BWW Interviews: Rebecca Caine (Toronto's Original 'Christine' in POTO) Returns to Toronto

Rebecca Caine is well known to Canadian (and especially Toronto) audiences for being the original Christine in the Canadian Production of The Phantom of the Opera that ran for ten "Phantastic" years in Toronto. She also originated the role of Cosette in Les Miserables, which just celebrated its 25th Anniversary in the UK.

Rebecca returns to Canada this week for a special one-off concert called "Raising Caine" at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. BWW spoke with Rebecca before she left the UK about her concert and about what it is like coming back to perform in Canada:

Welcome back to Canada! We are excited to have you performing again in the Toronto Area! Can you give a brief overview of your show for us?

Yes. Despite the fact that the concert is called "Raising Caine" like the show I did last year at the Telus Centre, it is actually a completely different show. Old and new if you life. The first half will feature selections from my solo album "Leading Ladies." It is a selection of songs sung by the early West End stars such as Gertie Lawrence, Jessie Matthews and Julie Andrews. Also included is a Canadian movie star who inspired me as a young singer - Deanna Durbin.

The second half will be much more contemporary musical theatre. Exciting!

Is there one thing that you are excited to do as soon as you get back on Canadian soil?

There are so many things - mostly seeing my friends. I was throwing a huge party for the Phantom 20th last year and hardly had any time to socialize. One thing that really touched me on my last visit was going to my old hang, The Senator Restaurant behind what I still refer to as The Pantages (now The Canon Theatre)

For those people more familiar with you from your time as the original "Christine" with the Canadian cast of Phantom of the Opera, what should they expect from one of your solo performances? Will you do songs from the show?

People will have the chance to hear me sing lots of different kinds of repertoire. I MIGHT sing something from The Phantom of the Opera but I think everyone has heard me sing those songs a lot. I can promise something from the Maury Yeston Phantom and I'm very excited to sing songs from the Phantom sequel Love Never Dies which has a beautiful score.

For people who aren't very familiar with "cabaret" performances, what would you say is the number 1 reason to come and check out "Raising Caine"?

I'm almost a recitalist as I don't really sing in a cabaret style. For example, I tend to sing without a mic. I'm a full out legit soprano in that way so I guess it's more like a concert and very interesting to see.

You recently appeared on stage in the UK at the 25th Anniversary Concert for Les Miserables (Original London Cosette) What was that milestone like for you?

It was very exciting and I'm glad that it was shown in Canadian cinemas. We felt like rock stars and it was great we got a chance to sing at the very end of the show. Of course it's always lovely to see Colm with whom I've been signing with for half my life! It is an incredible thing to see what Les Miserables has become. We knew we were in a hit show but we never dreamed it would run for 25 years!

Having originated two roles (one in the UK and one in Canada) what is it like seeing new faces take on those roles after so many years? Do you ever hear from people playing those parts who want to talk to you about your experience or get advice?

I do get asked for advice from kids who want to go into the business. I would have to say make sure you really want to do it and that you are really sure you have what it takes because it can be a very very tough life.

I love to see all the girls who have played Cosette over the years. I feel a connection and a pride in them, particularily if they nail all those top notes I put in. Then they are my girls! You want to see the your role done as well as possible.

You have had an illustrious career including some amazing roles in various Broadway shows - do you have a dream role you still hope to take on one day?

I consider the shows I did "British West End" shows as that is where they all originated. I was asked to play Broadway with Phantom of the Opera but chose Canada instead so I don't really consider myself a Broadway person.

As for dream roles...I have a few. Lilli in Kiss Me Kate, Lily Garland in On The 20th Century, Margaret in Light in The Piazza, Desiree in A Little Night Music and Lucy in Follies.

When and Where?
Raising Caine

The Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts

Friday October 15th at 8PM

Tickets are $44 for adults and $40 for students and can be purchased by phone at 905 787-8811 or online: http://www.onrichmondhill.com/events.php?id=5876

For more information about Rebecca's work please visit her website: http://www.rebeccacaine.com/

NOTE: Rebecca is also playing at the Leith Festival on October 16th, 2010.  Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the Roxy Theatre, Downtown Bookstore and La Pastorale in Owen Sound and Bay's River Restaurant in Leith. Also by phone at 519-371-5316. For more information please visit the website: http://www.leithfestival.ca/concert_6.html

 

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