move to the U.S. was coupled with triumph and personal tragedy. This is a powerful story that deals with the failed promises of the late industrial age, the struggle between science and faith, between pride and the unforgiving hand of God, all manifested in one Elijah McCoy.

Andrew Moodie’s first play, Riot, (based on the aftermath of the Rodney King beatings in L.A.) premiered at the Factory Theatre in 1995, and earned the author instant success, including a Chalmers Award in 1996. His subsequent plays include Oui (Factory Theatre, 1998), The Lady Smith (Theatre Passe Muraille, 2000) and A Common Man’s Guide to Loving Women (CanStage, 1999). Besides being an accomplished writer and Factory’s playwright in residence, Moodie is also a noted actor, having performed most recently in Tideline at the Factory, and earning himself a 2005 Dora Award for Outstanding Performance in Roseneath Theatre’s production of Health Class.

Maurice Dean Wint (Tarragon’s Capture Me, Factory Theatre’s Where is Kabuki?) plays the complex and contradictory Elijah McCoy. Kevin Hanchard (Obsidian’s Consecrated Ground, Canstage’s Blue/Orange), Ardon Bess (Canstage’s As You Like It), Marcia Johnson (Magnus Theatre’s The Miracle Worker), Zainab Musa (star of Metropia, and Canstage’s Twelfth Night), Bruce Beaton (Ananke Theatre and Theatre Asylum’s Icara), and Matthew Deslippe (Actors Repertory Company’s Family Stories: Belgrade) serve as the show’s powerhouse ensemble cast, bringing this moving tale to life.

Set and Lighting Design for the production is by Steve Lucas. Costumes are designed by Julia Tribe, and Sound Design is by Gerard Chrysostum Louis. Stage Management is by Crystal Salverda.

In celebration of Black History Month, an interactive pre-show festival in partnership with the Ontario Black History Society and Visions of Science for Learning will occur during the Thursdays of the run. More details to follow.

Factory Theatre Mainspace, 125 Bathurst Street, Toronto
Previews from January 28th, opens Thursday February 2nd and runs until February 26th;
Performances: Tuesday – Saturday 8pm, Preview Sunday at 7pm, all other Sunday Matinees at 2pm, Saturday matinee on Feb. 25, student matinees Wednesdays at 2 pm

Ticket Prices: Previews $12; HIPTIX previews $5, Tuesday-Thursday at 8pm $25; Friday at 8pm: $30; Saturday at 8pm: $35; Sunday Matinee Pay-What-You-Can ($20 if booked in advance). Discounts for groups, students, seniors and Equity

Box Office 416-504-9971, www.factorytheatre.ca. Tickets also available online.

(PRESS RELEASE)