Nathan Carroll has been cast to play Canadian icon Terry Fox in the world-premiere of Marathon of Hope: The Musical.
The Drayton Entertainment production debuts in October at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse in Waterloo.
“Terry Fox is one of Canada’s most beloved heroes,” says artistic director Alex Mustakas. “In Nathan, we have found a budding theatrical star who can portray Terry’s grit and grace in a compelling way that will inspire everyone who sees the production.”
Carroll beat out a deep field of young actors from across the country to secure the coveted role.
“I am beyond thrilled to have this opportunity, both professionally and personally,” said Carroll. “I have been following the evolution of this musical for several years, and am privileged to now be a part of it.”
Carroll’s everyman approach to the role can be attributed to his small town childhood. He was born in Elliot Lake, midway between Sudbury and Sault St. Marie, and grew up in Simcoe, a humble town of 15,000 near Lake Erie.
He made his theatrical debut at the age of five in Simcoe Little Theatre’s production of The King and I, in which his own father played the King and Nathan and his brother played two of his many sons.
“I’m still teased by my family about how horrified I was when they dyed my curly blonde hair black for the production,” he says with a smile.
Carroll grew up surrounded by music and he performed with various choirs, in the Norfolk Music Arts Festival, and as a young member of the local high school concert and jazz bands.
As a teenager, Carroll immersed himself in the local community theatre scene, appearing in productions by the Young Theatre Players, Simcoe Little Theatre, and Simcoe Composite School.
Carroll attended the Classical Theatre Conservatory Program at George Brown Theatre School in Toronto, where he graduated in 2010.
His first big break followed immediately thereafter with a season at the Blyth Festival.
Since then, he has traveled the country, appearing in the original Canadian cast of Once with Toronto’s Mirvish Productions, The Wizard of Oz with Young People’s Theatre, La Chasse Galerie with Red One Theatre Collective, alongside many other musicals and classical works.
The role of Terry Fox speaks to Carroll personally. His paternal grandfather, Kenneth Carroll, was a cancer researcher of international prominence, who received the first PhD granted from the University of Western Ontario. Dr. Carroll also died from the disease.
As Carroll looks to the fall and the world premiere of Marathon of Hope: The Musical, he recognizes the need to start training – literally.
“I have completed three half marathons, and Terry Fox has inspired me to step up my training so I can finish a full marathon,” he says.
Terry Fox’s iconic marathon of hope ultimately covered 5,373 kilometres in 143 days – equivalent to 128 marathons. The stage production examines and celebrates the tenacity of the human spirit as it chronicles Terry’s unprecedented journey.
“What Terry did for cancer awareness is forever tied to our national identity,” said Carroll. “I am deeply honoured to be making my Drayton Entertainment debut in this exciting new musical.”
Marathon of Hope: The Musical is on stage at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from Oct. 5 to Oct. 30.
Developed in consultation with the Fox family, this new Canadian musical is being created by award-winning composer and lyricist John Connolly and acclaimed playwright Peter Colley, who wrote the book. Marathon of Hope: The Musical will be directed by Drayton Entertainment’s artistic director Alex Mustakas, with choreography by David Connolly and music direction by Michael Mulrooney.
Regular performance tickets are $44 for adults; $26 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for preview performances scheduled before the official opening and groups of 20 or more are $36.
HST is applicable to all ticket prices. Tickets may be purchased online at www.draytonentertainment.com or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866).
