BWW Exclusive: Theatre 20 Brings Him Home - Colm Wilkinson joins new Toronto Theatre Venture

Tomorrow marks the launch of the eagerly anticipated Theatre 20, a group of actors with extensive musical theatre backgrounds who are joining forces to create a new type of theatre experience in Canada. The Toronto Star proclaimed that a "new day dawns for Toronto's musical theatre" when it first reported on the formation of Theatre 20, and based on what BroadwayWorld has learned about this group, we couldn't agree more.

Those of us who love musical theatre have known for a long time that Canada is blessed with world-class talent which often doesn't get the recognition it deserves. People continually refer to our "talent" as tremendous triple threats, excelling in song, dance and acting. Yet in recent years we have seen an increase in touring productions and other theatrical ventures that feature primarily American talent and don't showcase what Canada has to offer.

Theatre 20 aims to change all of that. While providing a cultural alternative to the commercial musical theatre-going experience, the group will focus on the development, education and celebration of musical theatre. Currently there are three strong examples of actor-founded companies with artistic objectives similar to what Theatre 20 is hoping to accomplish: Toronto's Soulpepper, New York's Roundabout and Chicago's Steppenwolf. What sets Theatre 20 apart from these other companies is that they are going to be the only ones devoted exclusively to the pursuit of musical theatre.

Among those already confirmed to be involved are Adam Brazier (Artistic Director) and Dan Chameroy. Both men are fresh off wildly successful ventures: Adam as Director of the critically acclaimed production of Assassins at The Theatre Centre; and Dan from his role as Miles Gloriosus in the successful Stratford/Mirvish production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Rosie Shaw will serve as the General Manager and we have just learned that Tamara Bernier Evans will be the Artistic Producer. Other artists known to be involved at this point include Louise Pitre, Carly Street, Juan Chioran and Evan Buliung.

With the official launch only two days away, the big questions still unanswered are who will round out the group of 20, and what types of productions are they hoping to do? We have already learned that Louise Pitre will be heading up an all-star cast of "Sisters" (including Carly Street fresh off her Broadway run in the critically acclaimed Brief Encounters) but what else could be in the pipeline? "Sisters" is a brave and exciting venture; however, with the talented male contingent in Theatre 20, I think it's perfectly reasonable to expect something great - perhaps even something Sondheim.

With "Sisters" announced and other shows mere speculation at this point, there is really only one big question left to be answered: Who could be added to Theatre 20 that would help them assert themselves as the group to watch in Canadian musical theatre? It would be hard to top those already announced given the sheer quality and caliber of talent Theatre 20 has behind them. However, BWW has learned that one of Toronto's favourite leading men is finally returning to his rightful home on the Canadian stage. Colm Wilkinson, the original Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables" and Toronto's first "Phantom of the Opera", is going to be one of the Theatre 20 group. Wilkinson was last seen in Toronto promoting his album "Broadway and Beyond" and I feel that the city will welcome him back to musical theatre with open arms. With a mandate that serves to benefit all those who love everything at the core of musical theatre, the inclusion of someone with the canon of work that Colm Wilkinson boasts should help garner Theatre 20 the worldwide recognition they deserve - and remind everyone of exactly what our homegrown talent can do.

When and Where?

Theatre 20 Official Launch - Open Event! See Event Page for RSVP Details
January 20th, 2011 at 11:30AM
The Panasonic Theatre - 651 Yonge St

Follow them on Twitter at @Theatre20

Official Launch Details Here