Mad Dogs & Englishmen

Bonus concert - one performance only

Sunday January 13, 2013, at 3PM
Innis College Theatre, 2 Sussex Avenue at St. George, Toronto
Afternoon tea to follow, 4:00 pm, in the Atrium

For Immediate Release - Toronto, December 17, 2012: Toronto's blithely spirited Talisker Players kick off the New Year in style with their acclaimed production Mad Dogs and Englishmen. A sell-out at the 2012 Elora Festival, the show will be given one performance only, on Sunday, January 13, 3PM at Innis College Town Hall Theatre.

One of the masters of the 20th century, both as a playwright and as a song-writer, Nöel Coward had a well-deserved reputation for wit, grace and style. He also had an innate gift for musical composition, which was not in the least inhibited by his lack of formal training. Mad Dogs and Englishmen celebrates his extraordinary 'talent to amuse', with a selection of his witty word play, his wistful waltzes, his biting humour and his wry observations about the world.

Soprano Melanie Conly and tenor Bud Roach, two sure-fire young vocal artists share the stage with instrumentalists of Talisker Players. Both singers bring their charisma to this entertaining programme, which includes over a dozen of Coward's best-loved songs, including 'I'll See You Again', 'Dance, Little Lady', Don't Put Your Daughter on the Stage, Mrs. Worthington', and of course the title song. There are also short scenes from Private Lives and other plays.

In the spirit of Coward's era, the Talisker Players invite members of the audience to join them after the concert for an elegant English afternoon tea in the lovely Atrium at Innis College.

Praised for her "passion and charm" (Now Magazine) and for her "sweet voice delivery" (Toronto Star), soprano Melanie Conly is rapidly establishing herself on stages across North America. The Ottawa native commands a wide range of genres from baroque to contemporary music, and is consistently acclaimed for her distinctive voice and musical understanding. In addition, Melanie brings to this performance her considerable experience in music theatre and remarkable stage presence.

Tenor Bud Roach makes his debut with Talisker Players. His "beautiful lyric tenor" (Globe & Mail), musical understanding and dramatic flair have quickly established him as an important new presence on the vocal scene in this country and beyond. Highly regarded for his understanding of early music styles, Mr. Roach is also recognized for his compelling performances of contemporary repertoire. He also has a strong interest in the light music of the early 20th century.

Media Contact: Francine Labelle/flINK
416-654-4406
labellefrancine@rogers.com

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