Soulpepper Theatre Company announced the worldwide digital release of the Original Cast Recording of its first-ever original musical, Rose, following a record 11 Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations. The Original Cast Recording will be available on Spotify, iTunes, and Apple Music on Friday, May 31. The company proudly acknowledges their 27 Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations from 7 different productions from its 2018-19 lineup.
Following the success of past Soulpepper albums including Spoon River and Alligator Pie, Soulpepper is pleased to present the Original Cast Recording of this new Canadian musical Rose. Rose was Soulpepper’s first-ever fully-original musical, three years in the making, and had a successful run from January 17 to February 24, 2019. Based on Gertrude Stein’s little known children’s book The World Is Round, Rose was one of the company’s most ambitious productions to date. This inspiring new musical was created by Soulpepper Academy graduates and company members Sarah Wilson and Slaight Family Director of Music Mike Ross (co-creator of Spoon River, Critics’ Pick – New York Times).
“Musicals take on a new life when the albums are made available to the public, and the international release of the music from Rose expands the footprint of Canadian musical theatre,” said Weyni Mengesha, Artistic Director of Soulpepper. “We are thrilled that this Dora nominated production will find new audiences through the release of the music that inspired and touched thousands of people throughout its run.”
“We had so many requests from people of all ages who had seen the show and really wanted to hear it again. Like, immediately. It was flattering and we’re so glad that we had a plan in place to capture the music from this show. It sounds fantastic and reminds me of what an extraordinary ensemble we have,” said Mike Ross and Sarah Wilson, co-creators of Rose.
“Capturing this cast album, with all of its musical and lyrical complexity, and complete with its live performance virtuosity, energy and heart is a testament to the unique qualities of the Soulpepper ensemble. It’s an extraordinary accomplishment,” said Gregory J. Sinclair, Director of Audio Programming.
Under the direction of Gregory J. Sinclair, Soulpepper’s Director of Audio Programming, the company has proudly built an international award-winning catalogue of digital programming that has garnered listeners from over 50 countries. In the last year alone, Soulpepper released four concert albums and two audiobooks, including The Secret Chord: A Leonard Cohen Experience, Riverboat Coffee House: The Yorkville Scene, A Moveable Feast: Paris in the ‘20s, and The 27 Club. In partnership with Rakuten Kobo, the two audiobooks released were A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens adapted by Michael Shamata, and The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline, narrated by Meegwun Fairbrother.
A Christmas Carol is currently a Finalist in the 2019 New York Festivals Radio Awards. With entries from over 50 countries, this year’s NYF Radio Awards presented a strong global competition. This is the fourth consecutive year that the Soulpepper audio project has been recognized at this international festival: The Complete 150 – Finalist 2018; Alligator Pie – Gold Medal 2017; Spoon River – Silver Medal 2016. The achievement of A Christmas Carol audiobook and the Rose Original Cast Recording represents Soulpepper’s ongoing commitment to sharing work on digital platforms beyond the stage.
ROSE: Original Cast Recording
Music and Book by Mike Ross
Lyrics and Book by Sarah Wilson
From Gertrude Stein’s The World is Round
Produced By: Gregory J. Sinclair
Mixed By: Doug McClement
Featuring: Troy Adams, Michelle Bouey, Alana Bridgewater, Frank Cox-O’Connell, Oliver Dennis, Raquel Duffy, Jonathan Ellul, Peter Fernandes, Hailey Gillis, Scott Hunter, Raha Javanfar, John Millard, Sabryn Rock, James Smith, and Adam Warner.
2019 Dora Mavor Moore Award Nominations for Soulpepper in the Musical Theatre Division
- Outstanding Production: Rose
- Outstanding New Musical: Writer: Sarah Wilson, Mike Ross; Composer: Mike Ross, Rose
- Outstanding Direction: Gregory Prest, Rose
- Outstanding Musical Direction: Mike Ross, Rose
- Outstanding Choreography: Monica Dottor, Rose
- Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role: Hailey Gillis, Rose
- Outstanding Performance in a Featured Role: Peter Fernandes, Rose | Sabryn Rock, Rose
- Outstanding Scenic/Projection Design: Lorenzo Savoini, Rose (Scenic Design)
- Outstanding Costume Design: Alexandra Lord, Rose
- Outstanding Lighting Design: Lorenzo Savoini, Rose
About Soulpepper Theatre Company
Soulpepper’s current Spring season continues with Tarell Alvin McCraney’s The Brother’s Size, directed by Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu which was extended to June 1 due to popular demand; August: Osage County by Tracy Letts, directed by Jackie Maxwell; and a new concert from Mike Ross and Tom Allen, 88 KEYS. Information on Soulpepper’s previously announced 2019 Summer-Fall season can be found at soulpepper.ca/performances.
Located in its multi-venue home, the Young Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto’s Distillery Historic District, Soulpepper is Toronto’s largest not-for-profit theatre company. Founded and guided by artists, Soulpepper has an integrated mission which includes: industry-leading youth and community outreach initiatives; artist training and mentorship programs; and a year-round diverse repertory season which is grounded in the classics and committed to the creation of new works, new forms, and innovative practices.
The artists and staff of Soulpepper and the Young Centre for the Performing Arts acknowledge the original caretakers and storytellers of this land – the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabe, and the Wendat First Nations. We commit to honouring and celebrating their past, present, and future.
Soulpepper believes all people have a right to express their individuality, to experience creative freedom, to feel safe at all times, and to be treated with dignity and respect.
Tickets for Soulpepper productions start at $38 and $35 for Soulpepper Concerts. Tickets are available by calling the Young Centre Box Office at 416.866.8666 or by visiting soulpepper.ca. All ticket prices include a Young Centre facility fee, service charge, and HST. Pricing is subject to change.
