New Life production team
at The Gladstone Theatre
James McGowan (author, lyricist, composer, and music director, 2026 production by Lost Baggage Musical Theatre)
Susan Blyth-Schofield (consultant; director and producer of scenes from New Life presented at Carleton University in 2022 and 2025)
Joy Mwandemange (artistic director, and Steph cover for 2026 production)
Mathieu Charlebois (producer, ensemble, and Robert cover for 2026 production)
JME (L to R): Richard Page (woodwinds); Ross Morgan (guitars); Cendrine Despax (violin); Jamie Holmes (drums); James McGowan (keyboards); JP Lapensée (bass)
New Life - a Musical
A new musical is coming to the Gladstone Theatre, September 23–26, 2026 (in the 2026–2027 season). With book, lyrics, and music by composer James McGowan, this full-length jazz-rock musical is a powerful dramedy about a woman rebuilding herself and her family after her abusive husband dies. Her family of three adult kids (Alex, oldest; Robert, middle child; Steph, youngest) and her minister Norah come together at his funeral to see just how distant and distrustful they’ve become. But as each person finds the strength to deal with their life challenges and past traumas, they also find ways to communicate through both conflict and subtle ways of helping each other. The story is set in 2011, partly in the country and partly in the nearby city, as progressive values are seemingly starting to permeate society. They discover that they need each other to counter homophobia, transphobia, substance abuse, and intimate-partner abuse that they struggle with. Combining emotional ballads and energetic ensemble pieces, this story honours the lives of beautiful, but flawed characters, just like you and me, and offers hope to move past our lonely solitudes for a better, new life surrounded by loved ones who drive us crazy.
Links:
Interview with James and Joy (artistic director) on CTV Morning Live (link on Facebook)
Interview with James and May (plays Mom) on CBC Radio 1, All in a Day
James McGowan Ensemble (six-piece ensemble that will accompany the show)
Listen or Buy the New Life: Original Cast Album on Bandcamp now!
Album release on Streaming services begins on September 20!