Song and Script - A Theatrical Gem in Yorkville

Song and Script is a rare treasure in Toronto - a store almost exclusively dedicated to the sale, promotion and education of all things musical theatre. This gem is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, and sadly it would appear that many musical theatre fans don't even know it exists. So today BWW is thrilled to be profiling this wonderful shop so that its readers know where to go in Toronto to satisfy their hunger for all things showtunes!

The store was originally located on Bloor St West, next to the former University theatre. In the 1970s it moved to 1200 Bay St where it resided for three decades. Most people came to know Song & Script at this location, whether they sought to find their favourite bit of musical theatre music or were enticed inside by the showtunes that would play through the loudspeakers and spill out into the street. The store relocated again in 2008 and is now located in Cumberland Terrance Mall between Bay and Yonge Streets. Slightly less visible in its new location (but still in the heart of Yorkville) it would seem that many of Toronto's musical theatre enthusiasts are under the impression that this hidden gem actually closed due to the recession in 2008. I am pleased to report that not only is it still open, but appears to be thriving.

When I realized I would be profiling the store for BWW I took a trip to Cumberland Terrace to check out the new location. While it is tougher to find (admittedly not helped by my lack of ability to follow directions), the store is worth the exploration. Filled to the brim with every cast recording, solo album and score one could possibly dream of, I felt like a kid in a candy shop as soon as I walked inside. The walls are adorned with window cards from shows over the past 50 years, and they have an impressive collection of rare pieces of Toronto centric memorabilia which is a special treat. I took my first trip to Song and Script right before Dancap presented Alice Ripley in Next to Normal - and featured as soon as I walked in the door was not only the Broadway Cast Recording, but all of Ms. Ripley's solo ventures as well. At that moment, I knew I had found the rare type of store that caters to theatre geeks like me.

That unique ability to cater to musical theatre nerds and self proclaimed 'showtune snobs' is the truly special thing about Song and Script. Because it is local and run by people who have a devotion and love of musical theatre, the store remains current and relevant at a time when musical theatre is rapidly changing, growing and evolving. They were first to stock Stephen Sondheim's Finishing the Hat, and the only place in Canada where you could find the sheet music for Love Never Dies. When a new show is loading into Toronto, you can be certain that Song and Script will feature not only the cast recording, but also anything else that relates to the show (sheet music, solo albums, DVDs and more). If there is a one-off special event, Song and Script will make its patrons aware of when and where it's happening. It was through the staff that I have learned of some truly special evenings of song, such as Marcus Nance's (of Stratford's Jesus Christ Superstar) recent performance of The Impossible Dream in a church for Thanksgiving, or Louise Pitre's unique one night concert last summer in Stratford.

The store also boasts an impressive list of frequent shoppers as it is known as "the" place to shop when in Toronto for theatrical purposes. Some of the names who have been known to visit the store include Jason Alexander, Beau Bridges, Measha Brueggergosman, Michael Burgess, Rebecca Caine , Tia Carerre, Jim Carrey, Cynthia Dale, Len Cariou, Brent Carver, Diahann Carroll, Aubrey Dan, Garth Drabinsky, Sharon Gless, Dame Edna/Barry Humphries, Dustin Hoffman, Diane Lane, Rachel MacAdams, David Mirvish, Louise Pitre, Luc Plamondon, Christopher Plummer, Susan Sarandon, Elaine Stritch, Jennifer Tilley, Colm Wilkinson, Charlie Watts and Billy Dee Williams.

The staff is extremely knowledgeable, try as I might to stump them on musical theatre trivia I wasn't able to. And because they have a genuine appreciation for the arts, you feel like you are discussing theatre with an old friend, instead of someone simply going through the motions. They will go to great lengths to acquire special orders, so if there happens to be a hard to find recording that you want, Song and Script is likely the place to find it. And, in celebration of their 50th Anniversary they have leap-frogged into the digital world, launching a spiffy new website that includes the option of online shopping.

Song and Script is the type of store that deserves the continued support of the wonderful musical theatre community of Toronto. In today's world of digital music and tightened wallets, old-fashioned record shops are finding it harder and harder to keep their doors open. While one could easily go online to procure most of what Song and Script sells on their shelves, in doing that, you not only make it harder for these establishments to stay in business, but also deprive yourself of an opportunity that is too rare in our busy and fast-paced lifestyle: the chance to spend an afternoon enjoying, reminiscing and actually thinking about musical theatre. When you walk into Song and Script you will realize that it isn't a store where one simply shops, it is a store one experiences. If you have found your love for musical theatre starting to wane, a trip to Song and Script should help rekindle the flame and ignite the passion that is sure to remain in the hearts of musical geeks everywhere.

When and Where?

Song and Script

2 Bloor Street West Suite C#07Ontario
M4W 3E2
Canada

416-923-3044

Website: www.songandscript.ca

Twitter: @songandscript

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