Beneath Springhill is the incredible story of Maurice Ruddick, “the singing miner,” an African-Canadian who survived nine days underground during the historic Springhill mining disaster of 1958. This multi-award-winning chamber musical recalls the events during the disaster, the effect it had on Ruddick’s family, and the racial tensions in the town of Springhill. The play is a celebration of hope, courage and community. Music by Susan Newman and Lyrics by Rob Fortin.
News & Reviews
“This is what theatre is about.” — GetDown.ca
“A celebration of the human spirit…” — Calgary Sun
About the Author/Performer
Beau Dixon is a multi-award winning playwright, actor, composer and sound designer. Four of Beau’s one-act plays have been performed in elementary, secondary and post-secondary schools throughout Canada. Beneath Springhill: The Maurice Ruddick Story won two Dora awards (Best New Play and Best Performance/ TYA Division), the Calgary Critics Award (Best Individual Performance), and two Betty Mitchell nominations (Best Touring Play, Best Male Performance). In 2016 he was a KM Hunter Award finalist and was also inducted into Peterborough’s Pathway of Fame for his leadership in the dramatic arts. Beau is artistic director and co-founder of Firebrand Theatre. He continues to write and perform, dividing his time between Peterborough and Toronto.
In this audiobook version of Beneath Springhill, Beau Dixon reprises his award-winning performance as Maurice Ruddick, performing the music and songs, and telling the story of the events that led to Ruddick being named Canada’s Citizen of the Year for 1958.
