The upcoming community production Broadway Through the Decades will be a blast from the past, with the performance looking back on the array of community musicals that have been put on in Prince Rupert over the years.
A special presentation for Homecoming 2015, Broadway Through the Decades will consist of scenes and crowd-pleasing songs from six musicals presented in Prince Rupert previously, including Les Misérables, Fiddler on the Roof, Jesus Christ Superstar, Little Shop of Horrors, Sweet Charity and The Dream Lives On, a production shown during Homecoming 2010 created entirely by Rupertites.
“You can experience all of the great musicals in one spectacular show,” said Crystal Lorette, Broadway through the Decades producer.
Fifty-five Prince Rupert residents will sing, dance, act and play the music making up the production, some of which who were involved in all six musicals being highlighted in the show, along with some who are newer to performing in a production of this scale.
Musical director Peter Witherly will lead a full orchestra of musicians in bringing back some of the past favourites. There will be countless vocalists helping to bring popular Broadway numbers to life, including members of the Rotary Community Choir, and soloists Lauren Armstrong and Lonnie Bryant. While she’s no stranger to the stage, Prince Rupert’s Jewel Jerstad is sitting in the director and choreographer chairs for the production.
“She’s really stepped up for this,” said Lorette.
With there being an incredible and seemingly endless pool of talent in Prince Rupert’s art community, Lorette said the Lester Centre made no hesitation in agreeing to produce a show for the 2015 Homecoming celebration when approached by the event’s organizing committee.
“We have amazing talent in our community and we like to show it off,” she said.
“It’s going to be a fabulous afternoon of some laughs, great music and a spectacular showcase.”
Because there will only be one showing of Broadway through the Decades, taking place at the Lester Centre of the Arts at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, Lorette encourages people to purchase tickets early. Tickets are available at the Lester Centre and Cook’s Jewellers.
