Stage Door News

Toronto: Baram and Snieckus announce the world premiere of “Big Stuff” running November 12-December 8

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Baram and Snieckus proudly announce the world premiere of Big Stuff, a brand new comedy show co-created by the powerhouse team of Matt Baram (Painkiller, Umbrella Academy), Naomi Snieckus (The Social, Disney’s Zombies) and Kat Sandler (WILDWOMAN, Mustard). Written and performed by real-life comedy couple and Second City alums, Matt Baram and Naomi Snieckus and directed by award-winning writer/director Kat Sandler. The show previews November 12th and runs from November 15th to December 8th, 2024, at Crow’s Theatre.

Part storytelling, part duo stand-up and part improvised, Big Stuff comes together as a heartfelt and hilarious exploration of all the “stuff” that’s left behind when we lose someone close to us. Whether it’s the physical stuff we cram into our attics or the emotional stuff that occupies a different kind of space in our hearts, Baram and Snieckus humorously explore their conflicting philosophies about the stuff that’s left behind.

This marks the first time Baram and Snieckus, who have a long history of creating together through improv, have collaborated on a written piece. However, they simply couldn’t resist leaving a little room to improvise. Baram and Snieckus will draw inspiration from their audience’s stories and weave them seamlessly into their own.

“As performers, we’ve always loved working together, particularly in improv where there’s no script and everything is made up on the spot” says Snieckus. “But writing Big Stuff together allowed us to bring a new depth to our work, blending the spontaneity we love with a fully realized script. Plus, we get to dig into some real-life relationship dynamics – and let’s just say, nothing is off-limits!”

Baram adds, It’s been a revealing process to say the least. For instance, we very recently discovered that we both appear in each other’s sexy dreams”!

“Well, I mean we aren’t exactly the leads”, replies Snieckus. “We mainly have supporting roles”.

Directed and co-created by Kat Sandler, whose distinctive voice in contemporary theatre is known for pushing boundaries and blending humor with emotional complexity, Big Stuff promises to deliver laughs while exploring the intricacies of modern relationships. The chemistry between Baram and Snieckus, sharpened by years of marriage, professional collaboration, and a little therapy, elevates this show into something both intimate and universally relatable.

“Matt and Naomi’s chemistry is undeniable,” says Sandler. “You feel it the moment they walk in the room. Big Stuff lets audiences experience the laughter, tenderness, and ridiculousness of life through the lens of a real-life couple that know each other inside and out. Audiences can expect a blend of sharp wit, heartwarming moments, and a fresh perspective on life’s “Big Stuff,” delivered by two of Canada’s top comedic performers.

Michelle Tracey (Universal Child Care, WILDWOMAN) is designing a powerful installation playing on the themes. Emilie Trimbee (Sympathy For The Devil, Anigonick) will light us and Tim Lindsay (Sea Sick, Detroit) has crafted a breathtaking soundscape.

Big Stuff previews at Crow’s Theatre on November 12, 2024. The show opens November 15. Tickets are available now at www.crowstheatre.com, with early booking recommended.