January’s announcement of the newest series of Broadway shows making their way to Edmonton and Calgary’s Jubilee Auditoriums was met with much fanfare. GayCalgary.com spoke with Shana Levin, VP at Broadway Across Canada about the newest run of shows.
GC: How are you feeling now that the season is announced?
SL: I’m elated, I really am. We are really proud of the seasons across the Country this year and it’s so exciting when the secret is out and we can talk about the shows that we have been planning for so long.
GC: Have you seen all of these shows?
SL: I have, it’s a perk of the gig, not only do I get to see lots of shows, I am encouraged to see lots of shows, I won the lottery in the job department! I will try to keep this brief... We have an amazing line up this season with incredible titles seeing Calgary for the first time. Each one brings a different experience but none will disappoint. Come help us celebrate 20 years of theatre Calgary and Edmonton!
GC: What can you tell us about the individual shows that are debuting?
Beautiful: The Carol King Musical: Calgary October 30 – November 4, 2018. Edmonton November 6 - 11, 2018
Carol King’s story is truly inspiriting and really engaging. I had no idea how many iconic songs she had written, I think it is something like 118 from 1945-1999. As a young woman, rising to level of stardom that she did in the music industry, while trying to balance her real life, with real relatable and hard personal struggles is nothing short of epic. The woman is a FORCE, an incredible talent and the show is a must see.
Illusionists: Direct From Broadway: Calgary January 8 - 13, 2019. Edmonton January 1 - 6, 2019.
This is truly a spectacular night of Entertainment with five of the world’s most talented Illusionists of our time. The magic is next level and a really fun night out. The show has been selling out across the globe and the audiences unanimously love it.
Come From Away: Calgary March 19 - 24, 2019. Edmonton March 12 – 17, 2019.
I absolutely adore this show. Being that the show touches on 9/11, it’s a really profound theatre experience. I was enlightened by so much of the story that I missed on the goings on in Gander on 9/12, with so many stranded passengers in that little Canadian town in Newfoundland. We get to watch a town come together and welcome 7000 strangers into their homes and become family through the warmth of a community in what was one of the darkest times many of us will ever know (hopefully). I will tell you that, I cried the majority of the show, I left SO incredibly proud to be a Canadian and with a restored faith in human kindness.
GC: There’s been a mixed reaction to the announcement on social media. With shows like Hamilton and The Bodyguard on tour some are disappointed with this line up, especially with Les Miserables (Calgary July 17 - 22, 2018. Edmonton July 3 - 8, 2018) & Book of Mormon (Calgary September 11 - 16, 2018. Edmonton September 18 - 23, 2018) having been here within the last 5 years. Can you tell me a bit about the process of booking and routing these shows as I am sure it’s not a case of just snapping your fingers and going "Voila – Hamilton!"
SL: Programming is a very long and thought out process and we are booking shows years in advance. We work to bring the absolute best that Broadway has to offer to all of our Canadian markets. That said, there are so many variables at play, including patron survey feedback, fitting into the respective tour’s routing and the availability of the building in any given market. I basically liken it to one massive jigsaw puzzle where all pieces need to fit perfectly to book a show. Just because you don’t see titles this season, it doesn’t mean you will never see them, it just means the pieces haven’t fit yet. Les Miserables and Book of Mormon are both optional add-ons to the season package. While they have played Calgary previously, many people were either unable to get a ticket, or simply want to come again. On top of it to have the ability to share the news that Dear Evan Hansen will be featured on our 19/20 Calgary Season, quite early in its tour life, is a HUGE privilege. Overall our feedback has been really positive, people are excited. We do listen to all your feedback and do our best to do right by our patrons.
GC: One of my favourite BAC shows in recent years was Once, which may not have had they massive spectacle of other shows but ended up being an absolutely beautiful show. What are your thoughts on surprising people with shows that may not have a huge name, and why should people check out a show they may not be as familiar with.
SL: Well I am with you, Once is a title near and dear to me, I love that show. It doesn’t need to me a massive spectacle to make a lasting impression, right? There are certain shows we feel really strongly about presenting and making sure people get to experience them. It’s a struggle, but we continue to work on it. Many of the shows that mean the most to me are ones that I didn’t expect would resonate with me. It’s always worth it to go to the theatre is my motto.
GC: When I attended BAC shows last year I heard a lot of people in the lobby as well as friends on social media comment on Phantom being the first show they ever saw and the memories tied to it making it special. What are your thoughts on how BAC shows leave a lasting impression on the audience and create special memories?
SL: I love that, we heard that a lot with Phantom and again from survey feedback about a repeat of Les Miserables. Live Theatre- it is such an important art form and unique experience. We are all so busy in our day to day lives that we so often don’t get a chance to stop, slow down and connect with other people. Theatre does that for us, it forces us to connect, to feel and to engage. At BAC, my colleagues and I have for years cited 3 words in, MUSIC, MAGIC, MEMORIES, you may have seen it in our marketing materials. We believe in the importance of those words and we believe in the shows we bring to your city, so thank you, we love make memories with you.
GC: BAC subscribers get first choice of seats, what other benefits come from being a subscriber?
SL: Broadway Across Canada – 2018/2019 Season Subscribers receive exclusive perks, including: priority seating access, guaranteed prices, easy payment plans, guaranteed same seats locations for all season presentations, ticket exchange services, lost ticket replacement, online upgrades and NY ticketing services.
GC: Where do you see BAC heading in Calgary and Edmonton beyond this season?
SL: We as dedicated as ever to bring you the best that Broadway has to offer and ensure that theatre remains an important part of our Canadian Cultural Fabric.
Broadway Across Canada Season Ticket Subscriptions are now available. Individual on sale dates TBA. Visit www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca for more info
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Contributor Jason Clevett |
Locale Calgary | Edmonton |
Topic Broadway Across Canada | Theatre |
