OAKVILLE, ON, Nov. 26, 2013 /CNW/ - The Terry Fox family and Sheridan College are proud to announce the development of a new folk musical about one of Canada's enduring heroes. The Canadian Music Theatre Project presents MARATHON OF HOPE, based on the incredible true story of Terry Fox.
In the summer of 1980, Terry ran across Canada, a marathon every day to raise money for cancer research and captured the heart of the nation in the process. After 143 days, Terry was forced to end his run when his cancer returned. He passed away on June 28, 1981 at 22 years of age.
MARATHON OF HOPE is created by award winning songwriter, singer and Sheridan graduate John Connolly who composed and wrote music and lyrics, with a book by award winning playwright and Artistic Director of Smile Theatre, Jim Betts and orchestrations and arrangements by musical director Michael Mulrooney.
"We have enjoyed the journey with John Connolly and Sheridan College as the Marathon of Hope musical evolved over the years," said Darrell Fox, Terry's brother. "We continue to admire John's sincere commitment to the project and believe the musical offers a unique, entertaining and moving way to share the Marathon of Hope."
"The telling of these events as a work of musical theatre is another compelling way to share this iconic story," said Michael Rubinoff, Producer and Associate Dean at Sheridan. "Our guiding principle has been to share Terry's story with an even wider audience, inspire a new generation and ultimately raise significant funds for the Terry Fox Foundation to fulfill Terry's goal of finding a cure for cancer. We are grateful for all of the support and guidance from the Fox family and look forward to welcoming them to Sheridan on opening night."
Developed in collaboration with the Terry Fox family, a leading group of Canadian theatre practitioners and actors have been assembled to work in Sheridan's Canadian Music Theatre Project "theatrical laboratory" to develop this magnificent story for the stage. MARATHON OF HOPE stars Loretta Bailey (Les Miserables, Shaw Festival), Tess Benger (Anne of Green Gables, Shaw Festival), Michelle Bouey (Rent, "Over The Rainbow"), Paula Brancati ("Degrassi: The Next Generation", "Being Erica") Mike Cox (Rent, Next To Normal), Alex Furber (War Horse), Jayden Greig (Mary Poppins), Jordan Till (Stratford Festival), Geoffrey Tyler (Stratford Festival) and playing the role of Terry Fox, recent Sheridan graduate Josh Wiles. A choir of students, in the third year of Sheridan's prestigious Music Theatre Performance Program, join the cast.
The Canadian Music Theatre Project was launched in 2011 at Sheridan College and is Canada's first incubator for the development of new musicals by Canadian and international composers, lyricists and book-writers.
About Sheridan College
Long recognized for excellence in music theatre performance and technical theatre production, Sheridan College offers an innovative learning environment celebrated for academic excellence, applied research and creativity. Alumni perform on stages and work backstage in theatres across the world including on Broadway, in London's West End and at the Stratford and Shaw Festivals. Theatre Sheridan presents six musicals a year at the Trafalgar Road campus in Oakville. Visit theatre.sheridancollege.ca and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/theatresheridan for more information.
Image with caption: " Sheridan College (CNW Group/Sheridan College)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131126_C5104_PHOTO_EN_33866.jpg
SOURCE: Sheridan College
Media Contact:
Christine Szustaczek
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