Although there have been some significant management changes recently announced by Sudbury Theatre Centre, the “Rock n’ Roll is Here to Stay” show headlined by Greater Sudbury native Leisa Way is going ahead.
Way said the company’s new management called her to ask if she would still bring her show to STC, and of course she said yes, as she’s committed to doing anything she can to help the theatre centre succeed.
Rock n’ Roll is Here to Stay runs at STC June 15-17.
“I love STC with all my heart,” Way said.
Way actually got her start in the show biz playing Dorothy in Sudbury Theatre Centre’s production of the “Wizard of Oz” in 1981. She actually turned the sod on STC’s current home (wearing her Dorothy costume) when the building opened in 1982.
There has been some recent criticism by STC supporters what’s been happening at the theatre centre.
STC’s board says it is now collaborating with another local theatre company, YES Theatre, in operating the theatre and planning the 2022-2023 season. Supporters of STC say the changes amount to a merger or even a takeover.
Speaking to Sudbury.com in late May, Way said she was waiting for more details before making any judgments.
“My hope is that STC will continue to be that regional theatre that brings in artists from across the country, so that local artists like me can work with professional artists from all over and learn from each other,” Way said.
Especially given the devastating impact the pandemic has had on live performance over the past two years, as well as some personal losses, Way said it feels right to be returning to her roots at Sudbury Theatre Centre at this time.
“I kind of feel like tingles of anticipation,” she said. “I’m really thrilled that it worked out.”
Way formed Way-To-Go Productions 15 years ago, and has created 12 concerts that she has toured all over the world.
These concerts include Across the Pond, Sweet Dreams (Patsy Cline), Early Morning Rain (Gordon Lightfoot); Rhinestone Cowgirl (Dolly Parton), Opry Gold, and the patriotic Oh, Canada, We Sing For Thee!, which travelled the country performing in 44 cities, including Sudbury, during Canada’s 150th birthday year.
Rock n’ Roll is Here to Stay celebrates 50 years of rock history.
The two-hour-long show, which Way said she’ll be bringing to 14 theatres this summer, showcases the sensational hits of Buddy Holly, The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis, Linda Ronstadt, Chuck Berry, Led Zeppelin, Freddie Mercury and Queen, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, The Eagles, Steppenwolf, Fleetwood Mac, The Guess Who, Bachman Turner Overdrive, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Jefferson Airplane, The Who, Procol Harum, The Doobie Brothers, Buddy Holly and more.
“It takes audiences on a journey through the legendary performers of rock and roll, and it's a show for all ages, because rock is timeless,” Way said.
Way performs lead vocals alongside her “Wayward Wind Band,” which includes Bruce Ley on piano, electric guitar and bass (Ley, interestingly, opened for the Rolling Stones at the Maple Leaf Gardens in the late 60s); Bobby Prochaska on bass, piano and lead vocals; Don Reid on drums and lead vocals; Adam Koopmans on lead guitar and lead vocals; and Tyler Check on acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, harmonica and lead vocals.
“I just stand on stage and just think how lucky I am to be playing with these guys,” said Way, adding that her bandmates range in age from their 20s to 70s.
As mentioned above, Rock n’ Roll is Here to Stay runs June 15-17 at Sudbury Theatre Centre. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.
For those who may be hesitant to come out to the theatre during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Way said STC continues to require audiences to wear masks.
Purchase tickets through the Sudbury Theatre Centre Box Office at 705-674-8381 or go to www.sudburytheatre.com.
