A dream come true
Hamilton singer Greg Solomon stars in Brott Music’s ‘Broadway Heroes’
Greg Solomon never expected to be singing Broadway songs under the roof of a large tent at Ancaster Fairgrounds.
He never expected his face would be projected, giant-sized, on two massive screens.
The young performer, who makes his living managing a Dundas restaurant, never dreamed he’d be singing with a world class orchestra, sending out messages of love to a Hamilton-area audience sitting in their cars, drive-in style.
“I think it’s going to feel surreal,” he says. “I remember romanticizing people singing the national anthem at sporting events. This is kind of like that, just a different anthem that’s all.”
Solomon 28, began hoping for a musical theatre career when he saw a Westdale High School production of “Annie” in 2010.
“I just love the form of the Broadway musical. It’s a magic that’s hard to explain. I went back to see that ‘Annie’ three times. Seeing the way people transformed on stage, and the joy they exuded, was so enticing.”
That summer he enrolled in the Performing Arts Program at Theatre Aquarius. At first he thought I was in way over my head. “But to be on the stage, under those lights, was intoxicating. I just knew I had to keep going. And I’ve never looked back.
“My earliest memory is dressing up in my grandfather’s clothing, cane and all. When he asked me who I thought I was, I replied, ‘You, later on.’ ” Growing up, I was always the appointed jester, doing impressions and telling jokes. As a natural people pleaser, I’ve always been one to want people to be happy and to have a good time.”
Born in Hamilton, Solomon went to Barton Secondary School, where his love of theatre grew.
“As a singer and actor, I’ve always relied on my ability to tell stories. I never really thought about having a chance in theatre. I just took it day by day. I guess I just latched on for the ride.”
“When I graduated from Sheridan College Theatre School in 2016, I had a pretty solid idea of where I was going. I think my idea of success was pretty fluid. I’ve felt it on stage at Theatre Aquarius and in the basement of a long-term-care centre with Smile Theatre, a Torontobased company whose goal is to bring professional musical theatre to isolated seniors. We did ‘Anne of Green Gables’ with a three-person cast. I was Matthew, Gilbert and Rachel Lynde. Smile Theatre reminded me of what it’s all about. Bringing joy and art to those who not only want it, but need it. From the residents I met from 2016 to 2018, I learned about love that lasts after the sugar has been rinsed from your eyes, how to stay positive when it seems impossible and to remember to sing louder because they can’t always hear you.”
Solomon has been spending the pandemic doing online readings of new plays, baking and reading.
“Doing ‘Broadway Heroes’ is huge for me. After a two-year hiatus, the privilege of singing with Boris Brott’s National Academy Orchestra of Canada, in this setting, is a dreamlike return to the stage.’’
He will sing Willkommen from “Cabaret,” “Anthem” from “Chess” and “Edelweiss” from “The Sound of Music,” three terrific Broadway hits.
That’s one of the things about Lou Zamprogna’s production of “Broadway Heroes,” it presents songs audiences know from musicals they’ve loved over the years.
And these are not just songs for older folks, you understand.
“Young people are still very much in tune with musical theatre,” Solomon says. “OK, I know some people think it’s ridiculous when a character suddenly sings. But when characters feel something, or believe something strongly, the spoken word isn’t always enough, so they sing. And when that’s not enough, they dance.”
Solomon believes this has been a rough couple of years for the world.
“It’s felt divisive, scary and grey. I think an opportunity to be outside, enjoy a world-class orchestra and some local singing talent is like a pill to relieve some of the symptoms of the past 18 months. The songs we sing are all messages of love. I think we really need that right now.”