Poor Jacob Two-Two. Not only must he say everything twice to be heard over his older brothers and sisters, but he also finds himself the prisoner of the dreaded Hooded Fang. What did he do to deserve such a punishment? The worst crime of all - insulting a grown-up! Join the Kingston Symphony as we bring to life this classic tale by Mordecai Richler, with music by award-winning Canadian composer Dean Burry and text adapted by the author’s son Jacob Richler - none other than Jacob Two-Two himself!

On Saturday, March 28, 2026 at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, we take a beloved Canadian children’s book series full of whimsy, satire, and childhood imagination and present it with all its charm as a stage show narrated by Dean Burry (also the composer), professor at Queen’s University’s DAN School of Drama and Music, and conducted by special guest conductor Rafael Luz.

For 50 years, since the original book Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang was first published in 1975, Jacob, that small boy from Montreal known for his honesty, curiosity, knack for getting into trouble, and penchant for repeating himself, has delighted Canadians with his adventures. For the absurd crime of insulting an adult, Jacob is sentenced to a children’s prison on Slimer’s Island. The prison is run by the fearsome Hooded Fang, a former wrestler who claims to hate children. Despite the grim prison setting, Jacob remains brave and clever. How will he use his wits to escape and expose the injustice of the prison system?

It’s a story that blends humour, fantasy, and satire while celebrating the resilience of children. A great way to entertain the kids in your life and introduce them to the experience of live music as we bring the written page to the stage!

"Bringing the world of Jacob Two-Two to life through music is nothing short of magical. Every note echoes his bravery, wit, and whimsical spirit. I think the audience will connect not just with the melodies, but with the story itself. Dean Burry has done a fantastic job telling a story through sound about a journey through childhood wonder. It reminds us why imagination should always take centre stage. Maestro Rafael Luz is a versatile conductor who will unlock the full expressive power of the orchestra to tell this story properly." - Kingston Symphony Music Director Evan Mitchell

A perfect concert for children, families, Jacob Two-Two fans, and grown-ups who never lost their sense of wonder. Details and tickets here. 

On Thursday, March 26 and Friday, March 27, 2026 at 9:40 a.m. and 11 a.m. on both mornings, students and teachers from the Limestone District School Board and the Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic District School Board will experience the thrilling world of symphonic music when they visit the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts for a special performance. This year, over 2,000 students will have the pleasure of exploring Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang.

The Symphony Education Partnership is a unique collaboration between the DAN School of Drama & Music at Queen's University, the Limestone District School Board, the Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic District School Board, and the Kingston Symphony Association. Every year, the Kingston Symphony presents four concerts for Grade 4 students in the two local school boards. In preparation for these concerts, Queen's University music education students teach a set curriculum written by a member of the Queen's University DAN School of Drama and Music faculty to participating classes.