Our obsession with Little Edie and Big Edie began when we were first introduced to the 1975 cult classic Grey Gardens as impressionable film students back in uni; the eccentric and isolated relatives of Jackie Kennedy left an indelible mark on our minds and hearts. Over the years, while initiating our own creative projects, we’d often refer to the dream world they built, or take inspiration from their unique sense of style. Our affection towards them simmered throughout the years, bubbling up around Halloween, or when engrossed in conversation about secret worlds and mental health.

In 2009, the love affair grew strong again, as the story of this legendary mother and daughter was adapted into the Grey Gardens HBO TV movie starring Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange. This spring, we can once again feed our desire when Acting Up Stage Company brings the Tony-award winning musical to Toronto. Rolling Stone calls it “a unique and unmissable musical.” We think it’s essential viewing for any woman who appreciates a walk on the wild side. We. Can’t. Wait.

The Grey Gardens musical will have its first preview on Friday February 19th (which also happens to be the 40th anniversary of the movie’s US theatrical release!) and will run until Sunday March 6th at The Berkeley Street Theatre Downstairs. Tickets are on sale now ($35 to $55) and are available by phone at 416-368-3110 or online at www.canadianstage.com. There are also $30 tickets available for students and artists for each performance.

Check out the preview video here for inspiration. Showgoers dressed in Beale-esque outfits will receive a drink at intermission!

For die-hard fans, there are also two other amazing opportunities to dive deep into the world of Grey Gardens:

Sunday February 7th, 1pm: Grey Gardens Screening

Acting Up Stage Company x TIFF present a screening of the classic film, followed by a discussion about the representations of mental health on stage and screen at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. All proceeds from this very special screening will go towards TIFF’s Reel Comfort programme.

Sunday February 21st, 7pm: In conversation with Patricia Rozema

Following the Grey Gardens musical performance, Acting Up Stage Company x Hot Docs will host a chat with acclaimed director and writer Patricia Rozema (Into the Forest, Mansfield Park) who co-wrote the screenplay for the HBO TV movie Grey Gardens.