BWW Exclusive: SINGular Sensation is Back and Better than Ever at 120 Diner

It's not a secret that there is a vibrant musical theatre community in Toronto. From popular, award winning Mirvish productions to new musicals being developed, to up and coming musical theatre performers honing their craft at the Sheridan College Music Theatre program, there is no shortage of talent or entertainment in the GTA. For the past 7 years, SINGular Sensation has been providing music theatre performers (professional or amateur) with an opportunity to display their talent and work on their performance skills at a musical theatre open mic night. The evening, which now takes place on the third Monday of every month, is the brainchild of host Jeni Walls, a musical theatre performer and producer who was inspired to create an evening of live performances from music theatre artists of all experience levels.

Recently, SINGular Sensation, which began at the beloved, and recently closed Statler's Bar in the village, has relocated to 120 Diner, an exciting live music venue that offers concerts, open mic nights, comedy, etc. as well as a variety of cocktails and a comprehensive and delicious menu. "It was kind of divine timing." Says Walls. "We parted ways with [Statler's] about 6 months before it closed and then took a break...and I think a much needed break and then the diner approached us and I thought alright! Great!" She adds that the partnership with Statler's had been a winderful one that allowed SINGular Sensation to develop and grow, but that this new location was a really good fit for the type of show she wants to put on. Statlers' sound system and lighting were not designed for a music theatre open mic. It was also a bar, meaning that the performers were always competing with the noise of regular bar patrons. "For singers, it's hard to preach vocal health and respectful audience-ship when you're kind of fighting these kind of things...and so when the diner opened, I thought it would be cool to be able to take more centre stage because our patrons put a lot into the show and are really great."

At last month's event, BWW had the chance to chat with co-owner of 120 Diner, Mandy Goodhandy, who jumped at the chance to provide a new home for SINGular Sensation because, as she points out, her roots are in music theatre. "I trained at Sheridan back when Moses was there." She jokes. So this seemed like the perfect fit: "As soon as we found out that Statler's was closing, we were on it. It was a no brainer!" Mandy also encourages BWW readers to come check out all of the different music events that 120 Diner has to offer. More details can be found at their website: http://120diner.com/

The location isn't the only change to SINGular Sensation. There is now a three-woman team running the show. Walls explains that the show continues to get bigger, and because she is sometimes away on contracts, it is important to have a team of people who can do everything that needs to be done-such as hosting, producing, social media, keeping track of the sign-up sheet, etc. Jenna Warriner has helped with hosting duties for years and is now helping to focus on SINGular Sensation's social media presence. Shannon T. McNally has also come on board, sharing her performance and business experience to help with behind the scenes things like sign-up on the night and to share in some hosting duties as a 'field correspondent' of sorts. "So now we've got three women spear-heading the show who have musical theatre performance, social media, and business experience" explains Walls. "I think it's going to help the show succeed and we can each kind of focus on one thing to make sure that it's quality and taken care of and everyone can kind of feel like we are hugging them from all angles."

Walls makes a point to emphasize the kind of environment and opportunity she wants to create for all performers: "We have people come in from all walks. We have people who have been on Broadway, we have people who are just graduating, we have people who are in school...When they walk in the door, I like to think that we're all on the same page...We're all the same and everyone can learn from everyone. It's such a safe little insular bubble that's inclusive."

Frequent SINGular Sensation performer, Zola Magwood echoes this sentiment: "They give actors and other artists a platform to put themselves out there professionally, make connections, and make friends. It gave me the confidence to trust my performance ability, have fun, and show people what I'm capable of. I would not have the confidence and performance ability I have now without this community!"

Each month, performers are joined by a different accompanist and a different configuration of band. Each accompanist is a Music Director at a different company or festival--allowing for unique learning and networking opportunities for artists who are wanting to hone their craft, try something new, or practice their audition skills.

McNally adds that no matter an artist's level of experience, there is always something that can be learned from fellow performers: "We're all more similar than we think. We might really look up to someone, but they're still working on things that [we're] working on and that's something that's really great to be reminded of as a young performer...It also gives you an opportunity to try out those audition songs with your nerves!" She points out that no rehearsal experience can rival that of being on stage in front of an audience and that SINGular Sensation can act as a true training ground for up and coming performers.

Not everyone who attends SINGular Sensation is a performer. Folks like Ryan Craft just love musical theatre and want to take in a night of fantastic performances. "I thrive on the energy of the room." He explains. Craft also points out that a strong sense of community has developed at SINGular Sensation: "Life is a bumpy road and I feel lucky to have met so many wonderful and supportive people through those evenings. Some have become roommates, many have become dear friends...it just feels like a genuine community of arts-inclined folks where we care about each other."

Last month, Walls and company performed to a packed house and this month is looking to be more of the same. The show is a great success, but Walls is always looking to try new things and make it even better. She cites Ben Cameron's Broadway Sessions in New York as an influence, and shares that she hopes to have games and giveaways in future months. She also hopes to have at least one special guest at every show. There is also now a sing-along component to the end of the evening. Last month, for example, we all ended the night with a rousing rendition of 'Seasons of Love.'

If you are in the Toronto area and are interested in taking in an electric evening of clever humour and wonderful music theatre performances...Or if you are a performer looking to hone your craft, SINGular Sensation is a must! There is no cover at the door, but patrons are asked to pay what they can to help maintain the high quality of the show.

As luck would have it, tonight is the third Monday of the month, so grab your sheet music and all of your friends and go check it out at 120 Church St. in Toronto!

What: SINGular Sensation

Where: 120 Diner. 120 Church St. Toronto, Ontario

When: 3rd Monday of the month (Next show tonight, Monday March 18th). Doors open at 8pm. Sign up begins at 8:30pm

For More Details: Check them out on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Singularsensationmondays/

Instagram: @singular_sensation

Twitter: @Sing_Sensation

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