A musical exploration of the life of Canadian civil rights hero Viola Desmond is coming back to the stage in New Westminster.
Hey Viola! is onstage at the Anvil Centre Theatre from March 16 to 27.
The cabaret-style production stars songstress and performer Krystle Dos Santos, backed by local musicians Chris Davis, Steve Charles and Jen Lewin. They bring Desmond’s life to the stage using the dynamic and inspirational music that filled the home of this civil rights trailblazer.
Audiences can enjoy a journey through hits of the era and songs that influenced history: think of such powerful works as Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, A Change Is Gonna Come, Sinnerman and Mississippi Goddam.
Desmond – now known to many Canadians as the face of the $10 bill – is best known for her courage in refusing to leave the whites-only section of Nova Scotia’s Roseland cinema in 1946. She was also a feminist and successful businesswoman who ran her own beauty school and salon – catering to Black clientele and providing training and employment for young Black women.
“I feel so honoured to be able to continue to share Viola’s story, now more than ever, as perspective and togetherness are so important,” Dos Santos said in a press release. “Viola was such an incredibly driven, intelligent and strong woman. Her story is an important message to share and relevant in today’s world.”
Hey Viola! previously played at the Anvil Centre in October 2020, but, being in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, it played to small audiences. (You can find an interview with Dos Santos from that time in a story here.)
The theatre is hoping it can bring larger audiences in to see the show this time out.
The musical was created by Tracey Power and Dos Santos.
Power, the director and co-creator, also created Glory, Chelsea Hotel: The Songs of Leonard Cohen and the musical Miss Shakespeare.
Dos Santos is known as an actor, blues, jazz and soul singer and is also the creator of BLAK, exploring Canada’s Black history.
Dos Santos said it’s important for Canadians to recognize that Desmond’s is not a unique story in the country’s history, but one that reflects an “imperfect culture, past and present.”
“I have seen how audiences really open up to her experiences and feel a connection to her as a person through this production,” she said.
Hey Viola! is onstage at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 16 through Sunday, March 20 and Wednesday, March 23 through Sunday, March 27. Matinees are onstage Saturdays and Sundays, March 19, 20, 26 and 27, at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $35 regular, or $25 for seniors and students. Preview night tickets (March 16) are $20. They can be purchased online.
Follow Julie MacLellan on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
Email Julie, jmaclellan@newwestrecord.ca.
