It’s Curtains for the Lyric Theatre Singers, but in a very good way

Kristine Berey

May 2012

Kristine Berey

Those who have read The Senior Times since its inception in 1986 may remember Oliver, Fiddler on the Roof and other perennially popular musicals at Centaur, presented by Lyric Theatre.

That was the year the company, launched in 1965 as a community theatre, began doing full-length book shows at that venue.

Many of the roles in Lyric’s production of Curtains were filled with alumni who had appeared in previous book shows. Photo: Diane Dupuis Kallos

Four years later, a second division was formed, the Lyric Theatre Singers, under the direction of founder Bob Bachelor. It has blossomed into an award-winning vocal ensemble. Because of financial considerations, the book shows were “put to bed” and since 1998, the Singers have worked on their own.

The theatre is again economically stable and has come full circle with its coming production of Curtains, says Louise Dorais, chairperson of the board of directors and producer of the show.

“What we decided this year as we have become more confident was to pick a show that was perfect for the Singers.”

Curtains is well-suited to a 44-person choral ensemble, Dorais says, keeping all the performers busy.

Additional people were auditioned for some of the roles.

“Many of the roles were filled with ‘alumni’ who had sung with the Singers or in previous book shows,” Dorais says. “It really is a family thing.”

She describes the production as “a very funny show within a show, a comedy and murder mystery” from the creators of Cabaret and Chicago, with John Kander’s music performed by a 13-piece orchestra.

May 31, June 1-2, 8-9 at the D.B. Clarke Theatre, 1455 de Maisonneuve. 514-743-3382.