The first two works to be developed by Sheridan’s Canadian Music Theatre Project (CMTP) have been shortlisted for the Playwrights Guild of Canada’s Stage West Pechet Family Musical Award, which recognizes new musical works by guild members. The two productions, which were workshopped at Sheridan in 2012, are Come From Away, by David Hein and Irene Sankoff and Central Park Tango, by Robert Gontier (a Sheridan professor), and Nicky Phillips.
The winner of the award, a $5,000 prize, will be announced on October 28.
Come From Away tells the true story of when seven thousand people landed on the doorstep of Gander, Newfoundland on September 11, 2001. It was featured at Goodspeed Musical’s 8th Annual Festival of New Artists in East Haddam, Connecticut, this past January. It will also be featured as one of 9 new musicals chosen for inclusion in the 25th Annual Festival of New Musicals, which takes place in New York City October 17-18, 2013.
Scene from Come from Away
Central Park Tango is inspired by the real life story of Roy and Silo, two male chinstrap penguins, who drew worldwide attention when they became mates at the Central Park Zoo in New York City.
The CMTP, established in late 2011, is Canada’s first incubator for the development of new musical theatre works by Canadian and international composers, lyricists and book-writers. “We are thrilled to see our inaugural productions achieve this kind of recognition,” said Michael Rubinoff, Associate Dean of Performing Arts at Sheridan. “The CMTP is a tremendous opportunity for our senior students to play an active and creative role in launching new musical works and enhancing the cultural landscape of this country.”
The CMTP’s newest musical in development is The CMTP’s newest musical in development is Marathon of Hope, with music and lyrics by Sheridan alumnus John Connolly, book by Jim Betts and orchestration and arrangement by Michael Mulrooney, a Sheridan professor. The show is based on the inspiring story of iconic Canadian, Terry Fox, and will openTheatre Sheridan’s 2013-14 season on November 27.
About Playwrights Guild of Canada:
Playwrights Guild of Canada is a registered national arts service association mandated to advance the creative rights and interests of professional Canadian playwrights, promote Canadian plays nationally and internationally, and foster an active, evolving community of writers for the stage.
