BWW Preview: Sara Farb on Bringing UNCOVERED: JONI MITCHELL AND CAROLE KING to Life

The artists and creatives behind The Musical Stage Company's 2018 edition of UNCOVERED will be preparing for opening night of the popular series, and on Monday, November 13, ten accomplished and dynamic performers will take the stage to cover a wealth of songs from pioneering singer-songwriters Joni Mitchell and Carole King, under the direction of the series' driving force, Reza Jacobs (Music Direction, Vocal Arrangements, Orchestrations).

UNCOVERED: Joni Mitchell AND Carole King is the eleventh installment in the annual series, as well as the first time that two separate recording artists' music will be featured for the second time in the series' history - 2011 saw Joni Mitchell's music reimagined alongside Leonard Cohen's, and Carole King's work was paired with James Taylor in 2012.

Not only are both songwriter's catalogues returning to the stage for the annual series, but Toronto-native actor Sara Farb is celebrating eleven years of UNCOVERED performances as well. With past credits including The 27 Club (Soulpepper), The Humans (Canadian Stage/Citadel), Fun Home (Musical Stage Company/Mirvish), and five seasons at Stratford, Farb is no stranger to the stage, and was recently able to give BroadwayWorld an insider's look at this year's edition of the popular series.

How did you get involved with this year's Uncovered?

I've been involved in every Uncovered since its inception, so as always, it was a matter of Musical Stage Company checking my availability and me jumping at the chance to do another one of the concerts. Nothing particularly special, but it's never not exciting to be a part of the show.

What was the rehearsal process like, and what do you have planned for the show?

It's generally as follows:

I (or we, depending on the number of people involved in the song) meet with Reza and Mitchell. We discuss what the song's story is and how we can best highlight that story. We toss out some ideas and try to incorporate the best ones to make the best possible outcome. There is some tweaking and banging heads against walls and then the cover emerges and everyone's amazed and happy. This all usually takes about two sessions of two to three hours each.

As far as my performance, you'll have to come see. I'm happy with the choices.

How's it been working with Reza Jacobs on the show again?

Total nightmare, he's the worst. (Kidding!)

Did you know any of your fellow performers prior to rehearsals, and what's the rehearsal room been like with this (fairly large) group of artists?

A couple are dear friends, a couple I've known peripherally, and a couple I'd never met. Everyone's excellent and kind, and it's been nothing but collaborative and generous.

How are you putting your own touch on these classic songwriters' catalogues?

I really try to just be as plain and simple as I can when I do these songs. I zero in on what I want to convey through the words and typically that agrees with what I go for musically - it's not a Signature Sound I'm striving for, it's clarity of thought over anything else.

What are your thoughts on the relevancy of this year's UNCOVERED focusing on Carole King and Joni Mitchell's music today, 40 or 50 years after they were at the height of pop music?

It's been very special being surrounded by women I admire singing the songs of women I admire. It's a literal convergence and rising of female voices at a time when the metaphorical rising of female voices is so pervasive and so important. What they touch on in their songs is very profound and has a lot to do with basic human questions, not just female ones.

Is there a specific moment in the show that stands out to you - maybe a part you'd consider a personal favourite?

It's a bit too early to tell, but I have a feeling it'll be when we're all singing together.

What can audiences expect from the show - and is there anything else we should know about UNCOVERED before curtain call?

Audiences can expect a night of inventive and thought-provoking covers of music they know and love by outstanding interpreters of song. It'll be uplifting and nostalgic and empowering.

Also, it's practically sold out, so if you want a ticket book right this minute.

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You can catch Sara Farb in The Musical Stage Company's UNCOVERED: Joni Mitchell AND Carole King, on stage November 13 to 15 at Koerner Hall (TELUS Centre for Performance & Learning) in Toronto, November 16 at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, or November 21 at the George Weston Recital Hall (Toronto Centre for the Arts) in North York.

As Farb said, these shows are already selling out, so get your tickets now at http://musicalstagecompany.com/production/uncovered2018/ (Toronto, North York) or https://www.livingartscentre.ca/theatre-performances/uncovered-joni-mitchell-and-carole-king (Mississauga).