After a three-year hiatus, Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) Theatre Outreach On Stage (TOROS) returned with a production of Back To The 80s: The Totally Awesome Musical.
“TOROS has been legendary in our North Bay community since 1987, so it's great to have it back in production after three years of being on pause," said TOROS producer Shannon Falconi. "For many TOROS alumni, it has been a life-changing event. Some have gone on to work as professional artists or promote the arts within their own communities.”
Director and Chippewa Secondary School graduate Jessica Soule participated in numerous theatrical productions during high school.
“We chose to do the musical Back to the 80's because it was fun and lively," explained Soule. "The play is a jukebox musical, which means that it features popular songs, in this case, from the '80s. It also featured a large cast with various speaking roles, so we were able to be inclusive while casting.”
About 30 students ranging from Grades 8 to 12 were involved in the production, contributing their talents as both cast and stage crew. The troupe worked hard throughout the summer, rehearsing five days a week since the beginning of July.
First-time TOROS participant Simon Lawrence was new to musical theatre and played Feargal, the class geek and comic relief.
“I really enjoyed my drama classes and wanted to do more shows,” Lawrence said. “It was a challenge to be prepared with props and not thrown off when you can't find them on stage, but the first performance was incredible, the audience was full of laughter and delight. I would love to do more productions.”
Opening night was a hit according to a news release, with a nearly full house.
"This fueled a lot of excitement among the cast for their first show,” Falconi said.
“We are in a rebuilding phase of TOROS, most cast members have never been on stage or in a musical production before,” Falconi said. “This was a completely new experience for some of the students and we are very proud of their courage to step outside of their comfort zones to try something different. This production is all about the students and celebrating their talent.”
Seasoned performer Abby Alexander has participated in West Ferris's last three productions, Sponge Bob The Musical, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Pippin, as well as two summer challenge shows, Newsies and Chicago. Alexander played the lead female role of Tiffany Houston in Back to the 80s.
“The highlight of my experience was the cast. I had never had a cast that was so close-knit before. We became one big family, and I enjoyed coming to rehearsals to be with this group of people,” Alexander said. “The performances went well. The audience was very excited to be there and very lively. We had a very receptive audience."