July 17, 2017
1569
"Mr. New Year's Eve" is a feast for the senses, both as a musical and as a tribute to Guy Lombardo.
The world premiere, written by David Scott and directed by Gil Garratt, opened June 28 at the newly-renovated Blyth Festival Theatre.
If you were expecting a nine-piece band to simply play a number of magnificent show tunes throughout the evening, you will be pleasantly surprised. The music is enhanced by the telling of Lombardo's story by the actors/musicians who are playing the music. It is a brilliant combination!
Ron Kennell plays Lombardo beautifully, from his humble beginnings to the point where he reaches his dream of becoming the best band leader in the world. He is backed up by tremendous actor/musicians Klaus Anselm, Rebecca Auerbach, Jason Chesworth, Nathan Howe, George Meanwell, J.D. Nicholsen, Birgitte Solem and James Thomson.
Ron Kennell (foreground) plays Guy Lombardo, with the cast of "Mr. New Year’s Eve: A night with Guy Lombardo" at the Blyth Festival Theatre; photo by Terry Manzo
It's wonderful to watch a musician suddenly transform into Lombardo's father, criticizing him and telling him to play something Scottish for the Canadians. Ironically, one of Lombardo's famous pieces was "Auld Lang Syne" which is played every New Year's Eve.
The story carries the audience along through the rise to success of Lombardo and his band, "The Royal Canadians," which he formed in 1924 with his three brothers. They played up and down the Lake Huron shoreline in Ontario, and then made it big-time in Cleveland, Ohio, and New York City.
There are good times, bad times and sad times for Lombardo, and they are well-crafted and musically portrayed throughout this show.
"Mr. New Year's Eve: A night with Guy Lombardo," runs until Aug. 19 at the Blyth Theatre.
Reserve your seats by calling the box office at 519-523-9300, Toll-Free 1-877-862-5984 or on-line at blythfestival.com.
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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