Fans of the hit musical TV series Glee are sure to get a kick out of this weekend's show choir invitational at the Massey Theatre.
The Royal City Musical Theatre Society is hosting a day-long event in New Westminster that will bring in show choirs from around the Lower Mainland for workshops and an evening performance for the public starting at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 10.
The Show Choir Experience, as it's called, is a chance for participants to perform, and, in the future, to compete, and for the audience to enjoy performances by the various show choirs in the region.
"They do quite a lot of these competitions in the U.S. and there's nothing here, other than one other in Canada, and that's in Ottawa," said Valerie Easton, Royal City Musical Theatre artistic director. "It seemed like something that we should try and develop here."
Participating choirs include the Notre Dame High School choir, Glee Vancouver, an a capella group from the University of British Columbia, the Lindbjerg Academy Show Choir from Coquitlam, as well as the Royal City Musical Theatre Society.
The host choir is from New Westminster Secondary School.
In all, there will be about 180 singers in eight groups.
Broadway choreographer Lisa Stevens will also be doing a workshop with participants for the evening performance.
Easton said this year's inaugural event will be a chance for participants and the audience to get a taste of what's to come next year.
The society has plans to expand the event into a three-day vocal clinic series with performances adjudicated by music professionals.
"That's what we're aiming towards, but this year it's a showcase and it's a chance for people to come and hear great music and see wonderful choirs," said Easton.
For more information, visit royalcitymusicaltheatre.com.
Tickets are $17 including tax, available at the door, or in advance.
To order, visit masseytheatre.com or call the Massey Theatre box office, at 604-521-5050.
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