It takes only minutes with director Rob Kempson to make anyone salivate in anticipation of seeing Sudbury Theatre Centre's opening production, “The Ballad of Stompin' Tom.”
Kempson, who was in Sudbury a year ago directing “Million Dollar Quartet,” masterfully draws the audience into becoming part of the Stompin' Tom show - willing participants in this celebration of Northern Ontario and Canada. Singing along to Sudbury Saturday Night is something Kempson feels the audience will probably do, of course.
Kempson is so keen to involve everyone in this sorrowful and uplifting story of Stompin' Tom's life, he has a rotating group of lucky Sudburians at bar tables on the stage every show, joining the cast and band in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
As Sudburian Rick Duthie says, after watching rehearsals for two weeks, “The show is fun, vibrant, dynamic, creative and a non-stop celebration. Everyone'll love it for sure. I bet my black stetson on it.”
The Ballad of Stompin' Tom is not a tribute concert. It's a play that tells a touching story as we see scenes between Tom and his mother always on the run from the law.
Tom ends up in a hard-knock orphanage followed by a series of harsh foster homes beginning in Skinner's Pond, PEI. Sudbury's Eric Belanger plays Tom the child with Tai Wong-Clayton playing teenage Tom.
Scott Carmichael who was in STC's Buddy Holly Story a decade ago has done his homework to bring Tom to life on stage at STC.
“Scott arrived in Sudbury having done all the research, sung all the songs and watched all the videos,” said Kempson. “He naturally sounds like Tom but I don't want him to be an impersonator. Scott creates a flesh and blood Tom, one who'll win your heart.”
The show begins in concert with Bud the Spud, followed closely with Tillsonburg. Over the course of two acts, young Tom runs away several times, survives playing in bars on the road, falls in love with Canada, is discovered in Timmins, finds his brand of success and ultimately returns his Junos. It's quite a story.
Punctuating each riveting scene are songs like Algoma Central 69, The Hockey Song and, of course, Sudbury Saturday Night.
Costume Designer Miranda VanLogerenberg is ready for quick costume changes right before the audience's eyes since no actor ever leaves the stage. “I do it mostly with outer layers and pieces,” said VanLogerenberg. “Each change is quick and smooth, done in quarter-note time.”
And the set? The incredible Brandon Kleiman's two-story design is a feast for the eye with staircases, bar tables, on-stage band and a wall full of Stompin' Tom pictures.
Kudos to artistic director John McHenry for debuting his first season with the story of a Canadian icon. “It's a natural fit isn’t it?” he said. “Tom loved Northern Ontario and we all know his music. It'll be a good night out for everyone.”
The Ballad of Stompin' Tom plays Sept. 27 to Oct. 13, including Thanksgiving weekend. Evening shows are at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
The pay-what-you-can matinee is Saturday, Sept. 29 and the Relaxed Performance is Oct. 13, both at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online at sudburytheatre.com with a wide selection of student, senior, adult and preview prices.
Phone STC’s DiBrina Box Office at 705-674-8381 for more information or to book tickets. Sponsored by Northern Life, Sudbury.com and Eastlink.
