Montreal, the city that shaped Leonard Cohen’s life and work, is welcoming back one of the most extraordinary theatrical experiences of recent years. And this time, it is even more special.
The Secret Chord: A Leonard Cohen Experience returns to the Segal Centre for Performing Arts from October 5 to 25, 2026 at the Sylvan Adams Theatre, and the anticipation in this city is absolutely electric. Created by Frank Cox-O’Connell, Marni Jackson, and Mike Ross, and directed by Cox-O’Connell, the acclaimed Soulpepper production comes back to Montreal after selling out its first engagement at the Segal in December 2024 and earning the kind of rapturous response that makes a return not just welcome but entirely inevitable.
As the Montreal Gazette described it so perfectly: “Part concert, part theatre, entirely magical.”
A docu-concert that moves between storytelling and performance, The Secret Chord traces Cohen’s remarkable life through the songs that built his legend. And here is what makes this return so exciting for those who already saw it: the text is entirely new. The storytelling that carries the show between songs has been completely rewritten, meaning audiences who saw the first run will find a different experience built around the same extraordinary music. Five performers and a live band share the stage for ninety minutes, trading off the lead from song to song in the most beautifully generous way.
Through Mike Ross’ arrangements, Cohen’s classics are reinterpreted with fresh energy, pulled toward soul, blues, and gospel in ways that make songs audiences have known by heart for fifty years feel like something entirely, thrillingly new. “Hallelujah”. “Suzanne”. “Bird on the Wire”. “Everybody Knows”. “So Long, Marianne”. Each one landing with a charge that is both deeply familiar and completely alive.
The cast is extraordinary. Divine Brown, Emily Schultz, and Andrew Penner return from the previous run, joined by Michael Torontow and Beau Dixon in his first Segal appearance. On stage with them, Jacob Gorzhaltsan returns on reeds, alongside Tom Moffett on trumpet, Jamie Drake on drums, and Bret Higgins on bass.
“Whether you missed it the first time or simply couldn’t imagine seeing it only once, this return brings new artists, new energy, and another chance to experience something truly special,” says Lisa Rubin, Artistic and Executive Director of the Segal Centre.
Nowhere else could this show mean quite what it means in Montreal. This is the city where Cohen walked, wrote, and became who he was. And The Secret Chord, in this city, in this theatre, is nothing less than a love letter home. 🎵🖤✨
The Secret Chord runs October 5 to 25, 2026 at the Segal Centre, Sylvan Adams Theatre. Tickets $80 to $85 with group, senior, student and under-30 discounts available. Book at segalcentre.org or call 514-739-7944.
