BWW Exclusive: George Krissa Discusses his upcoming Concert at Corks Playhouse Theatre in NOTL

Looking for some live entertainment in Niagara-on-the-Lake during these winter months as you await the new season at the Shaw Festival? Look no further than Corks Playhouse Theatre on February 9th when the fantastic George Krissa takes the stage for his "eclectic but cohesive" concert produced by Something Something Productions.

If you don't know George Krissa yet, you certainly will soon. He is about to make his Shaw Festival debut as Tommy Albright in BRIGADOON and as an ensemble member in THE HORSE AND HIS BOY, and it is only a matter of time before Shaw audiences learn what Stratford audiences learned last season when he starred as Rocky in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and was a member of the barbershop quartet in THE MUSIC MAN. This guy is a star!

Krissa explains that he was actually approached by Rob Burke, co-founder and Producer of Something-Something Productions, about doing a concert before it was even known that he would be part of the upcoming season at the Shaw: "He saw me in ROCKY [HORROR] and enjoyed the show and asked if I would do a concert. Timing-wise, it worked out really cool!"

BWW just had to know if we can expect a sneak peek of BRIGADOON at this concert?

"Yes there will be a song from Brigadoon" Confirms Krissa. "I'm going to switch it up stylistically a little bit. I'm going to do a jazz version of one of the songs."

Speaking of BRIGADOON, "I'm so excited to do it!" Krissa exclaims. "It's one of those shows that has some of my very favourite music of all time in it, and nobody ever, ever does it! I don't think its ever been done at a Festival, I've never heard of it being done even regionally, so I'm really excited."

Krissa feels that this concert is a great way for him to introduce himself to Niagara-on-the-Lake, where he has already made himself at home as he attends an acting intensive at the Shaw Festival. This will be his first solo concert, but he does tease that there will be a few special guests. He shares that he will play guitar for some of the songs and that Giustin Mclean will be accompanying him on piano.

As for what style of music to expect? Krissa explains that he often gets bored singing only one style of music and so he is making a point to include many different styles for the concert: "I'm singing a little bit of everything. There's going to be some classical, some traditional and contemporary musical theatre, some country, some jazz and funk and soul...something for everybody... It's eclectic but cohesive. It's a nice collection of songs."

When asked how he chose what he was going to sing, Krissa shares that a lot of the songs were things he has wanted to sing for a while and just hasn't had the chance. This includes songs from musicals he has done, but that were performed by other characters. "When you're doing a show, you only do your songs, so I've put on the back burner songs that I've always kind of wanted to do."

Given Krissa's immense talent and love of all styles of music, it is evident that this is a show that should not be missed! Check out the Q&A and event details below to learn more about George and to find out where to get your tickets!

Get to know George:

Hometown: Lashburn, Saskatchewan (population:750)

Favourite Musical of all-time: It changes all the time. I'll have a favourite for a while and listen to the [cast recording] to death and then I'll get sick of it and it won't be my favourite anymore.

Music most played on your phone: A singer-songwriter named Patty Griffin. Her entire discography plays on repeat on my phone.

First Concert: Christina Aguilera at age 18. Followed up by Beyonce.

Favourite Concert: Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire when they toured together.

Dream Role: I have several! I would love to play Bobby in COMPANY...I would love to play Roger in RENT, I would love to play George in SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE [he has the name for it]. These change too because there were some dream roles that I grew out of! (Laughs).

Favourite Food: Literally everything. [Last season, in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW at The Stratford Festival, he was on a specific diet because his body was essentially his costume]. Now I can eat whatever I want whenever I want! I love pizza and tacos...and if I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life, it would be chips!

Did you have a New Year's Resolution?: The obvious ones-Be a good person, try and connect with people, and use technology less.

The Details:

What: George Krissa in Concert

When: Saturday, Feb. 9th at 8pm

Where: Corks Playhouse Theatre, 19 Queen St. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Ticket Details: $40 per ticket. Can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/george-krissa-in-concert-tickets-54038859684

Or by calling 289-668-0482

For More information: www.somethingsomethingproductions.ca

Photo Credit: www.somethingsomethingproductions.com