Big Hearts tackles big ideas onstage

By Stephen NearOct 31, 2025

The Man From Earth, a sci-fi play with a twist on stage at The Staircase, is a ‘quiet, cerebral piece that invites audiences to wrestle with big ideas about time, faith, and what it means to be human,’ says director Erin Newton.

Science fiction isn’t the usual genre when it comes to live theatre. That is why it’s such a special occasion — and such a challenge — when it’s done on a local stage in Hamilton.

Yet, it’s a challenge that Big Hearts Little Theatre company has embraced with its upcoming production of Jerome Bixby’s speculative play The Man From Earth, opening at the Staircase Theatre on Nov. 7.

“It perfectly reflects what Big Hearts Little Theatre strives for — work that engages both the heart and the mind,” says company artistic director Erin Newton. Remarking on how her company is drawn to stories that spark deeper conversations while challenging perspectives, she says the play “reminds us of our shared humanity,” while focusing on central values of “connection and curiosity.”

The play may be quiet and cerebral, says Newton “but at its core, it’s about connection and curiosity — values that are central to everything we do.”

The late Bixby, known to audiences of sci-fi as a writer for such iconic shows as The Twilight Zone and Star Trek (he created the Mirror Universe of Star Trek: Discovery fame), famously wrote The Man From Earth on his deathbed. Written in collaboration with playwright Richard Shenkman, the play starts with a professor named John, who is packing his belongings and preparing to leave town. His university colleagues show up to give him an impromptu farewell party but are soon confronted with a bewildering story they don't expect.

For Micheal Hannigan, the show’s director, the production is a chance to stretch his creative muscle in a different direction with the company. “I felt The Man From Earth would make for an entertaining and thought-provoking evening of theatre,” he says, “and something that’s just a little bit different,” than what local audiences are used to seeing.

The cast of Big Hearts Little Theatre's *Man from Earth*.

Although it takes place in a single location, Hannigan felt that was one of the play’s inherent strengths. “People crowded into a room? We can work that awkwardness to our advantage. Let the stumbling over one another help tell the story. You get to recreate that first moment when interesting ideas hit you, and where the imagination flourishes. That’s been the trickiest part of rehearsal. But it’s also produced some of the most surprising and rewarding moments.”

The Man From Earth hinges on a shocking plot twist delivered by John, one that sets the rest of the characters on a heady exploration rife with conflict. This twist, says Hannigan, is part of what makes such a cerebral play so intriguing. “The narrative flows as a conversation among gathered friends; a thought experiment that gets the party going and then takes on a life of its own.”

Says Hannigan: “Each character has been drawn to reflect the questions and points of view that may exist within the minds of the audience. The goal was to show how the spark of an idea can excite the imagination and build its own momentum through challenging conversation.”

Newton’s fascination with the play fits with the mandate of her company. “We’ve always tried to strike a balance between entertainment and thought — between laughter and reflection. While much of our past work has leaned into contemporary Canadian stories and comedic musicals that celebrate community and connection,” she says, “The Man from Earth gives us a chance to stretch in a different direction. It’s a quiet, cerebral piece that invites audiences to wrestle with big ideas about time, faith, and what it means to be human.”

What’s more, she sees programming a play like this as answering a larger need within the community. “It deepens our ongoing conversation with Hamilton audiences by reminding us that theatre isn’t just about escape — it’s also about curiosity. It encourages people to slow down, listen, and ask questions together. In a city known for its grit and heart,” she says, “there’s real value in exploring a story that challenges perspectives while still connecting deeply on an emotional level. It’s a new kind of dialogue for us, but one that fits perfectly with our mission to engage minds as well as hearts.”

*Man from Earth* director Michael Hannigan.

It’s a sentiment echoed by Hannigan. “A repeated refrain in the play is, ‘anything is possible.’ That may seem rather quaint, or even naive. I disagree. This community, like so many others, has endured its hardship, and come out stronger on the other side. That’s not the result of cynicism. It’s a tribute to people’s capacity for growth. A desire to learn … or more to the point, relearn.”

On the broader message of the play, Hannigan reflects, “it’s OK to have moments of scepticism. Follow that impulse and ask a question. Then ask another one. See where it takes you. Engage new ideas. And just maybe, anything is possible.”

The Man From Earth is yet another independent theatre production finding a home in Hamilton’s Staircase Theatre. For Newton, it's been a fruitful partnership. “As an independent company, finding a venue that’s both affordable and artistically supportive can be challenging. The Staircase truly understands what small, emerging theatre groups need. The space itself is intimate and comfortable, creating a wonderful atmosphere where audiences feel close to the work and to each other.”

Beyond the stage, she says, the venue is “a gathering place where people can meet, talk, and build community around the art they’ve just experienced.” It’s a combination of professionalism and heart, says Newton, that makes The Staircase “a special home for local theatre in Hamilton.”

For Hannigan, diving into the play with the company has been exciting.

“This cast is a combination of actors I’ve worked with in the past, and ones I met for the first time during auditions, but one vital thing they all share is a profound enthusiasm for the story.”

Hannigan admits that “doing a lot of preliminary table work is not my usual MO.” But the director felt this play needed it, as did the cast. “The joyful exchange of ideas during early rehearsals was uplifting. They were all on the same page, and seemed to bond immediately. It’s been an incredible privilege to watch these players play.”

The cast includes Aaron Cowan, Michael Comparone, Bernard Applewhaite, Adam Trischler, David Cairns, Maia Kirby, Jessica Thomas-Troian and Julia Middleton.

Says Trischler: "As a kid who grew up on Star Trek, this play feels like an extended and really deep episode of Trek.” For Kirby, seeing how each cast member brings something unique to their character has been part of the magic. Comparone, who plays the main character of John, is enthusiastic to be working with Hannigan again, calling the play “one of the coolest scripts I’ve ever read.”

*Man from Earth* director Michael Hannigan and Big Hearts Little Theatre artistic director Erin Newton.

It’s all part of Newton’s goal to "create meaningful, community-driven productions that bring together local artists, audiences, and causes.” For her, quality theatre doesn’t have to be big-budget to make a powerful impact.

“Since our early beginnings,” she says “we’ve produced everything from intimate one-act plays to children’s theatre, to large-scale musicals, youth programs, and touring arts events that connect to schools and seniors across the region.”

The work of Big Hearts “sits at the intersection of professional quality and community heart. We collaborate with local venues, showcase homegrown talent, and offer opportunities for both emerging and experienced performers to share the stage.” At the same time, “community service is a cornerstone of who we are. From organizing food drives in support of Hamilton Food Share to volunteering at retirement homes, we’re deeply committed to living up to our name, both onstage and off.”

For Newton, “theatre is more than entertainment; it’s a way to give back, and celebrate the compassion and creativity that make Hamilton a vibrant arts city.”