New Musical Workshop

The day is finally here. I feel like its been coming forever, but tomorrow I start the workshop for my new musical at the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre company. We had our last meeting today to make sure all was set to start tomorrow, and it is.

This past year I have been writing an original musical. It has been picked up for a week long workshop at the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre the week of October 25, 2011.

Book/Music/Lyrics by Corey Payette.
The workshop is being Directed by Allison Grant
Stage Managed by Stephen Courtenay
Dramaturgy by Lindsay Drummond
Pianist for workshop is Stephen Greenfield

The following actors will be part of the workshop:
Sera-Lys McArthur (Julia), Josue Laboucane (Tom),
Gloria May Eshkibok (Rita), Lance Cardinal (Wilson),
Kevin Loring (Brother Christopher)
and Katey Wright (Sister Bernadette).

While this is the first full workshop for this piece, the show has had 3 separate readings with some of the best actors Vancouver has to offer. A little history of the piece.

The first reading was held on February 20th, 2011 with the following actors (no music): Kyle Cameron, Emma Slipp, Michael Dobbin, Courtney Lancaster, Robyn Leigh, Josette Jorge, Vic Ustare, Noah Drew, and Nick Hunnings.

A second reading happened on June 8th, 2011 with the following actors (some music): Jenny Moase, Michael Brock, Courtney Lancaster, Nick Fontaine, Cathy Wilmot, Marshall McMahen, Lindsay Drummond, and Brandyn Eddy.

The Sunset Theatre in Wells, BC provided a playwrights residency for 10 days at the end of August with a public concert of the music written during the residency on September 1st, 2011. The concert featured Corey Payette, Patrice Bowler, Sue Newman, and Marshall McMahen.

A third reading happened on October 16th, 2011 with the following actors (all music included): Jenny Moase, Michael Brock, Cathy Wilmot, Mandana Namazi, Shantini Klaassen, Brandyn Eddy, Lucas Blaney and Shane Snow.

I want to share the names of these actors as I feel they've contributed a great deal to this project. Through their questions and comments, the show has been able to develop. It has not been an easy process, but I feel so fortunate to have shared the journey with such talented and passionate actors; excited about new work and this process.

I look forward to the exciting week ahead but also feel its necessary to acknowledge these great artists who have contributed so much to the project already.