The Segal Centre brings back The Secret Chord ahead of the 10th anniversary of Leonard Cohen’s passing

Advertorial 

Just one month shy of the 10th anniversary of Leonard Cohen’s passing, the Segal Centre for Performing Arts is bringing back the beloved show that captivated Montreal: Soulpepper Theatre’s The Secret Chord: A Leonard Cohen Experience. After its acclaimed run in 2024, this co-production created by Frank Cox-O’Connell, Marni Jackson, and Mike Ross returns to the Sylvan Adams Theatre and will run from October 5 to October 25, 2026. 

 Directed by Cox-O’Connell, the show is aimed at both longtime Leonard Cohen fans and newcomers who wish to explore his work in an intimate setting. Set in a cozy living-room aesthetic, complete with comfortable armchairs, soft table lamps, and a coat rack displaying Cohen’s signature fedora, the atmosphere feels less like a stage and more like stepping into the artist’s private study. The production avoids traditional biographical narration and instead draws from archival interviews, poetry, and reflective mid-concert stage banter, pairing each song with the personal history and spirituality behind its creation. 

 Under the imaginative musical direction of Ross, classic songs are reimagined across various genres, blending soul, rhythm and blues, gospel, and folk harmonies into pieces that listeners have known for decades. Lisa Rubin, the Artistic and Executive director of the Segal Centre, is thrilled about the production's return: “Montreal, you asked for it, and now it’s back! Whether you missed it the first time or simply couldn’t imagine seeing it just once, this return features new artists, fresh energy, and another chance to experience something truly special.”  

 In line with the Segal Centre’s commitment to inclusive community experiences, the run will also feature two audio-described performances on October 18, 2026, at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm. This ensures that Cohen’s timeless body of work remains accessible and welcoming to everyone. 

 For a full list of accessibility offerings, patrons can visit: https://www.segalcentre.org/en/accessibility