Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Drayton Entertainment, one of Canada’s leading arts organizations, is pleased to announce a nationwide search for the actor to play Canadian hero Terry Fox in the theatre company’s world-premiere of Marathon of Hope: The Musical. The production debuts in October at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse in Waterloo, Ontario.
Developed in consultation with the Fox family, this new Canadian musical is being created by award-winning composer/lyricist John Connolly and acclaimed playwright Peter Colley, who will write the book. Marathon of Hope: The Musical will be directed by Drayton Entertainment’s Artistic Director Alex Mustakas, with choreography by David Connolly and music direction by Michael Mulrooney.
“Terry Fox is one of Canada’s most beloved heroes,” says Mustakas. “It’s important for us to consider actors from all across the country in order to ensure that we find the right performer to take on this iconic, ground-breaking role.”
Mustakas and his creative team are searching for a budding theatrical star who can play the tenacious and heartfelt young athlete, whose perseverance and courage continue to inspire Canadians.
The first phase in the casting process is a video audition that requires hopefuls to sing a medley of songs from the show; sheet music, guide vocal and accompaniment track are available. Video submissions will be accepted until Friday, May 20, 2016 upon which time the creative team will narrow the pool of candidates and may schedule callback auditions with selected actors in person.
The video submission process is open to male actors who can believably play early twenties (approximately 19 to 22). The role requires an exceptional actor with an excellent tenor singing voice (range A2 – A4). The actor must be able to effectively portray Terry as an ordinary Canadian university student who encounters extraordinary circumstances. He must also capture Terry’s essence as an athletic adventurer and compelling storyteller, with boundless energy and determination. A physical resemblance to Terry Fox is preferred.
Marathon of Hope: The Musical is on stage at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from October 5 to October 30. This landmark event in Canadian theatre examines and celebrates the tenacity of the human spirit with unflinching honesty, grit, and grace as it chronicles the Terry’s unprecedented cross-Canada marathon.
For more information about the casting call for the role of Terry Fox and Marathon of Hope: The Musical, visit www.marathonofhopethemusical.com.
About Terry Fox
“I just wish people would realize that anything’s possible if you try; dreams are made possible if you try.” – Terry Fox
On April 12, 1980, at the age of 21, Terry Fox, whose right leg had been amputated after a battle with bone cancer (osteogenic sarcoma), embarked on a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Although the spread of his cancer ultimately forced him to end his Marathon of Hope after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres, his efforts resulted in a lasting legacy. To date, over $700 million has been raised worldwide for cancer research in Terry's name through the annual Terry Fox Run, held across Canada and around the world.
For more information about Terry Fox and the Terry Fox Foundation, visit www.terryfox.org.
About Drayton Entertainment
Marathon of Hope: The Musical is produced by Drayton Entertainment, a not-for-profit organization operating seven live theatres throughout the province of Ontario and entertaining an audience exceeding 250,000 annually. The season playbill consists of an eclectic mix of Broadway musicals, comedies, family programming, and original works produced by Canadians and/or featuring Canadian content. The theatre company is regarded by the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association as one of the largest employers of professional artists in the country.
The musical will play at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, which is located west of Toronto and within an hour and a half of Niagara Falls in beautiful Waterloo Region. The 400 seat theatre is situated in the heart of St. Jacobs Country, a popular tourism mecca with 1.5 million visitors annually. Canada’s largest year-round Farmers Market and the charming village of St. Jacobs are located close by. The area is also home to approximately 4,000 Old Order Mennonites whose farms dot the surrounding countryside, lending a pastoral tranquility to the area much as they have for generations.
For more information about Drayton Entertainment, visit www.draytonentertainment.com.
2016-04-21
Cambridge: Drayton Entertainment puts out nationwide casting call for Terry Fox musical