David Rogers shares his boyhood inspiration and career highlights with the audience while singing his respects in Broadway Heroes.
A glimpse was allowed into his ideal theatrical world where “a guy can break into song and dance for any given reason.”
The leading man of Canadian theatre pulls off the show single-handedly, along with a talented seven-piece on-stage orchestra.
The material is not clever, the set is simple, the costumes consist of a cap here and a colourful coat there. Nonetheless, Rogers performs as if it is second nature and the audience laps it up. He is in total command of the stage, existing there on sheer talent and love of music – a comfort and joy that he passes on.
A musical variety show, Broadway Heroes pays tribute to a long line of favourite leading men from theatres along that Manhattan street called Broadway. Song choices were inspired. Numbers like Al Jolson’s My Mammy to Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha to The Impossible Dream and I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face from My Fair Lady were enjoyed.
A highlight occurred with a song from Les Miserables that Rogers had performed as Jean Valjean for Drayton Entertainment this year. For some, If I were a Rich Man was still resounding the next day after Rogers donned the cap and instantly took on the persona of that everyman from Fiddler on the Roof.
The beautiful range and control of his voice and a strong ability to emote were nearly equalled by his comedic swagger and self assurance. Perhaps feeling his oats on opening night, some of the dialogue could have been improvised.
A parodied challenge for the spotlight provided further highlights when two of the musicians dared to share it. Beguiled after donning the Phantom mask, Jesse Grandmont leapt from his perch and fiddled the title song with an energy, skill and appeal that had Rogers worried for a moment. Music director and singing rival Mark Payne on piano also managed to squeeze in part of a song and shine his light as he did in Hollywood Sings this summer.
In other more risky highlights, random female audience members were plucked from their seats with minimal kicking and screaming to portray female characters such as our favourite Anne, Mona Lisa or Laurie. These women were the greatest of Sports.
Broadway Heroes debuted at the Drayton Festival Theatre in 2002, and was written and conceived by David Rogers, originally conceived by Alex Mustakas. The show has since played in theatres across the country.
Rogers has played many of the roles he performed in the show. He was one of the original stars of The Phantom of the Opera, playing both Raoul and later the title role in Toronto. He has been Gus in Cats, Captain Walker in Tommy, Lancelot in Camelot among many others. He has also appeared as a soloist with the symphony orchestras of many major Canadian cities.
Broadway Heroes runs until Oct. 18. Tickets may be purchased online at www.dunfieldtheatrecambridge.com, in person at the box office or by calling 519-621-8000 or toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).
