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Shawp Talk


Wonderful Town has been in previews for a while now, and has really hit its stride. People just love this show. They are warmed by the set and costumes, dazzled by the music, and finally overcome by it’s sweet story and sense of goodwill. That, and some amazing performances by the entire cast, led by the hilarious Lisa Horner. I am having a blast doing the comedy thing for a change. Our official opening night is 10 days away, May 24th. I’m told there are good seats available for performances through the end of June, but after that it gets tougher. So, book now and don’t be disappointed.

For a video with actual show footage, go to the following site, and click on the Video tab. It gives you all the info you need about our production: www.shawfest.com/web/content.asp?docid=1_3_2_1

When I’m not chewing the scenery in Wonderful Town - and believe me, I chomp away pretty good - you'll find me in rehearsal hall 3, working on A Little Night Music. The show is really coming along. The music is definitely a challenge to perfect, as is the complex staging of the show on the three-sided Courthouse stage. We are looking forward to moving into the theatre this Friday to begin technical rehearsals. June 1st is our first preview performance, with the official opening night July 4th. So, all you Sondheim fans, don't wait - A Little Night Music is the best selling show so far this season! Get your tickets now!

Field of Stars

I had so much fun last night. I had the privilege of singing in a concert celebrating the release of a new CD/Songbook called “Field Of Stars - Volume 2”. First, let me tell you about the book. The songbook is the second in a series dreamed up by Jim Betts, featuring 22 Musical Theatre songs written solely by Canadian composers. Included in the book is the sheet music to each song, plus two CDs. Disc 1 is a CD of all the songs recorded by various "stars" of the genre (including me, of course), and Disc 2 is a CD of just the piano accompaniment, so you can fire up the karaoke machine and sing along at home. It’s a great idea for any actor just starting out, or who is looking for new audition repertoire, or for any fan of canadian music who wants to listen to a kick-ass compilation of songs and/or play along on the piano.

So, this past fall I had the privelege to record two songs for the Songbook, and last night I got to sing them live at Statlers, a club downtown Toronto. The songs come from two shows very close to my heart : “One Face” from Tristan with composer Paul Sportelli accompanying me, and “Disappointed House” from Emily with composer Marek Norman at the piano. I am thrilled to say that both songs went over extremely well! It was so exciting - you could have heard a pin drop in the packed club. Actually the entire event was such a hit that they had to turn people away. Many people were forced to stand out on the sidewalk, listening through the open windows and doors. It was quite an inspiring night, to be surrounded by so many talented supporters of Canadian Musical Theatre.

If anyone is interested in buying a book, go to this site for a bunch of information: http://northernriver.com/FOS2Preview.html. I believe you can buy it at Theatrebooks and Song and Script in Toronto, two stores that coincidentally also carry my CD, "Taking The Wheel". And if you haven't picked that up yet, get on it already! There are 14 beautiful tracks of musical theatre and pop songs with all new arrangements. It's really fine stuff. Actually, the easiest way to buy my CD is through my website www.jeffmadden.ca, or if you're in town to see a show, pick it up at the Festival Theatre Shaw shop. If you must, download it on iTunes. But if you do, you won't get the lovely 12-page booklet with lots of beautiful photos and information on why I chose each song. Trust me, the booklet really completes the package.

Support Canadian musical theatre talent! And, you'll have the added bonus of knowing that you helped put my kids through university. Well, daycare, anyway. Cheers, everybody.