Daren Herbert Leads Talk Is Free Theatre's STOP THE WORLD - I WANT TO GET OFF!, Opening Tonight

Talk Is Free Theatre's last production of its current season is the rarely produced satirical musical Stop the World -- I Want to Get Off!.

While it is written as a large-scale work with a full cast, TIFT's version will feature only one actor, Daren Herbert, who will play every role, including the leading man Littlechap and all the women in his life. The production will involve projections, through which Herbert will act opposite many versions of himself.

At the time of its premiere in England in 1961, Stop the World - I Want to Get Off! was considered ahead of its time and was one of the first concept musicals. Written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse, the show features an Everyman whose rise to success is countered by the instability of his private life. The musical's most enduring songs include "What Kind of Fool Am I?", "Gonna Build a Mountain" and "Once in a Lifetime."

Actor Daren Herbert was last seen in the Acting Up Stage's production of The Wild Party and TIFT's co-production (with Patrick Street Productions) of Floyd Collins. He will be directed by Kate Brown (Artistic Director of Clearwater Theatre), with musical direction by Beau Dixon. Designers include Joe Pagnan (Set and Lights), Lindsay Dagger Junkin (Costumes) and Cameron Fraser (Projections).

Stop the World -- I Want to Get Off! officially opens tonight, May 22, and run until May 30. For a detailed performance schedule and tickets, visit www.tift.ca or call (705) 792-1949.