Nothing but love
Concert celebrates love with musical stylings of Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole
In the words of Ella Fitzgerald: “Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” Bringing love and inspiration to various Nova Scotian communities from May 12 to May 23, the National Stage Company of Canada presents “Prelude to a Kiss,” an original concert celebrating the legendary music of Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole.
“Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole sang a lot about love — from the heartbreak of it to the beginning stages, the in-betweens, finding that one true love that lasts forever or bouncing back and finding love again,” says B.C.-based award-nominated recording artist and actress, Leina DeBoer, who was heavily involved in the creation of the production and its conception. “I really wanted to take people on a journey to reminisce about their first love, reflect and remember the different stages they might have faced.”
Blending together an unforgettable evening of popular love songs made famous by The First Lady of Song and The King, the production features classic hits like Summertime, The Man That Got Away, Smile, Nature Boy, Blue Skies, Misty, Route 66 and The Nearness of You, among countless others. Transporting concertgoers to an era when jazz was the dominant form of popular music and could be heard emanating from radio stations and concert halls around the world, the work of art is set against a stunning background, filling the stage with iconic music and storytelling that paints an intimate portrait of the awardwinning artists.
Starring DeBoer and the incomparable James Rich (direct from New York City) with musical accompaniment, the stirring new concert is an event not to be missed. Not simply a musical concert, Prelude to a Kiss takes audiences on a sentimental journey embodying a level of glamour, storytelling and showmanship sure to thrill and delight people of all ages.
Bringing spectators joy, laughter and tears, Prelude to a Kiss weaves themes of love with music and moments — beginning at the butterflies stage and journeying on an exciting adventure, finishing at the point where love has matured and is ‘Here to Stay.’ With a setlist ranging from fun and lighthearted songs like A-Tisket A-Tasket to serious and faith-based numbers like Just a Closer Walk with Thee, the concert aims to inspire hope, courage and love.
“I want people to leave feeling something and be reminded that there’s always hope,” says DeBoer. “No matter where you find yourself in love and life, there’s always a rainbow at the end of every rainstorm.”
Dispelling any misconceptions, DeBoer notes she and Rich are not attempting to become the next Fitzgerald or Cole; instead, they memorialize the icons.
“We’re singing it in honour, remembrance and celebration — not so much impersonating,” says DeBoer. “They’re originals, and no one can really do it like them, but we definitely want to stick [to the songs] in terms of the arrangements as close as we can.”
Preparing for the Atlantic Canadian leg of its tour, the production has already played several dates, receiving acclaim and standing ovations at each show — thanks to the top-notch talent on display.
“One couple went to an Ella Fitzgerald concert and, for whatever reason, she couldn’t sing that night — she had laryngitis, I think,” says DeBoer. “They talked about how sad that was for them, but they mentioned how this event really felt like they had an opportunity to capture the essence of what that night would have been like.”
“The reception we’ve had so far has just been incredible,” says DeBoer. “It’s really encouraging to know that the audience enjoyed what you did and what you put out on the stage.”
Sure to impress plenty more audiences, Prelude to a Kiss kicks off on May 12 in Wolfville and will visit various Nova Scotian locations from Amherst and Lunenburg to Halifax and Yarmouth.
During their downtime, the cast and crew plan to explore the diverse wonders of the province.
“We’re gonna hit up some spots — the beautiful water along the coast and see what the beautiful little rural areas have to offer,” says DeBoer, a first-time visitor to Nova Scotia. “I’m really excited to get down there and have my mind blown by all of the new experiences, people and places that I’ll be able to encounter.”
The production’s arrival in Nova Scotia is also a homecoming for a few crew members. Pianist Morrissey Dunn, bassist Cailun Campbell and drummer Michael Arbou are part of a stellar band accompanying DeBoer and Rich on the timeless classics. Proud Nova Scotians, the trio has certainly talked up their home province.
“They have been telling me all of the things, and I’m here for it — I want to check it all out,” says DeBoer. “I’ve heard incredible things. The people I’ve met have been beautiful, warm, giving, funny and, of course, really musical; that’s definitely something that can be said of Nova Scotians.”
With opening night only a day away, DeBoer hopes the nearly three-hour theatrical work she, her cast and crew have worked so hard to deliver provides an entertaining escape for all who come to see.
“I really hope that audiences leave completely filled — feeling like they’ve had an amazing experience from the time they walk through the door to the time they leave it,” says DeBoer. “I hope they have a wonderful night where whatever the cares of the world are outside, that, for a moment, they can completely let go and immerse themselves in the full experience of our show and leave feeling empowered, feeling full of hope that they can face and deal with whatever is waiting for them.”
Meanwhile, as curtain call approaches, DeBoer, busy preparing for the big show, invites the community to enjoy an unforgettable night filled with nothing but love.
“I want to just encourage everyone to come on out and experience this show,” says DeBoer. “In this crazy time that we’ve been living in, it’s so nice to come out of it and sing, share, laugh and maybe even cry a little bit together.”
To learn more about Prelude to a Kiss and show dates, visit: https://www.nationalstagecompanyofcanada. com/copy-of-home-for-theholidays.