TAPTOO!

Music Theatre that makes History come Alive!
by John Beckwith, C.M. and James Reaney, C.M.

This year marks the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, a conflict between Great Britain, the Unites States of America and the inhabitants of what was to become Canada. Toronto Operetta Theatre is pleased to participate in nationwide commemorative events as producer of the professional World Premiere of TAPTOO!, Music Theatre set in the tumultuous period leading up to this historic confrontation by composer John Beckwith and playwright James Reaney. The performances will take place on February 24, 25, 26, 2012 at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts conducted by the composer’s son and current artistic director of the Toronto Masque Theatre, Larry Beckwith. Toronto Operetta Theatre’s Founding General Director, Guillermo Silva-Marin, will be the stage director.

“This is a very exciting moment for our company”, says TOT’s Silva-Marin. “Not only can we contribute to the national commemorations during this bicentennial year, we do so with a brand new work built around our collective history written by two of Canada’s most esteemed creative spirits.”

TAPTOO! is based on historic events surrounding the establishment of the town of York, Upper Canada, a village that would become one of Canada’s greatest cities. The work, in two acts, features two leading figures of the time, Major (later Lieutenant-General) John Graves Simcoe and Colonel (later General) “Mad Anthony” Wayne. The story stretches from 1780 to 1812, with a mix of historic and imaginary characters in pursuit of a new, free and better life on the northern shores of Lake Ontario. Original music is woven throughout with hymn tunes, folksongs, verse ballads and marches plus a heady helping of jigs and reels for moments of joy and celebration.

The cast of 18 singers will cover 26 characters of soldiers, settlers, and aboriginals. Silva-Marin has assembled a remarkable cast of talented Canadian artists including Michael Barrett as Seth, Robert Longo as Wayne, Todd Delaney as Simcoe, Allison Angelo as Atahentsic, with Mark Petracchi and Sarah Hicks as Mr. & Mrs. Harple, Eugenia Dermentzis as Mrs. Simcoe and boy sopranos Daniel Bedrossian and Teddy Perdikoulias as Seth Jr. and Ebenezer respectively.

For Tickets, call 416-366-7723, 1-800-708-6754, online www.stlc.com or in person at the St. Lawrence Centre Box Office, 27 Front Street East. Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more. The theatre is is wheelchair accessible and close to municipal parking and public transit.