On Wednesday, November 10, 2010, the Toronto Centre for the Arts launches Out of Character: Intimate Portraits of Theatrical Stars, a five- part series that features some of Canada's most revered theatrical talent performing unplugged at the intimate George Weston Recital Hall, a venue renowned for its outstanding acoustics. Jackie Richardson, Len Cariou, Michael Burgess, Valerie Boyle, and Rebecca Caine have starred in major theatrical productions throughout North America - in Out of Character: Intimate Portraits of Theatrical Stars each of these immense theatrical talents will perform songs, monologues and stories, accompanied by musical director David Warrack.
Tickets for the series of five shows are on sale now ($245, $205, $170) and can be purchased by calling 416-733-0545. Single tickets go on sale Tuesday, October 12 at 11:00 a.m. ($65, $55, $45). For single tickets call 416-872-1111, visit www.Ticketmaster.ca or in person at the TCA Box Office.
'OUT OF CHARACTER'
Intimate Portraits of Theatrical Stars
Starring...
Jackie Richardson - November 10, 2010
With her powerful yet supple voice, and her captivating stage presence, Jackie Richardson's 'Out of Character' performance will feature an evening filled with magnificent hues: Black Broadway, Red
Hot Jazz, and the Blues. Well known for her multitude of work on stage and screen, Jackie gained notoriety with roles in No! No! Nanette Anything Goes, Hello Dolly!, Raisin in the Sun and for her Dora Award winning role in Ain't Misbehaving. She has also appeared in films directed by Sidney Lumet and Norman Jewison and has hosted radio, television and stage shows. Jackie has won many awards including a Canadian Black Achievement Award and been nominated for a Juno, Gemini, and AMPAC award.
Len Cariou - December 18, 2010
Commanding the stage has always been Len Cariou's trademark. His 'Out of Character' solo performance promises hits from his many Broadway appearances, standards from the popular repertoire, and (as the coup de grace), Shakespeare. Best known as the original Sweeney Todd on Broadway, and for his roles in comedies such as Neil Simon's The Dinner Party, Len Cariou first landed on Broadway in 1968, appearing in The House of Atreus. He would go on to appear in Applause, a musical that earned Cariou his first Tony Award. In 1973, he starred as Frederick Egerman in A Little Night Music, which led to his second Tony Award and became his entry into the feature world when he reprised the role for a successful 1977 film adaptation. In 2002, Cariou joined the cast of the award-winning Broadway play, Proof, co-starring Neil Patrick Harris and Anne Heche. The show's brief, but memorable run returned Cariou to the theater's spotlight, helping him to land a series of more high-profile television roles, including The West Wing, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Brotherhood. Len is currently starring in the new television series Blue Bloods.
Michael Burgess - January 27, 2011
Michael Burgess is a Canadian star who is accomplished in virtually every entertainment medium - theatre, television, film and recording. Michael first came to national prominence as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, his stage presence and talent captivating audiences in performance after flawless performance. The stage remains his first love, and while he presents songs in every style, his selections from musical theatre are a perennial audience favourite. However, expect a few surprises during his appearance in 'Out of Character' - a touch of comedy and a serving of new looks at old tunes.
