IT’S A GOOD LIFE IF YOU DON’T WEAKEN
@ KINGSTON GRAND THEATRE, KINGSTON
OCTOBER 22 – NOVEMBER 8, 2026
It’s A Good Life If You Don’t Weaken is the new musical by the producer who brought us Come From Away. It’s A Good Life If You Don’t Weaken is a musical using the music of The Tragically Hip to accentuate the story of a newcomer to Canada. Note, the music is used to punctuate story points. This is NOT a musical about The Tragically Hip. It does, however, take place in Kingston. The story revolves around Waleed, a very educated Iraqi journalist who is forced to flee the country in 2002. He is situated in Kingston, Ontario and this is the story of his journey and struggles.
By 2002, The Tragically Hip were firmly entrenched in the Canadian music scene, and since he is located in their hometown, the use of the music makes sense. But the music does not drive the story but is used very creatively throughout the play. In establishing himself in Kingston, he finds a community, relationships and self-discovery. It is a very beautiful story that unwinds with very even pacing and the music is outstanding.
Lead actor Ali Momen (Waleed) is not only a great singer, he is an excellent actor. Along with Kate (played by the very talented Talia Schlanger), their duet of “Bobcaygeon” is a highlight of the production. And the supporting cast brings a great deal to the show, all powerful performers who, with the use of very creative staging, bring this story, which actually starts in Baghdad, alive. Narrator Sam (played wonderfully by Karim Butt) leads us through the story, which features Kate’s brother Jonathan (Brendan McGibbon), roommate Lucas (Kevin McLachlan) and Waleed’s boss, Didi (Tahirih Vejdani). All bring emotion and humour to their roles and, again, their versions of Tragically Hip songs are outstanding. “My Music At Work” fits in beautifully and it is brilliant to see as part of the show.
SPILL FEATURE: IT’S A GOOD LIFE IF YOU DON’T WEAKEN – A CONVERSATION WITH THEATRE PRODUCER MICHAEL RUBINOFF
I am not a theatre critic, so there is probably a lot I have not written about. But the show It’s A Good Life If You Don’t Weaken is an outstanding production, which the band has given their blessing to. Using the well-known hits of The Tragically Hip, as well as some deeper cuts, keeps the story fascinating and engaging. The band is on stage the entire time, and the actors play a bit of guitar here and there, which makes it a joy to watch.
On a separate note, seeing It’s A Good Life If You Don’t Weaken in Kingston, at The Grand Theatre is very special, as a lot of the story takes place in a record store on Princess Street, which happens to be the street on which The Grand Theatre is located. Walking out of the theatre door onto Princess Street, one cannot help but feel the electricity in the air.
There is a lot to like about It’s A Good Life If You Don’t Weaken, particularly the theme and message of the production. This world certainly needs some love, compassion and understanding and that is what It’s A Good Life If You Don’t Weaken delivers. You don’t have to be a fan of the band to enjoy this show. But, if you are a Tragically Hip fan, this is not to be missed. It is worth noting that this is part of the ongoing celebration of The Tragically Hip this year in Kingston with so much to see and visit while you are in the city for the show.
A cast recording of the album is available.
IT’S A GOOD LIFE IF YOU DON’T WEAKEN TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
The Tragically Hip Links
