Toronto Centre for the Arts Presents OUT OF CHARACTER, Beginning 11/10

On Wednesday, November 10, 2010, the Toronto Centre for the Arts  launches Out of Character: Intimate Portraits of Theatrical Stars, a five- part series that features some of Canada's most revered theatrical  talent performing unplugged at the intimate George Weston Recital  Hall, a venue renowned for its outstanding acoustics. Jackie  Richardson, Len Cariou, Michael Burgess, Valerie Boyle, and Rebecca Caine have starred in major theatrical productions throughout North America - in Out of Character: Intimate Portraits of Theatrical Stars each of these immense theatrical talents will perform songs, monologues and stories, accompanied by musical director David Warrack.

Tickets for the series of five shows are on sale now ($245, $205, $170) and can be purchased by calling 416-733-0545. Single tickets go on sale Tuesday, October 12 at 11:00 a.m. ($65, $55, $45). For single tickets call 416-872-1111, visit www.Ticketmaster.ca or in person at the TCA Box Office.

'OUT OF CHARACTER'
Intimate Portraits of Theatrical Stars
Starring...

Jackie Richardson - November 10, 2010

With her powerful yet supple voice, and her captivating stage presence, Jackie Richardson's 'Out of Character' performance will feature an evening filled with magnificent hues: Black Broadway, Red
Hot Jazz, and the Blues. Well known for her multitude of work on stage and screen, Jackie gained notoriety with roles in No! No! Nanette Anything Goes, Hello Dolly!, Raisin in the Sun and for her Dora Award winning role in Ain't Misbehaving. She has also appeared in films directed by Sidney Lumet and Norman Jewison and has hosted radio, television and stage shows. Jackie has won many awards including a Canadian Black Achievement Award and been nominated for a Juno,  Gemini, and AMPAC award.

Len Cariou - December 18, 2010

Commanding the stage has always been Len Cariou's trademark. His 'Out of Character' solo performance promises hits from his many Broadway appearances, standards from the popular repertoire, and (as the coup de grace), Shakespeare. Best known as the original Sweeney Todd on Broadway, and for his roles in comedies such as Neil Simon's The Dinner Party, Len Cariou first landed on Broadway in 1968, appearing in The House of Atreus. He would go on to appear in Applause, a musical that earned Cariou his first Tony Award. In 1973, he starred as Frederick Egerman in A Little Night Music, which led to his second Tony Award and became his entry into the feature world when he reprised the role for a successful 1977 film adaptation. In 2002, Cariou joined the cast of the award-winning Broadway play, Proof, co-starring Neil Patrick Harris and Anne Heche. The show's brief, but memorable run returned Cariou to the theater's spotlight, helping him to land a series of more high-profile television roles, including The West Wing, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Brotherhood. Len is currently starring in the new television series Blue Bloods.

Michael Burgess - January 27, 2011

Michael Burgess is a Canadian star who is accomplished in virtually every entertainment medium - theatre, television, film and recording. Michael first came to national prominence as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, his stage presence and talent captivating audiences in performance after flawless performance. The stage remains his first love, and while he presents songs in every style, his selections from musical theatre are a perennial audience favourite. However, expect a few surprises during his appearance in 'Out of Character' - a touch of comedy and a serving of new looks at old tunes.

Valerie Boyle - February 12, 2011

Considered a veteran stage and screen actress with impeccable comic timing, Valerie is currently starring on Broadway as Mrs. Brill in Mary Poppins. Canadian audiences may remember Valerie as Shirley in Shirley Valentine, or as Mother Superior in countless productions of Nunsense, including the Canadian premiere productions of Nunsense I, Nunsense II, and Nuncrackers. Valerie's critically acclaimed one-woman show on Sophie Tucker - Sophie: Last of the Red Hot Mamas (which she both wrote and starred in) played to rave reviews and packed houses. Valerie's performance in the 'Out of Character' series will feature songs from Sophie: Last of the Red Hot Mamas, as well as selections, ballads and selections from her many comic roles.

Rebecca Caine - March 6, 2011

Rebecca Caine is a true renaissance performer - uniquely, her career has been divided between opera and musical theatre. She created the role of Cosette in Les Misérables at the Royal Shakespeare Company, starred in Phantom of the Opera as Christine in the original casts in London and Toronto. Rebecca has performed in countless operas throughout the world, appearing with the Chicago Opera Theater, the Scottish Opera, The National Theatre of Prague, the New Zealand Opera and the Canadian Opera Company. Her turn in 'Out of Character' will
showcase Rebecca's remarkable ability to master every musical style imaginable. Yes, the "hits" will be there, but it will be a night of new pleasures as well.

David Warrack - Musical Director, Pianist

David Warrack has worked extensively in a compelling variety of disciplines - he has been musical director for over 250 productions on stage, radio, and television. As a composer, his credits include works for orchestra, chamber groups, choirs and stage bands. David has written or collaborated on over 70 professionally produced musicals, including many of the longest-running shows in Canadian theatre history. He toured and recorded with Maureen Forrester for the last
fifteen years of her storied career, and has been a guest conductor with orchestras across North America. David is the founding conductor of the Canada Pops Orchestra, which is now in its ninth
year, and formed the 18-piece Canada Pops Jazz Band, featuring some of Canada's most legendary jazz musicians.

 

 

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