Feb. 17 - Mar. 6, 2010
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| Music by RICHARD RODGERS Lyrics by SHELDON HARNICK Book by SHERMAN YELLEN In the style of CAMELOT and THE KING AND I, the royalty, romance and intrigue of the court of King Henry VIII is brought vividly and melodically to life in this dramatically fascinating, musically stirring and visually captivating musical. Don’t miss the Canadian premiere of the penultimate Broadway musical by the legendary composer of THE SOUND OF MUSIC paired with the lyricist of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. |
| Henry VIII Anne Boleyn / Elizabeth I Will Somers Catherine of Aragon Princess Mary Mark Smeaton Jane Seymour Cardinal Wolsey Katherine Parr Francis, King of France Claude, Queen of France Prince Edward |
| Music Director Choreography by Costumes by Lighting by Production Stage Manager Directed by |
| CAST |
JOE CASCONE
ASHLEY GIBSON
DAVID HAINES
CAROL KUGLER
ELIZABETH ROSE MORRISS
ERIC BOTOSAN
DAMIEN GULDE
ANDREA STRAYER
LLOYD DEAN
SUSAN SANDERS
LARRY GIBBS
STEPHANIE DOUGLAS
MAX LEE
ASHLEY GIBSON
DAVID HAINES
CAROL KUGLER
ELIZABETH ROSE MORRISS
ERIC BOTOSAN
DAMIEN GULDE
ANDREA STRAYER
LLOYD DEAN
SUSAN SANDERS
LARRY GIBBS
STEPHANIE DOUGLAS
MAX LEE
| Production Team |
| Pictured on Opening Night (L-R): David Haines, Joe Cascone. |
Ashley Gibson as Anne Boleyn,
Joe Cascone as King Henry VIII
Joe Cascone as King Henry VIII
February 22, 2010
also offer subscribers a chance to explore other interesting works by the same authors.
Joe Cascone heard the original cast recording and contacted the two surviving authors. Upon endorsement from The Rodgers &
Hammerstein organization, they agreed to allow The Civic Light Opera Company to present the Canadian premiere of a newly revised
version of this troubled show.
Troubled only begins to hint at what went on with this musical in 1976. The juicy details are fully recounted in Joe Cascone’s excellent
program notes.
This is a fascinating musical with a book so strong that it could be a play. At the age of 74, Richard Rodgers was still writing pleasing
melodies, and Sheldon Harnick matched them with insightful lyrics.
Joe Cascone gives a commanding performance as the self-indulgent King. Henry VIII is not a terribly sympathetic character, but
Cascone softens the rough edges just enough to show us a king who is flawed, but creditable.
As Catherine, the King’s first wife, Carol Kugler is given a fine opportunity to display both her acting and singing talents with one of the
score’s most touching songs, “As Once I Loved You.” In the role of Anne Boleyn, Ashley Gibson provides a well developed portrait of
the strong-willed queen. Gibson returns in the second half as the adult Princess Elizabeth, shining in a fiery confrontation with Henry.
There is terrific support from Damien Gulde as court musician Smeaton, Eric Botosan as court astrologer Comus, and David Haines
doing what he does best offering up some comic relief as Will, the court jester.
The chamber-sized orchestra under the direction of Michael Capon provides a proper period feel, always in balance with the singers.
Sheila Lacasse has outdone herself with the stunning costumes. The evocative set by David Haines and Blain Berdan conjures up a
properly austere 16th century look, enhanced by Gareth Crew’s precise lighting.
Among those attending the opening night performance was lyricist and Broadway legend Sheldon Harnick who told the cast that this
production was the show he had always envisioned. With an endorsement like that, all I can add is get your tickets fast. The show runs
to March 6.
also offer subscribers a chance to explore other interesting works by the same authors.
Joe Cascone heard the original cast recording and contacted the two surviving authors. Upon endorsement from The Rodgers &
Hammerstein organization, they agreed to allow The Civic Light Opera Company to present the Canadian premiere of a newly revised
version of this troubled show.
Troubled only begins to hint at what went on with this musical in 1976. The juicy details are fully recounted in Joe Cascone’s excellent
program notes.
This is a fascinating musical with a book so strong that it could be a play. At the age of 74, Richard Rodgers was still writing pleasing
melodies, and Sheldon Harnick matched them with insightful lyrics.
Joe Cascone gives a commanding performance as the self-indulgent King. Henry VIII is not a terribly sympathetic character, but
Cascone softens the rough edges just enough to show us a king who is flawed, but creditable.
As Catherine, the King’s first wife, Carol Kugler is given a fine opportunity to display both her acting and singing talents with one of the
score’s most touching songs, “As Once I Loved You.” In the role of Anne Boleyn, Ashley Gibson provides a well developed portrait of
the strong-willed queen. Gibson returns in the second half as the adult Princess Elizabeth, shining in a fiery confrontation with Henry.
There is terrific support from Damien Gulde as court musician Smeaton, Eric Botosan as court astrologer Comus, and David Haines
doing what he does best offering up some comic relief as Will, the court jester.
The chamber-sized orchestra under the direction of Michael Capon provides a proper period feel, always in balance with the singers.
Sheila Lacasse has outdone herself with the stunning costumes. The evocative set by David Haines and Blain Berdan conjures up a
properly austere 16th century look, enhanced by Gareth Crew’s precise lighting.
Among those attending the opening night performance was lyricist and Broadway legend Sheldon Harnick who told the cast that this
production was the show he had always envisioned. With an endorsement like that, all I can add is get your tickets fast. The show runs
to March 6.