Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Are you ready for a miracle? It’s been more than a dozen years in the making, but the story of Terry Fox has made its triumphant world premiere stage debut at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse in Waterloo, Ontario.
Developed in consultation and with the full endorsement of the Fox Family by award-winning Drayton Entertainment, Marathon of Hope: The Musical offers an insightful examination of the human condition by covering the iconic hero’s many achievements and challenges on his unprecedented cross-country marathon for cancer research. The new Canadian musical strikes the right balance of emotion, humour and inspiration, effectively conveying Terry’s moving story.
Upon first glimpse of a solitary figure on the open road, the tone is set for a story that is at once entirely personal, yet unmistakably universal.
In its humblest and simplest form, this is about an ordinary young man accomplishing the extraordinary. But it’s also about having the courage to dream big. It’s about overcoming doubts and fears and living life to the fullest. And it’s all done with a certain grit and grace that defies convention and exceeds expectation.
This is a production that wears its Canadian heart on Terry’s t-shirted sleeve, thanks in part to composer and lyricist John Connolly, whose dogged determination over the past 12 years has been paramount to realizing a stage iteration of Terry’s story.
Connolly’s upbeat music is distinctly Canadian and has an easy, folksy charm, no doubt influenced by the sounds of his east coast roots. He effortlessly infuses elements from other genres to craft a well-rounded production that is as much a celebration of Canadian identity and pride as it is about one man’s greatest adventure.
The music is grounded by award-winning playwright Peter Colley’s book, which transcends Terry’s earthly dream of hope to embrace larger themes of life and death – and the miracle of both.
Marathon of Hope covers many facets of Terry’s remarkable story, starting with his high school athletic career and family life in Port Coquitlam, continuing through his cancer diagnosis and right leg amputation above the knee, and then chronicling the people and places that motivated him during his 143 day marathon spanning 5,373 kilometres.
The musical is a creative risk for Drayton Entertainment, and the organization’s passion for this project is evident in every detail – including a clever use of the original Ford 250 Econoline van that accompanied Terry on his quest. This is more than just a prop; the vehicle is a piece of living history and adds an authenticity to the unfolding narrative.
Director Alex Mustakas has taken tremendous care to cover this odyssey with historical accuracy. Mustakas is an expert at deftly combining humour with pathos, and the result is a boldly uplifting experience that not only educates and entertains, but also illuminates and inspires.
Mustakas has assembled a talented 16-member company, anchored by a formidable tour-de-force performance by Nathan Carroll as Terry Fox. Carroll’s interpretation is more man than myth, conveying Terry’s humanity with visceral reactions to the sights and sounds that both inspired and aggravated the runner during his daily marathons. He is inherently likable, building a quick rapport with the audience with simple, direct dialogue that always comes from the heart. And when he sings, his storytelling reaches a new level, with powerful tenor vocals that parallel Terry’s physical strength, particularly in the songs “Waiting for a Miracle” and “Running Away.”
Carroll’s interactions with Alex Furber as Doug Alward, Terry’s unwittingly loyal best friend, provide moments of conflict but also much-needed laughter. Much of the production is about these two young guys exploring the open road. Furber’s sensitive portrayal of Alward beautifully captures his internal struggle with obligation over friendship.
Perennial audience favourite Eddie Glen adds to the levity with his energetic portrayal of Bill Vigars, Director of Public Relations and Fundraising for the Canadian Cancer Society's Ontario Division. With a knack for delivering bad news to Terry at the most inopportune time, Glen mines the material to great comedic effect.
Jayme Armstrong is well cast as Leslie Scrivener, the Toronto Star reporter who chronicled Terry’s journey and later authored the book Terry Fox: His Story. Armstrong’s news reports are delivered with an honesty and pragmatism that both solidifies Terry’s everyman status and elevates his inconceivable accomplishments.
Curtis Sullivan is commanding yet endearing as Isadore Sharp, the Chairman and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts who helps Terry realize his fundraising goal of $1 for every Canadian. His rich baritone voice soars in Act Two in the song “Around the Bend.”
Charlotte Moore and Ralph Small offer nuanced portrayals of Terry’s parents, Betty and Rolly Fox, juxtaposing worry and fear with pride and respect as they watch their son’s journey unfold, culminating in the plaintive and extremely moving song “The Long Road Leads You Home.”
As Darrell Fox, Terry’s younger brother, Gregory Pember brings an effervescence to the production along with a wide-eyed innocence and optimism that counterbalances Terry’s moments of uncertainty and doubt.
The production also features two notable performances by children, both 12-years-old and residents of the Region of Waterloo: Brooke Bauer of Hawkesville and Ryan O’Donnell of Kitchener. Bauer plays numerous roles, most notably Anne-Marie, one of the supporters who affected Terry on his marathon of hope. O’Donnell, who also plays several roles, is compelling as Greg, the young baseball player who inspires Terry.
Also appearing in a variety of roles are Stephanie Cadman, Kira Guloien, Tim Porter, Katrina Reynolds, Keith Savage, and Julius Sermonia.
The sum of their contributions is particularly effective when executing the spirited choreography of David Connolly. The numbers are designed as cultural expressions, with the movement rooted in styles native to specific parts of the country, giving further context for the scope of Terry’s epic undertaking.
Involved with the project for many years, Michael Mulrooney is the Music Director for this world premiere. He expertly leads an impressive band through a variety of musical genres, including Eastern Canadian, Quebecois, and folk. The underscoring of dialogue in key scenes creates beautifully realized moments.
The inventive set design by Douglas Paraschuk may appear deceptively simple, but is a key component to great storytelling. It is used to tremendous effect, morphing seamlessly to represent a variety of settings, while always evoking a reminder of Terry’s physical and emotional journey.
Costume designer Jenine Kroeplin keeps it simple with straightforward costumes appropriate for the time period, including a faithful replication of Terry’s iconic Marathon of Hope t-shirt.
The work of lighting designer Kevin Fraser adds a rich depth to each scene, aided by Sean Nieuwenhuis’ stunning projections, which blend authentic footage of Terry’s run loaned by the Terry Fox Foundation with images signifying the diversity of the Canadian landscape.
Terry Fox said it best: “…anything’s possible if you try; dreams are made possible if you try.” With Marathon of Hope, Drayton Entertainment will undoubtedly inspire a world of hope … one magnificent step at a time.
Marathon of Hope: The Musical is on stage at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse through October 30. Regular performance tickets are $44 for adults; $26 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for preview performances scheduled before the official opening and groups of 20 or more are $36. HST is applicable to all ticket prices. Tickets may be purchased online at www.draytonentertainment.com or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866).
Photo: Nathan Carroll as Terry Fox and Alex Furber as Doug Alward. ©2016 Hilary Gauld Camillieri.
2016-10-06
St. Jacobs: "Marathon of Hope: The Musical" has its world premiere at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse