Theatre XTra is breaking new ground for their last production of the season as  [title of show], which runs March 3-5 at the David Spinks Theatre, will be  their first ever musical.
The show also is a fine example of life imitating art as it is about  a group of friends who decide to write and produce their own musical  and get it on Broadway.

“It really is exciting. because I feel musical theatre is a big part of  the business that we’re all getting  into, because it is more common,” said director Kyle Schulte adding it has been challenging to put on a musical with a budget of $50.
“And I’ve always been a big fan of musical theatre,” he said adding  he first discovered the music  (written  by Jeff Bowen) and was impressed enough to search further for the  Hunter Bell book so he pitched the idea to Theatre Xtra’s board, Derek Stevenson and Lindie Last.

“It’s about two guys who write a musical about two guys writing about a musical and want to produce it on Broadway. I know it’s the type of thing I’ll be facing when I graduate,” he continued adding  learning  not only lines, but the music, lyrics and dance choreography has made it a lot more work.

Though that has been made easier by  a talented cast including Jocelyn Haub and pianist Bente Hanson who have a lot of experience with New West Theatre. The strong cast of  Devon Brayne, Jerrim Rushka and Erica  Barr as well  music director and  choreographer Kayleigh Book plus exceptional backstage help have made the past four weeks of rehearsals run smoothly.
“It’s been a lot of work, but it’s definitely been a lot of fun because it is  kind of a surreal play,” he said adding while he has  acted in music theatre, he hasn’t ever directed it.

 

“It has been great having such a talented cast,” he said adding he hadn't thought of being the first one to do a musical theatre for Theatre Xtra.
“ I don’t think we have ever done one, just by looking at the posters going back to the ’80s, but I haven’t really thought about it. it is exciting,” he said
 The play has mature content.  It runs at 8 p.m. March 3-5 with a 2 p.m. matinee, on March 5. Tickets are $11 for adults, $7 for students.