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Get ready to “Blame Canada” at Sydney venue
Cape Bretoners will have their own chance to “Blame Canada” when the Highland Arts Theatre joins a cross-Canada celebration of musical theatre on Tuesday.
At 8 p.m. on Aug. 1, the Cape Breton theatre joins nine other provinces and three countries in a production that will be performed simultaneously featuring the best of Canadian musicals in the form of a cabaret/revue.
The concept was founded by the Canadian Musical Theatre Writers Collective as a way to celebrate and promote the work of Canadian musical theatre writers and composers and this year, the event has grown to include concerts in all 10 provinces. HAT artistic director Wesley J. Colford says he was thrilled when he was asked to represent Nova Scotia in the nationwide showcase.
“It’s an incredible honour to be part of something so widespread and to represent our island for the rest of the country and beyond,” said Colford.
“We have songs from the hit Broadway comedy “The Drowsy Chaperone,” East Coast darling “Evangeline” based on the expulsion of the Acadians by the English and the current toast of Broadway, “Come From Away.” There’s also a song about hockey favourite Frank Mahovlich, a musical compiled solely from Craig’s List ads, and some more hidden gems we know the audience will love.”
About 20 local performers will make up the Sydney cast. The event is part of HAT’s summer concert series which also includes a performance by Sean McCann, a founding member of Great Big Sea and “’S Wonderful,” a celebration of George Gershwin’s music.
Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door and can be purchased at the HAT box office (open 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday-Friday), over the phone at 902-565-3637, or by visiting the Highland Arts Theatre website: www.highlandartstheatre.com.
“It’s an incredible honour to be part of something so widespread and to represent our island for the rest of the country and beyond.”
HAT artistic director Wesley J. Colford