Rising Sun Theatre’s gala and benefit concert, Magic & Music 3, springs onto the stage on Saturday, March 22. Created in 2004, Rising Sun is a theatre troupe of differently-abled actors who develop their creative skills through group interaction and training.
The troupe will perform a short slapstick scene from their upcoming June production titled Wicked Disaster.
“It’s one of those backstage theatre productions. They’re putting on a production of the Wizard of Oz, and they’re in rehearsal for tech week. Everything that can go wrong goes wrong,” said director Maeve Bezaire.
Joining the differently-abled troupe are three world-class artists, each performing a short set. Renowned singer-songwriter-harpist Bev Ross, who composes and performs for Edmonton theatres, radio and Sesame Street enjoys a music range from the poetic to the edgy and satirical.
Illusionist Ron Pearson, whose sleight of hand and theatrical magic has charmed audiences from Britain’s National Theatre to New York’s Carnegie Hall, brings a fresh repertoire of quick wit and amazing tricks to the gala.
The third world-class artist is Irén Bartok, soprano and international musical theatre star. Bartok performed the lead role of Christine for three years in the London, UK production of Phantom of the Opera. She later starred in the London run of Cats. At this performance, Bartok will sing new material from the musical theatre repertoire.
The evening also offers snacks, refreshments, a bar and a silent auction featuring art, tickets to professional arts performances, author-signed books, collector’s items and a series of services.
“This is a very empowering and inspiring community to be a part of and it’s important to break down barriers,” Bezaire said.
Magic & Music 3 will be held at Workshop West Theatre, 8529 Gateway Blvd. Tickets are $52.50 regular and $29.36 for support staff. For tickets visit eventbrite.ca/e/magic-music-3-tickets-1256250060749?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.
