Regina’s Globe Theatre, symphony orchestra join forces for historic performances

In the 1942 movie Casablanca, the famous words were offered: “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

And it seems a beautiful friendship is budding between Regina’s Globe Theatre and the Regina Symphony Orchestra. The two Regina institutions are partnering for the upcoming run of the iconic musical Les Misérables.

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“It is an extraordinary honour to be part of this unprecedented collaboration between two great Saskatchewan institutions,” said Jennifer Brewin, artistic director of the Globe Theatre.

“It feels that the only way to bring the Globe’s production of this iconic story to life is with the sound and artistry of the RSO. It is a meeting of theatrical and musical virtuosity on an epic scale, and a powerful expression of what Regina’s arts community can create together.”

Even after its extensive renovations, the Globe Theatre remains a theatre in the round and doesn’t have an orchestra pit, but those involved in the performance are excited to see how it will all come together.

The production is directed by Estelle Shook, with music direction by Evan Watt Smith. The two of them will be very busy during the show.

“Our head of sound will be orchestrating where they are. They’ll probably be in the rehearsal hall, because we don’t have an orchestra pit, but Shook is working on ways to make sure everyone knows and sees the orchestra, and they’re in their full might,” explained Samuel Deason, the orchestra’s executive director.

Deason said he’s excited and hopeful about what the partnership will mean for the two organizations going forward.

“It is fresh and bold, and it allows us to do so much more together than we could do as individual institutions,” he said.

“I get the sense the city wants to see institutions coming together to do big, bold, exciting works of art, performances or whatever. It’s going to be unlike anything anyone’s ever seen or witnessed before.”

Running February 10 to March 21, 2027 at MacCorquodale Place, Les Misérables is the centrepiece in the Globe’s 61st season.

The show is running specifically during the coldest period of the year to help draw audiences and offer Regina residents something special to do during the winter months.