Early Morning Rain: The Legend of Gordon Lightfoot had its world premiere at Theatre Orangeville for a three-week, nearly sold-out run in February of 2020 ... and then, the pandemic hit.
Now, the show is back and will make its "re-debut" on the stage named after the Canadian icon, on Saturday, May 6 at Orillia's famed Opera House.
Leisa Way, the show's creator, said she is "thrilled" to be bringing the concert to Lightfoot's home town in his "85th birthday year." She says Lightfoot is one of her musical heroes.
"I grew up in northern Ontario, and on the way up and back from our 'camp', my dad would slip an eight-track into the stereo and as a child I would stand between the seats of his truck and belt out Gordon Lightfoot tunes," recalled Way.
"He is one of my musical heroes, and it is a thrill to share the stories of his songs with audiences."
She says the show is "a musical party that will thrill fans."
Way and The Wayward Wind Band take fans on a musical journey through the remarkable life and career of this folk legend, who was inducted into the Mariposa Folk Festival Hall of Fame at last summer's festival at Tudhope Park.
An all-star Canadian cast of award-winning musicians, under the direction of Bruce Ley, (composer of the Academy Award nominated film, The Painted Door), capture the magic of Lightfoot's live performances in this two-hour celebration, with fascinating stories, facts and anecdotes that pay homage to this iconic Canadian singer-songwriter
As 2023 marks Lightfoot's 85th birthday, this "spell-binding concert is the perfect celebration," said Way.
This full stage show has a five-piece band and all-star lineup including Canada's Songbird Leisa Way (Toronto's Musician of the Year, and recently on the cover of International Musician magazine), Fred Smith on guitars and vocals (Chuck Berry, The Mamas & The Papas), Bobby Prochaska on bass and vocals (star of Buddy on Broadway), Don Reid on drums and vocals (Pauly & the Goodfellas, Orchestra London), and Bruce Ley on piano and vocals (Tommy Hunter Show/Dolly Parton/Chet Baker/Brenda Lee etc, etc.).
This group of seasoned veteran performers, along with up and coming rising star, flatpicking guitarist and vocalist, Brant Garratt, raise the roof on every stage they grace, notes a media release about the concert.
This concert includes hits like Early Morning Rain, If You Could Read My Mind, Carefree Highway, Sundown, For Lovin’ Me, Canadian Railroad Trilogy, Ribbon of Darkness, and The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, just to name a few.
Lightfoot has recorded 20 albums, has five Grammy nominations, 17 Juno Awards, has earned 16 number ones, 18 top 10s and 21 top-40 hits. Other great artists who have recorded his songs include Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead, Blue Rodeo, Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Sarah McLachlin, Harry Belafonte, Judy Collins, Barbra Streisand, Peter Paul & Mary, and Toby Keith.
In 2012, Lightfoot’s legacy was further enhanced when he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and decorated with the Governor’s General Award and the Companion to the Order of Canada Honour of Merit.
Gordon Lightfoot is a national treasure and a legend in his own lifetime.
“What makes this performance special is the storytelling and the great connection these musicians have to the music, and to their audience,” says Way. “They love the music and perform these tunes from the heart. Audiences naturally respond with standing ovations and the best part is hearing the audience sing along to every song."
Way has created 12 successful concerts, including Sweet Dreams (Patsy Cline), Country Jukebox (duets), Across the Pond (The British Invasion), Rock n’ Roll is Here To Stay, Rhinestone Cowgirl (Dolly Parton), Opry Gold, and Oh, Canada, which thrilled audiences across the country on a 44-city Canada 150 tour in 2017.
Early Morning Rain: The Legend of Gordon Lightfoot sets down at the Orillia Opera House on Saturday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. The show will then travel to 26 theatres across Ontario, performing over 120 concerts in 2023.
"We are over-the-moon to be able to be back onstage, doing what we love," said Way.
For tickets contact: www.orilliaoperahouse.ca or call 705-326-8011.
