Theatre Muskoka, Bracebridge, ON, Canada - Feb 22-Mar 2, 2024

[CJ-Rochester]

A production will open in late February in Bracebridge, Ontario, about two hours north of Toronto.
This is being jointly produced by Rotary Club of Bracebridge, HUB Productions, and Theatre Muskoka.

https://www.theatremuskoka.ca/
http://www.hubproductionsmuskoka.com/

Tickets are on sale: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36788/production/1187808

[CJ-Rochester]

Here's a rehearsal photo of the cast learning the finale.

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=876 ... 9111927510

[CJ-Rochester]

Billy will be played by Shannan Pratt.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=88 ... 9111927510

[porschesrule]

You can learn more about the Bracebridge production in Canada at our sister site here:

https://betm.theskykid.com/meet-billy-e ... on-canada/

[porschesrule]

If you'd like to know more about the Bracebridge Billy, Shannan Pratt, you can learn more about him at our sister site:

https://betm.theskykid.com/meet-billy-e ... nan-pratt/

[LiamM]

Some highlights of Theatre Muskoka's production: In the lobby, there were large display boards with history of the 1984 miners' strike including photos and prints of newspaper articles from the time. This gave a great historical background to the show. The playbill was the biggest non-paid-for one I have seen: 52 pages, 8.5×11", in full colour containing a lot of advertising from local businesses, rehearsal photos, plus the regular cast bios, etc. The performance I saw was entirely sold-out as was most of the run. This was probably the biggest cast I have ever seen. There was a full 12 ballet girls including Debbie plus extra boys to fill out the boxing lesson and crowd scenes. This is one advantage of community theatre. The show started with the miners entering singing from the back of the darkened theatre with their helmet lights providing the only illumination. This is perhaps a Canadian touch; The Men of the Deeps, a miners' choir from Nova Scotia, starts their shows this way. Overall, the choreography was considerably simplified but they still included a "Solidarity" that strongly reflects the original. There was some wonderful singing, in particular Shannon Pratt as Billy. Allen Hutching's performance as Dad was very emotional. Pearson Butler-Commins as Michael was a tiny bundle of energy who deeply conveyed the spirit of his character.

The Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre itself is inside a building which also contains a community sports complex and Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School. It is great when multiple things can be under the same roof and share resources.

For reference, here is the audition call.