Toronto Premiere of The Bee’s Knees to Shine a Light on Women in Politics

Toronto, ON — Tall Poppy Productions is set to debut the world premiere of The Bee’s Knees, a new play by acclaimed writer and director Judy Reynolds. Running from November 15 to November 24, 2024, at the Theatre Centre’s Franco Boni Theatre, this jazz-infused production will transport audiences back to the 1920s, highlighting the era when Canadian women could run for parliament for the first time.

Centered around two sisters navigating the tumultuous political landscape of the time, The Bee’s Knees offers a poignant reflection on women’s challenges in leadership. The play feels especially timely as the U.S. heads into a heated 2024 election cycle, drawing stark parallels between the struggles of female politicians a century ago and those of today.

Set in a small town, the story follows Bernie, a rebellious flapper, who convinces her more cautious sister, Dolores, to run for office. Dolores, running against a slick and corrupt incumbent, faces a series of intense obstacles—smear campaigns, personal betrayals, and death threats. Yet, the sisters push forward, determined to shatter the status quo.

With original music inspired by the jazz age, the production immerses viewers in the vibrant atmosphere of the 1920s, while also challenging them to reflect on contemporary gender dynamics in politics. As Reynolds notes, the play “poses questions relevant to the 2020s, examining the timeless struggles women face in politics.” Despite the glitzy fashions of the time, she adds, “not much else has changed.”

Reynolds, who was inspired to write The Bee’s Knees after her young daughter asked if women could become prime ministers, hopes the play will spark reflection on the representation of women in leadership. “I wanted to show her something better,” Reynolds shared. “She was raised in a feminist household, but somehow she wasn’t picking up that women could be world leaders.”

The large ensemble cast brings to life a colorful array of characters, from suffragists to speakeasy owners, all grappling with societal change in the aftermath of World War I and the Spanish Flu. One standout character is Rita Blue, a speakeasy owner whose music bridges past and present, offering audiences a touchstone for understanding how women have been fighting the same battles for generations.

In addition to its historical focus, the play serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing scrutiny female politicians endure, from smear campaigns to personal threats. As audiences prepare to watch the unfolding U.S. election, The Bee’s Knees raises the critical question: Is it really that different now?

Performance Details

The Bee’s Knees runs from November 15 to November 24, 2024, at the Franco Boni Theatre. Opening night will take place on Friday, November 15, at 8:00 p.m. Additional performances will run as follows:

• Saturday, November 16 – 8:00 p.m.
• Sunday, November 17 – 3:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 19 – 8:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 20 – 8:00 p.m.
• Thursday, November 21 – 8:00 p.m.
• Friday, November 22 – 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, November 23 – 8:00 p.m.
• Sunday, November 24 – 3:00 p.m. (Closing)

Tickets are priced at $38 for adults, $22 for students, and $26 for artsworkers. They can be purchased at www.thebeeskneesplay.com. The show runs for 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an intermission.

With its combination of historical context and modern relevance, The Bee’s Knees promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of how far women have come—and how much farther they still have to go.