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Production a homecoming for alumni of performing arts program by Greg Longley Special to the Beaver Theatre Sheridan's Marathon of Hope to tell Terry's story Artscene 23 | Friday, November 22, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com "Connected to your Community" More than seven years in the making, the story of Terry Fox is set to make its Canada-wide debut on Theatre Sheridan's musical stage. Marathon of Hope, a new folk musical about the iconic journey of Terry Fox's run across Canada to raise money for cancer research, will take the stage next week as the first production of Theatre Sheridan's 2013/14 season. The musical is a first of its kind in Canada, and a way to revitalize Terry's enduring legacy. "A lot of people do know his story as far as what happened during the run," said Martin Zwicker, Theatre Sheridan production manager. "The music allows us to relay to the audience what's going on inside Terry... his motivation, his challenges, so then it's not just a documentary on his run." Michael Rubinoff, the associate dean of performing arts at Sheridan, agreed. "I think theatre is a very powerful medium, and this is a very significant, culturally significant, way to tell his story," he said. "The music expresses an emotion that can't otherwise be expressed through spoken words." The original script, music and lyrics were first developed in 2006, when Marathon of Hope had its first trial run in Sheridan's studio theatre. "At that time, the response was really positive from everybody," Zwicker said. "And it was always something that we said we should try to develop even further. But it took a lot of time over the last six years with Terry's family, the Fox Foundation, to allow us to do it again, because they were very protective of Terry's name, and the context of how the show would all come together." When they got the green light this past summer, they were ready. Sheridan alumnus John Connolly, 30, came up with Left to right, Jordan Till, Alex Furber, Josh Wiles and Mike Cox rehearse for the Theatre Sheridan production of Marathon of Hope, which runs from Nov. 27-Dec. 8. | photo by Mikaela Baker -- special to the Beaver the idea in 2004 during a Terry Fox Run. He composed the music and lyrics for the show while still a student, and decided on folk as it was one of the genres Terry himself enjoyed. Connolly graduated from the music theatre performance program in 2005, but it wasn't until 2007 when Sheridan asked him to come back and do a workshop production of the show when things started to fall into place. Connolly has since worked closely with musical director Michael Mulrooney, director and theatre practitioner Jim Betts, producer Michael Rubinoff and the Fox family, to nurture Terry's story. While it has taken a lot of hard work and dedication from those involved with production, Connolly said he is grateful it took as long as it did, because it afforded him time to make it the best possible show it could be. "Terry had always been a huge source of inspiration to me," Connolly said. "I just couldn't walk away from this project. It just felt to me that this had to happen, that this is a new way to tell Terry's story, and that's, for me, what it's really all about; to share Terry's story and his dream... It was all for the best, I'd say." The Fox family has been very involved in the production of Marathon of Hope, especially Darrell Fox, Terry's younger brother, and Doug Alward, Terry's best friend, who was with him on the road every step of the way. Alward was chosen to be a major player in the musical, and it's through his perspective that the story is presented. "The reason we're telling the story through Terry's best friend's eyes is because we wanted to give a very personal glimpse into Terry's life," Connolly said. "We wanted to show the story for what it was, and when you bring it into that personal place, it's two friends on the road and it gets pretty real. It's easy to put yourself in their shoes." Rubinoff says that this resource See Technical on p.24 Choral music celebrates the season Musikay tuning up for Silent Night concert Shhhh... Oakville's Best Kept Secret. WELLNESS SHOW Quality Suites Now with an Aura Camera ESP PSYCHIC & HOLISTIC 754 Bronte Rd., Oakville Nov. 29th, 30th & Dec. 1st Friday: 2pm-10pm Saturday: 11am-10pm Sunday: 11am-7pm The holiday season is coming soon and so are Silent Night concerts featuring choral music with Musikay. Favourite Advent and Christmas melodies will be performed, including the original versions of Silent Night and Jingle Bells. The audience is encouraged to sing along with the choir at these two shows. The first one takes place on Saturday, Nov. 30 at Grace Lutheran Church, 304 Spruce St. The concert, which starts at 7:30 p.m., will benefit the church. The second show will be held on Sunday, Dec. 1 at Mary Mother of God Church, 2745 North Ridge Trail. It starts at 3 p.m. and will support Home Suite Hope. Tickets cost $35 (regular), $30 (senior), $15 (student) and $70 (family). For more information, visit www.oakville-ensemble. ca. No prices shown to avoid a stampede. The Highest Quality,The Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Psychics, Tarot Cards, Auras, Medium, Palmistry, Crystals, Astrology, Tea Leaves Reading, Lectures & More. 309 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville 905.339.7604 · www.omnijewelcrafters.com *Subject to prior sale and may be terminated at any time. www.esppsychicfair.com Admission: $5 $4 with this ad And receive a Free Gem Stone.