Photo Coverage: Short, Garber & Canadian GODSPELL Cast Reunite for Theatre Museum Benefit

On Monday February 7th, 2011 a very special event was held in Toronto to raise funds for Theatre Museum Canada, a registered Canadian cultural charity that has a volunteer board of directors and an expanding collection of all things theatrical from our country's past (and hopefully future). The Museum seeks to share the wonder of Canada's rich theatre legacy with Canadians and theatre enthusiasts everywhere.

The idea for Theatre Museum Canada first began back in Vancouver in 1982 when Theatre Research in Canada recognized the need the country had for a museum to preserve our countries rich theatrical history. Officially established in 1991 as The Theatre Museum Corporation, the group has been gaining momentum and support from key members of Canada's theatrical community and family.

The Theatre Museum will finally get a permanent home thanks to Theatre Impressario David Mirvish, who announced that he will build a new development at 355 King Street West (located in the heart of the theatre district). The museum will be about 9600 square feet and include space for dynamic exhibits, presentations and educational programs. Christopher Plummer (currently starring in Barrymore in Toronto) is an honorary patron of The Theatre Museum and said: "How thrilled I am to hear about our new home. God Bless David Mirvish, everyone responsible and ‘all who sail in her,' for magically evoking this major miracle."

The Theatre Museum is a massive undertaking and will be vital to the preservation of Canada's past, present and future theatre scene. It's also something that can't be done without the tireless efforts of its enthusiastic volunteers and donations from the community. The first major fundraiser for the Museum took place on Monday, February 7th, 2011 at First Canadian Place in downtown Toronto, where founding members of the museum came together with integral members of Canada's theatre scene to raise funds for the project, and celebrate the original Canadian Cast of the musical Godspell, which first got its debut in 1972 at The Royal Alexandra Theatre. A much loved production in one of Toronto's most beloved theatrical venues, it was truly magical to see so many of the original cast return to support The Theatre Museum. In attendance on Monday were Martin Short, Victor Garber, Andrea Martin, Jayne Eastwood, Rudy Webb and Derrick McGrath. The event was hosted by Jian Ghomeshi and included a few special performances as well as a fantastic auction to raise funds for the museum.

Another special guest who came out to support the Museum was one of Toronto theatres favourite adoptive sons - Colm Wilkinson. Colm recently announced his involvement in the much anticipated new theatre group Theatre 20, and came back to Toronto to perform a special selection of songs from his new CD "Broadway and Beyond" for those attending the event. It was a beautiful performance, and rare to hear him sing in such a small and intimate venue. Martin Short perhaps summed it up best during dessert when he went looking for Colm to congratulate him on "the absolutely stunning performance."

Other guests included David Mirvish, who gave a heartfelt speech in support of the endeavour and happily mingled with guests throughout the evening, reuniting with many old friends who had been part of his various productions. R.H. Thompson, Graham Greene, Gordon Pinsent (and daughter Leah), Robin Duke, Peter Keleghan and George Anthony are just a small handful of the other people who came out to lend their support. The event was organized and helmed by Marlene Smith, with support from BMO Financial Group.

All in all it was a fantastic evening, filled with much song, laughter and an incredible amount of support for Canada's theatre community. BWW was thrilled to be on hand to capture the entire night in photos for our readers - and forever document this very special night for posterity. Who knows? Perhaps one day these photos will end up on display at The Theatre Museum's new home.

For more information on The Theatre Museum please visit their official website: www.theatremuseumcanada.ca

For more information on David Mirvish and Mirvish Productions please visit their official website: www.mirvish.com

All photos by Racheal McCaig Photography