The Lyric Theatre Singers return to Concordia University’s DB Clarke Theatre June 16, 17 and 18 with 4 presentations of Raise Your Voice! A Glorious Broadway Revue. This original musical theatre revue features 46 performers and five musicians serving up a joyful, eclectic collection of Broadway’s most memorable moments.

This year’s energetic show is the creation of the musical theatre dream-team: Bob Bachelor, Chris Barillaro (Last Night at the Gayety, Centaur; Funny Girl and Belle Soeurs: The Musical, Segal Centre) and Cathy Burns. “The programming process never changes: each of us brings material to the table that will engage our audience, challenge the Singers, and really show off their formidable talents. This year’s repertoire includes well-loved standards but we’ve also got lots of contemporary material too”, confided Bachelor. “The song list spans ten decades of musical theatre from Rodgers and Hart’s 1929 show, Spring is Here, to the newly-named Pulitzer Prize-winner, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and his 2008 quadruple Tony-winning, In the Heights.”

During a recent conversation with Musical Director Bob Bachelor, he spoke about the selection of the material. “As the singers change – so does the material. We select songs that play to the strengths of our singers and soloists.”  Former singer Cathy Burns has returned to Lyric as co-director; and she brings the knowledge of what it’s like to be a member of the singing group. Cathy noted; “The current group of singers is younger – with many new people joining the chorus. Many of them don’t have knowledge of classical musical theatre. They’re excited to learn it – but they also bring an enthusiasm for the newer compositions.”

Raise Your Voice! is jam-packed with some of Broadway’s most dynamic songs of hope and triumph. “We clearly have a positive, uplifting theme throughout the show this year; it’s as inspirational as it is entertaining,” said co-director, Cathy Burns. Highlights from The Music Man, Annie, South Pacific, Cinderella are deftly interwoven with selections from more recent shows such as The Lion King, Newsies, In The Heights, Sister Act and more, including a special nod to composer and lyricist, Stephen Schwartz, featuring selections from Wicked, Godspell, The Bakers Wife, Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. “Not only is the musical program diverse but so is our ensemble”, added co-musical Director Chris Barillaro. “We have singers from an array of cultures who live all over the city and surrounding areas. And so many young faces too, which is rare in a company this well established. Most of Lyric’s performers now are in their 20s and 30s, like me,” he winked.

The creative team of Bachelor, Burns and Barillaro is completed this year by guest choreographer Jonathan Patterson (The Producers, Forever Plaid, Guys and Dolls, Segal Centre; Last Night at the Gayety, Centaur). The Lyric design team is comprised of lighting designer Paul Ludwig Teichgraber, sound designer Rob Burgess and costume coordinator Karen Pearce. The rehearsal and show pianist, the 2014 META nominee for Outstanding Emerging Artist and new to Lyric this year, is David Terriault (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Forever Plaid, Segal Centre; and Spring Awakening, Persephone Productions/Centaur; Godspell, Beautiful City Theatre). Joining David on stage in the band is Chris Barillaro on keyboards and percussion, Jennifer Bell on reeds, Evan Stewart playing bass and Alessandro Valiante keeping everyone in tempo on the drums.

The DB Clarke Theatre is located at Concordia University, 1455, boul. de Maisonneuve, (corner of Bishop St.) Guy-Concordia Metro. Indoor parking: Webster Library Bldg. (1400, boul. de Maisonneuve) Reserved Seating – Wheelchair Accessible. Shows are: Thursday and Friday, June 16 and 17 at 8pm; and Saturday June 18 at 2 and 8pm.

Tickets start at $36 and are available at the Box Office: 514-743-3382 or online: www.lyrictheatrecompany.com and by Email: [email protected] Enjoy!