Babette's Feast
dates. November 6-15, 2025
venue. The Gladstone Theatre
credits. Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen), Abigail Killeen, Rose Courtney
This 2018 adaptation conceived and developed by Abigail Killeen and written by Rose Courtney reimagines the classic short story by celebrated Danish authour Isak Dinesen / Karen Blixen (Out of Africa) as a rich theatrical event: deep, funny, sensual, dangerous and beautiful. It brings us into the cloistered 19th-century world of two loving, devout Lutheran sisters and tells us how they and their fractured community reluctantly, then completely, embrace Babette, a mysterious French refugee. But when Babette, much to the community’s shock, sacrifices all she has to throw a lavish dinner party, the dinner guests magically and inexplicably experience radical, infinite grace. Babette’s sumptuous feast is more than a meal: it is an act of supreme artistry that invites an abundant experience of forgiveness and transforms the entire community. Through Babette’s Feast, we learn how embracing the stranger can change a community for the better. The creators dedicate the play to strangers in foreign lands, for their courage and their gifts.
“Deep, funny, dangerous, sensual, and beautiful.” —Portland Stage
“...a bundle of exciting contradictions: stark and lush, stunning and austere, mysterious and comic.” —TheaterMania
“Babette’s Feast shows us the banquet of life we all take for granted.” —Time Square Chronicles
TIPPING THE SHOW
Keeping with the company's tradition of what's called "tipping the show", and in the spirit of the story of Babette's Feast, 9th Hour will raise money after performances for local charities that work to reduce poverty and homelessness in the nation's capital.
Week one of performances (November 6-9th) will focus on In From the Cold, an initiative of Parkdale United Church that provides opportunity for those experiencing poverty or other challenges, to come "in from the cold" and get together in relationship with others while exploring the mystery and privilege of giving and receiving in the context of safety, loving hospitality, respect and dignity.
Week two of performances (November 12-15th) will focus on the Westboro Region Food Bank, a ministry of All Saints Westboro Anglican Church, where the community is committed to feeding their neighbours who are most vulnerable to food insecurity. Operating over 40 years, they offer support to their neighbours by providing staples like cereals and grains, canned vegetables and meats, as well as milk, eggs, and breads.
THE ARTISTIC TEAM
SHAUNA AKKERMANS (Director) | JENNIFER BARKLEY (Properties Designer) | ANA CLARA BOUFFARD LIMA (Choreographer) | DON DOUGLAS (Lighting Designer) GEORGE DUTCH (Artistic Consultant) | JONATHAN HARRIS (Artistic Director) | KATIE IRVINE (Dramaturge) | EVELYN JOST (Costume Designer) | IAN MCMULLEN (Ensemble Captain) | KELTIE NEWMARCH (Music Designer)
THE ENSEMBLE CAST
ADAM BARROWS | ANA CLARA BOUFFARD LIMA | TOM CHARLEBOIS | JACK DILLABOUGH | BREANNA DOYLE | LOGAN INDEWEY | SARAH MCKAY | IAN MCMULLEN | KELTIE NEWMARCH | LAVINIA SALINAS
THE PRODUCTION TEAM
MANU ACOSTA (Show Photography) | SHAUNA AKKERMANS (Lighting Hang Assist) | SHANNON AU (Production Coordinator, Rehearsal Assistant) | ZACHARIAH AU (Rehearsal & Properties Assistant) | GRAHAM BARKLEY (Carpenter) | JENNIFER BARKLEY (Back Stage Manager) | OLIVIA CHODNICKI (Make-up) | ADRIENNE DAVID (Rehearsal Assistant) | DON DOUGLAS (Technical Director, Lighting Op) | DARREN EMERY (Rehearsal & Properties Assistant) | JENNIFER (JENNA) HENRY (Assistant Stage Manager) | JONATHAN HARRIS (Producer) | EVELYN JOST (Hospitality) | SANJIV KALRA (Assistant Producer) | SUSAN MARRINER (Graphics Designer) | IAN MCMULLEN (Lighting Hang Assist) | JENNIFER PARENT (Publicity Manager, Production Assistant, Assistant Stage Manager) | ESTHER SANGALI (Front-of-House) | TINA SEGRETO (Production Manager, Front of House Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, Hospitality Coordinator)
SPONSOR THE SHOW
We’re very pleased to have the Royal Danish Embassy partner with us as our cultural sponsor, including some remarks given by the Ambassador of Denmark on opening night.
Are you a Business? Consider sponsoring the production for brand visibility, community impact, exclusive access, and audience alignment. Check out our Sponsorship Packages and find out what perks are included.
Ensemble Cast
Ensemble Cast
Ensemble Cast
Ensemble Cast