Lyric Theatre Singers make
Broadway Dreams ring true

Annual spring show presented to a nearly full house at Concordia’s D.B. Clarke Theatre

By Byron Toben

June 20,  2024

In mid-June, Montreal’s esteemed Lyric Theatre Singers, now in their 34th year, presented their annual spring show at Concordia’s D.B. Clarke Theatre to a nearly full house. This group of 42 singers actually pays to join it just for the fun of it.

This year’s theme, Broadway Dreams, was, as usual, under the musical direction of Bob Bachelor, who shared stage direction with Cathy Burns.

The group consisted of eleven sopranos, fourteen altos, nine tenors, six baritones and two basses. Their vocal efforts were backed up by five instrumentalists: Chad Linsley (piano), Matthew Souaid (reeds/flute), Guillaume Pilote (drums), Levi Dover (bass), and Chris Barillaro (keyboard). Guest Choreographer Jonathan Patterson and assistant musical director Martin Keller also added their talents.

The evening consisted of 22 songs and medleys from Broadway shows ranging from 1935 (Jumbo) to 2011 (The Book of Mormon). Composers included Ellington, Gershwin and Sondheim and selections included classics like Guys and Dolls, Funny Girl and Les Misérables.

Thoroughly enjoyable! Director of Development Louise Dorais reminds us to keep an eye out for their annual Candlelight Christmas in December. I, for one, plan to be there.

thelyrictheatre.ca

Feature image: Andrée Lanthier

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Byron Toben, a past president of The Montreal Press Club, has been WestmountMag.ca’s theatre reviewer since July 2015. Previously, he wrote for since-terminated websites Rover Arts and Charlebois Post, print weekly The Downtowner, and print monthly The Senior Times. He also is an expert consultant on U.S. work permits for Canadians.