The Tragically Hip’s songs inspire jukebox musical, set for 2026 Hamilton debut
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Longing to hear The Tragically Hip’s music live?
The Kingston band has partnered with Toronto theatre impresarios David and Hannah Mirvish as well as producer Michael Rubinoff (Come from Away) to incorporate their beloved music into a new theatrical production called It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken.
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Named after one of the Hip’s songs, the musical will feature the band’s tunes and a book by Brian Hill and Ahmed Moneka as it tells the story of a family in turmoil after long-guarded secrets are revealed and the support they receive through friends in Toronto’s Kensington Market.
“Some of the country’s best theatre makers have come together to create a show that honours our music,” The Tragically Hip said in a statement.
“It’s exciting to see our songs interpreted in a new way that will continue to connect audiences, while supporting a compelling story for the theatrical stage.”
It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken will have its world premiere in 2026 at Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton and the show will be further developed in partnership with The Creative School Chrysalis at Toronto Metropolitan University.
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“The Tragically Hip are a foundational part of Canadian culture and music,” said David and Hannah Mirvish in a statement. “We are thrilled to support a musical that uses their music to tell a wonderful and uniquely Canadian story.”
Added Rubinoff: “The Tragically Hip’s music has had a huge impact on me and millions of other lives, transcending generations and people from all walks of life. This musical is an opportunity to not only honour the band’s legacy but also celebrate their glorious music. It is a dream project.”
The musical is just the latest of Hip projects to be announced.
A few weeks ago, on World Cancer Day, a stripped-down version of their song Courage was revealed in a new short film for the Terry Fox Foundation with the slogan “Finish it,” as the annual run to raise money for cancer research and awareness celebrates its 45th anniversary this year.
And in September, The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal, a four-part documentary series about the band, premiered at TIFF and is currently streaming on Amazon Prime worldwide.
Casting for the musical will begin next month with an open call on March 9 at The Creative School Chrysalis at Toronto Metropolitan University, 43 Gerrard St. E., sign in from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. with CAEA members seen first.
More information about casting is available at theatreaquarius.org/auditions-submission.com.
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