The Saanich Peninsula will be treated to a show few will want to miss as Mountain Dream Productions gears up for the return of their Musical Winterlude - this year featuring local rockers The Distractions.
On Jan. 28, the Mary Winspear Centre’s Charlie White Theatre will be filled with the sounds of the youth performing arts school’s Company and Vocal Class students as they perform a rock-tinged cabaret review.
“It will have musical theatre songs and some comedic scenes in the first half, and then in the second half we’ve invited The Distractions who are going to play with us singing with them. The second half is all live music with a rock band,” said Mountain Dream Productions producer Rob Forbes.
This year’s production marks the first time the school has partnered with The Distractions for a show, and a rare venture into the world of rock and roll.
The partnership came out of a desire to help the students get ready for their rock-infused summer production of Freaky Friday, Forbes said.
After a Canada Day performance, Forbes started talking with the band about partnering for the production, and they enthusiastically hopped on board.
“One of the things we pride ourselves on is the professional nature the kids get, and therefore the performances they give,” he said. “This is something we don’t normally do, but the kids have really embraced it. They are having a lot of fun with the band, and the band is constantly smiling as they play with the kids, which is always a good sign. Everyone is really enjoying the change of pace.”
The production has provided an opportunity for the students to gain many experiences they would not normally get with Mountain Dream.
For many it is the first time they are performing with a live band and singing along to classic rock tunes by The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, and The Eagles.
Forbes said rehearsals have been going well and both the band and the students have been enjoying the collaboration so far.
Tickets for the show are $20 and are available through the Mary Winspear Centre box office either online, in person, or by phone at 250-656-0275. If there are any unsold seats come the 28th, tickets will be available at the door.
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