Broadway lights up Picton

The lights and stars of Broadway come to Picton  Sunday, Jan. 23 when Michael Reason presents his revue show “Beautiful Broadway” at the newly renovated St. Andrew’s Church, 31 King St.

Reason, a nationally-known conductor, arranger, organizer of the PEC Opera Project and County resident welcomes three major music theatre stars to provide an afternoon of hits from some of Broadway’s greatest shows including Cats, Annie, the Wizard of Oz and Wicked.

“With January being a relatively slow month for entertainment I thought that the County could use an excuse to come out on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy some of the finest singers that Canada has to offer” says the unassuming maestro.
The cast features June Crowley, Louise St. Cyr and Amy Wallis and their combined professional experience extends from the renowned Charlottetown and Stratford Festivals to the stage of Broadway’s Gershwin Theatre.

The performance in Picton comes immediately after two concerts at the Grand Theatre, Kingston where the three singing stars are performing with the Kingston Symphony Orchestra. Reason did 24 new orchestral arrangements for the concerts and is conducting both performances.

“I would have loved to have brought the Kingston Symphony to Picton but putting a professional orchestra on stage is very expensive,” comments Reason. “However, both myself and Toronto based pianist Peter Aylin will provide the musical accompaniment and the audience will not only enjoy some superb singing but will also experience a unique multi-media show as part of the presentation.”

Reason chose the venue of St. Andrews church because its acoustics have been transformed through extensive renovations and the recent arrival of 150 new luxuriously padded chairs.
“The church is now a truly intimate and inviting venue and the perfect place to present a concert such as Beautiful Broadway. The revitalized St Andrew’s really does have to be experienced,” Reason enthuses.

Beautiful Broadway starts at 2.30pm on Sunday Jan. 23 at St. Andrews Church. Reason advises that with seating for 150 the $20 tickets should be purchased in advance at the Festival Players Box Office at Books and Co. 289 Main Street, Picton. Telephone: (613) 471 1991.

For more information about the show and the performers, visit
michaelreason@sympatico.ca
www.mjrmusic.ca