Joe Clark was just under 40 when he became Canada's youngest Prime Minister on June 4, 1979. He held the position until he was—wait for it—just over 40. Michael Healey’s comedy explores the night when Joe Clark is awaiting in his office the parliamentary vote which will seal his political fate. That evening, Joe is visited by a veritable hall of fame of 1970s (and later) Canadian political names, including finance minister John Crosbie, foreign minister Flora MacDonald, former prime minister Pierre Trudeau, his wife, Maureen McTeer, aspiring Conservative candidate Brian Mulroney, and Stephen Harper (then a lowly gofer). Each one of them has sound political advice for Joe Clark but he determined to stick to his principles, even if it means triggering an election everyone knows is a bad idea. Throughout the play, the author has included asides to provide the background to the political events unfolding on stage. The result is a play that delivers a glimpse into the funny, and sometimes moving, nature of Canadian political life in 1979.
This show contains some adult content and a healthy dose of explicit language. Viewer discretion is advised.
Run time approx 2 hours. Includes intermission.
Phoenix Players is teaming up with the Ottawa Food Bank
during the run of the play.
Please Bring food items to The Gladstone theatre and leave them in bins in the lobby. The Most needed items are
canned fish and chicken, nut butters,
canned vegetables and fruit, diapers, pasta and rice.
You can also donate funds through this site: CBC Project Give 2020 - EVENTS - Phoenix Players 1979 - Ottawa Food Bank
IN ADDITION
Phoenix Players will be holding its second BISFIB
(Bums in Seats, Food in Bellies) fundraiser.
For each sold out show, a cast member, Dr. John Kershman,
will donate $2K up to a maximum of $10K.
So remind your friends to come out to one of the 10 shows
from April 25 to May 3!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
