New musical making Toronto debut at Papermill Theatre.
The cast of the new musical, Tweed, will make its Toronto debut Aug. 18 at the Papermill Theatre.
Photo/GABRIELLA RIVERA
"It takes 80 years of history and crams it into two years." - Tim Porter, artistic director
Who knew the tiny town of Tweed, in Ontario, could inspire a musical tale of history, community and Canadian identity?
Those topics come to life in the Theatre Company's musical production TWEED, which makes its Toronto debut at the Papermill Theatre, at 67 Pottery Rd. from Thursday, Aug. 18 to Saturday, Aug. 27.
The musical, starring Loretta Bailey, Amanda Struthmann, and Nathan Carroll, tells the story of David and Sarah, who fall in love and are torn apart by a coming war. But more than that, the show blends historical research, artistic interpretations, and musical scores to explore themes of love, community, separation, and identity - all within a 90-minute production.
"It started when I read a history of Tweed and I saw some interesting things," said artistic director Tim Porter, himself a native of Tweed. "But it's more about the people in the town than the town itself. It takes 80 years of history and crams it into two years."
"Part of it is about find out about what that Canadian identity is. We seem to think it's something we find and not create. It's about us being the Canadian identity," added musical director and composer Andre Morin.
The show is the product of five years' worth of work by Porter and musical director and composer Morin. Over the years, the two gradually worked on the script and musical compositions. Then last year, they held an actors workshop to figure out the finer details with the help of the actors.
"This is the workshop on steroids," joked producer Jon Deighan.
The show premiered in Tweed last year to great acclaim. Porter said the response was overwhelming, with many people returning for two or even three shows.
He's hoping for the same this time around in Toronto.
"You get to feel a catharsis. You get a feeling of satisfaction, I hope," Morin said.
Porter said the cast and crew - many of which he and Morin went to school with or know through previous productions - have totally invested into the show and brought the piece to life.
"They do their best every time out," he said. "They make it so easy."
As the crew rehearses the Train Song, the low, rising pitch of the background singers is seamlessly woven into the shrill, high pitch of the front singers. It's solemn, choir-like tone is slightly ominous, foreshadowing what is to come later in the show. It will bring shivers down your spine.
"That's just the tip of the iceberg," Deighan said.
Tickets are $25.10 for students and seniors and $28.25 for adults. Call the Theatre Passe Muraille's Arts Box Office at 416-504-7529 or T.O TIX at 416-536-6468 X40 for show times and ticket information.