Factory Theatre in joint production with The Great Canadian Theatre Company proudly presents:

The Real McCoy

Written and Directed By Andrew Moodie

Andrew Moodie’s The Real McCoy returns to Factory Theatre after the huge success of its world premiere in 2006 to open our 2007/2008 season. The production opens on Factory’s Mainspace Theatre on October 13th (with previews from October 11^th & 12th) and runs until November 4th. The Real McCoy features a talented ensemble of actors including Bruce Beaton, Ardon Bess, Matthew Deslippe, Kevin Hanchard, Marcia Johnson, Ordena Stephens-Thompson and Maurice Dean Wint.

Inspired by the life of Elijah McCoy, The Real McCoy tells the tale of the renowned Black engineer born in Canada to runaway slaves, who later became a leading expert in the field of thermo-dynamics and whose inventions revolutionized steam engine travel. With a triumphant career that included an amazing 57 patents, ‘The Real McCoy’ became an expression of authenticity despite being inspired by a man whose life was marred by tragedy.

Andrew Moodie is an actor writer director who has performed in many theatrical, film and television productions. His writing credits include the play 'Riot' for which he won a Chalmers award, ‘Oui’ for Factory Theater, 'Wilbur County Blues' for Blythe Center for the Arts, and 'A Common Man's Guide to Loving Women' for the National Arts Centre and the Canadian Stage Company and Black Theatre Workshop Montreal. He is also the host of TV Ontario’s Big Ideas.

Maurice Dean Wint (Tarragon’s Capture Me, Factory Theatre’s Where is Kabuki?) plays the complex Elijah McCoy. Kevin Hanchard (Canstage’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream & Factory Theatre’s Apple), Ardon Bess (Canstage’s Comedy of Errors), Marcia Johnson (Toronto Fringe Festival The Gladstone Variations), Ordena Stephens-Thompson (Mirvish/Royal Alex da kink in my hair), Bruce Beaton (Canopy Theatre’s The Tempest), and Matthew Deslippe (Actors Repertory Company’s Family Stories: Belgrade) together create a superb ensemble cast.

Set and Lighting Design for the production is by Steve Lucas. Costumes are designed by Julia Tribe.

Exciting partnerships and events during the run of The Real McCoy include an exhibition of the International African Inventors Museum for the entire extent of the play and a continuation of Andrew Moodie’s special project Toronto The Good. More details to follow.

Factory Theatre Mainspace, 125 Bathurst Street, Toronto

Previews from October 11th, opens Saturday October 13th and runs until November 4th;

Performances: Tuesday – Saturday 8pm, Sunday PWYC Matinees 2pm, student matinees Wednesdays & Fridays at 12:30pm

Ticket Prices: Previews $12; HIPTIX previews $5, Tuesday-Thursday at 8pm $25; Friday at 8pm: $30 or rush tickets 10 minutes prior to performance for $10; Saturday at 8pm: $36; 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

Sarah Mackie

Publicity and Outreach Officer

Factory Theatre

416.504.4473 x224

125 Bathurst Street (at Adelaide) Toronto M5V 2R2