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Save the date: Kismet in Concert Style, right here in New West

Royal City Musical Theatre and New Westminster Symphony Orchestra team up in a first-ever collaboration, onstage at the Massey Theatre on June 2
Record Staff
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WHAT’S HAPPENING?

The New Westminster Symphony Orchestra and Royal City Musical Theatre are teaming up to present Kismet in Concert Style.

 

WHEN AND WHERE?

It’s on Sunday, June 2 at 2 p.m. in the Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.

 

WHAT’S KISMET ALL ABOUT?

Kismet is the renowned 1954 Broadway show that won the Tony Award for Best Musical. It’s based on the melodies of famed Russian composer Alexander Borodin, with lyrics and musical adaptation by Robert Wright and George Forrest. The musical produced such well-loved standards as Stranger in Paradise, Baubles, Bangles and Beads, and This Is My Beloved – later recorded as popular hits by such artists as Tony Bennett and Peggy Lee.

The story is set in the time of such characters as Aladdin and Sinbad, following the exploits of a destitute beggar known as The Poet, who, over the course of one magical day, has to rely on his wits and kismet – or fate, as we know it – to make a fortune, save his hand and his head from being lopped off, romance the evil Wazir’s wife and see his lovely daughter Marsinah married off to the handsome Caliph.

 

WHO’S PERFORMING?

Royal City Musical Theatre’s artistic director, Valerie Easton, has assembled a stellar cast of performers to bring the classic musical to life on the Massey stage, supported by the nearly 40-member orchestra under the direction of conductor Jin (Jack) Zhang.

 

WHY SHOULD I GO?

First and foremost? Because, believe it or not, it’s the first time the two pre-eminent resident companies of the Massey Theatre have come together on a project. The symphony is marking its 75th consecutive year of concerts, and Royal City Musical Theatre just marked its 30th anniversary, so it seems hard to believe it’s never happened before.

Now that it has, why would you miss it? You’ll rarely get a chance to see Kismet onstage – and the musical, by the way, is marking its 65th anniversary this year. You’ll get to bask in some of the most memorable and melodious tunes from musical theatre history, and you’ll get to hear some of the finest local performers bring it all to life.

Plus, it’s always a bonus to see any large production at the historic Massey Theatre, New Westminster’s gem of a venue.

 

HOW DO I GET TICKETS?

No tickets required – admission is by donation at the door.  Find out everything you need to know at http://www.newwestsymphony.net or www.royalcitymusicaltheatre.com.