Kelly Cameron - Page 25

RENT: The Broadway Tour comes to Toronto starting January 12th for two weeks at the Canon Theatre. Starring Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal and many other Rent veterans, this touring production welcomes newcomer Lexi Lawson to the Rent family in the role of Mimi Marquez. Lexi is living the dream of many young girls who have loved Rent since it debuted back in 1996, and she took the time to talk to us about what this amazing journey has been like for her.

RENT: The Broadway Tour has been a smash hit across the US over the last twelve months, and finally comes to Canada for a limited two week run at Toronto's Canon Theatre beginning January 12th, 2010. Original Broadway Cast member Anthony Rapp took some time over the holidays to chat with BWW about life on tour, as well as what it is like to reprise the role he created over thirteen years ago.

2009 was a fantastic year for Canadian Theatre, and with many exciting things on the horizon for 2010, there is a lot for us to be thankful for. Throughout the year, BWW interviewed many people who were part of the various productions that graced the Canadian stage, and asked them for their advice on how to break into musical theatre. Here is a recap of some of the best tips we heard throughout 2009, to help gear up for 2010!

Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Sound of Music has enjoyed a record breaking run at The Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto. The show is very unique in that it comprises a lot of children, some very young. Natali Ioffe is one of the three actresses who share the role of Gretl, the youngest of the Von Trapp children. She also the only Gretl to be with the production since it opened over fifteen months ago. Natali took a few minutes (with the help of her Mom) to talk to BWW about what it is like being in a large scale production at such a young age.

My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding was the surprise smash hit at last year's Toronto Fringe Festival, and has been wowing larger audiences at the Panasonic Theatre in Toronto for the last few months. It was recently announced that the show will be brought back in February for another extension, and after finally getting to see it, I can certainly understand why. This is a real crowd pleaser, guaranteed to give you a fun night out.

The Farewell Tour of the classic Fiddler on the Roof lands in Toronto this month at the Canon Theatre, just in time for the holiday season. With seasoned veteran Harvey Fierstein in the lead role and a strong ensemble cast, this is a perfect holiday treat!

The critically acclaimed Studio 180 Production of David Hare's Stuff Happens gets its shot at the big time this month at Mirvish's Royal Alexandra Theatre. Playing until December 23rd, this powerful play about the political events surrounding September 11th and the US led invasion of Iraq is a surprise holiday treat.

The long-running and award-winning Canadian Production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Sound of Music enters its final weeks at The Princess of Wales Theatre this month. Joining the cast for the last four weeks is esteemed theatre veteran Simon Burke, who sat down to talk with BWW to talk about joining the show and about spending Christmas in Canada!

Harbourfront's World Stage brings the Canadian Premiere of DV8's To Be Straight With You to the Fleck Dance Theatre for a limited engagement, starting December 2nd through to December 5th, 2009. A unique dance experience that explores issues of homophobia and discrimination, this production is traveling the world and not to be missed on its only Canadian stop.

On Monday November 16th, some of the biggest and brightest names in musical theatre came together to perform a special fundraiser event for the Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company. Hosted by Colin Mochrie and Deb McGrath, BWW was on hand as some of Canada's most talented performed selections of songs from Jewish composers and shows.

Necessary Angel's Hamlet opened November 19th at The Harbourfront Centre's Enwave Theatre, and BWW was on hand to catch all the fun at the after-party!

Described as a 'radical re-visioning of one of the world's greatest plays', Necessary Angel's Hamlet had its opening on November 19th at The Harbourfront Centre's Enwave Theatre. Dark, visceral, sexual and violent, this is truly a unique departure from the classic Bard tale.

The Toxic Avenger had its official opening Hallowen night at The Music Hall on the Danforth. Since then it has been delighting audience with its unique blend on music, humour and campy fun. BWW got the chance to sit down and talk with Brittany Gray about her role as Sarah, the blind librarian and object of 'Toxie's' love.

The World Premiere of Necessary Angel's Hamlet begins preview performances tonight, with its official opening happening this Thursday, November 19th. A re-imaginging of the classic Bard tale, this show was extremely popular in its early workshop productions and is looking to follow up the critically acclaimed Walworth Farce with another success!

Currently playing at the Panasonic Theatre in Toronto, My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding was a surprise smash hit at last year's Toronto Fringe Fest. Updated and extended, the show is delighting and surprising audiences every night. In this interview BWW talks with co-creators David Hein and Irene Carl Sankoff.

'One Night Only' is a special fundraiser event to benefit the Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company. Being held on Monday, November 16th, this event will bring together many of the biggest and brightest stars of Canadian Musical Theatre to perform classic hits and raise money for a great cause!

Emmy and Tony Award Winner Andrea Martin will help launch TD Canadian Children's Book Week with a reading of the Mordecai Richler's Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang. A fun-filled event for the whole family, the reading will take place this Saturday, November 14th, 2009.

Watch this space for the latest updates on the world of Broadway right here in Toronto! The city has a ton to offer, you just have to know where to look. This week sadly didn't involve any trips, but lots of exciting stuff in the Toronto and London area, and more on the horizon!

BWW was recently on hand to interview the leads in the Toronto Production of the Sound of Music, which celebrated its 1 year Anniversary in Toronto not too long ago. The show just received its final extension, with tickets on sale until January 3rd, 2010. Here, we talk with Elicia MacKenzie(who plays Maria) about what it was like winning this coveted role on How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? and the challenges associated with being in a long-running production.

Bill Cosby, a legendary entertainer who has been performing for decades, brings his one-man show to London's John Labatt Centre for one day only, and it's today! With two performances scheduled, this promises to be an exciting event!