Review: 'Canadian Explosion'

 Having already celebrated the British and American pop music icons, the latest revue at Stage West Dinner theatre turns its attention to our own artists. The show is called Canadian Explosion and the second half of the title could easily refer to the response of the opening night crowd who very nearly tore the roof off the place. 

Covering more than seventy songs in two-and-a-half hours might seem overkill, but the talented performers brilliantly conjure up the images of Gordon Lightfoot, Celine Dion, The Four Lads and other chart toppers of the past 50 years. 

This production was a collaborative effort of musical arranger Bob Foster, director/choreographer Timothy French, broadcaster Nevin Grant and executive producer Howard Pechet. Their obvious love for the material shows, even when the narration occasionally mocks the singers and their songs. Although one nasty barb aimed at Anne Murray drew a few scattered boos, generally it's all in good fun. 

From the moment Tony LePage, Trevor Covelli, Adam Stevenson and Michael Lomenda appear as The Four Lads with their 1956 hit "Standin' on the Corner" you know you're in for a fair bit of nostalgia. But this show is no mere trip down memory lane. It serves as a reminder just how many internationally acclaimed performers are Canadian content. For some reason we seem surprised when our homegrown talent makes it big on the international scene.  For many artists the real success comes from making it onto the U.S. based Billboard charts. 

Still, Canadian Explosion showcases such a huge inventory of music, it is to the credit of the creative staff that each song is given its due without overstaying its welcome.  The opening night cowed particularly loved Josee Boudreau's performance of "Power of Love" and Michael Lomenda's impersonation of Gino Vanelli in "I Just Wanna Stop."

Among the other highlights are Trevor Cavelli's "Seasons in the Sun", Andrea Loren's "You Needed Me" and Diana Planche's version of "Arms of an Angel."

Of course, you will have your own favourites. It's not often that a show that sets out to cover so many musical styles and please so many people succeeds as well as this particular revue. Credit must also be given to music director Anthony Bastianon's on stage ensemble who seamlessly segues from one style to another.

Like the buffet dinners they serve at Stage West you will leave feeling stuffed but satisfied.

 

Canadian Explosion continues at Stage West Dinner Theatre until July 6. Dinner/show packages are available at www.stagewest.com or by calling (905) 238-0042

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