Now performing at Koerner Hall and produced by Musical Stage Company
“Go, see this show – see it!”
Nostalgia and fierce talent are on full display at the opening of Musical Stage Company’s cleverly named ‘Uncovered – U2 and The Rolling Stones.’ Part of the ‘Uncovered’ series, this stunning night of music features sixteen highlights from the careers of the two rock giants.
Performed in Toronto’s exquisite Koerner Hall, it also features eight of the city’s most accomplished singers with an equally talented band of diverse musicians lead by Kevin Wong.
A narrative, of sorts, wove through the evening with singers quoting from the main personalities – Jagger, Richards, Bono, the Edge. What gave the work credence was that no one was trying to play a character or do impersonations. This allowed the music to take over and take over it did. Inventive arrangements by Wong elevated the experience even further.
Highlights:
As the opening number, an infectious ‘19th Nervous Breakdown’ by most of the ensemble, pinned the audience to their seats.
‘I Still Haven’t Found what I’m Looking For’ was regal by Lydia Persaud whose voice is pure.
Andrew Penner brought eerie force with hard core versions of ‘Paint it Black’ and ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday.’ Nostalgia reigned with wild guitar solos and head banging vocals. Some very inventive acoustic guitar work displayed his great versatility.
‘Moonlight Mile’ afforded some beautiful harmony from Hailey Gillis, Kelly Holiff, and Enya Watson.
A very soulful ‘Wild Horses’ became a beautiful duet from Hailey Gillis and Lydia Persaud.
A breathy and sincere ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’ came from a riveting solo by Kelly Holiff. She also won the audience with an engaging ‘Beautiful Day.’
Two More:
Kevin Wong left his role as bandleader, strode to the microphone and delivered a powerful ‘Ruby Tuesday.’ Memorable.
The ever-popular Toronto fixture, Jackie Richardson, ended the first act with her signature bluesy vocals in ‘Satisfaction.’ Near the end of Act 2, she delivered a rousing ‘Where the Streets Have No Name.’ The audience stormed to its feet.
What do these two rock icons have in common? The narrative suggested their anthem-like songs that we have all sung, seen or heard. The personal relationships among band members are infamous, but somehow enduring. Their movement from rebellion to accomplished artists is clear. The pairing of these two oeuvres seems random, but somehow the songs burnish one another. This is a tribute to the clever research of the Musical Stage Company.
As mentioned, the clever arrangements by Kevin Wong brightened the performance. At some junctures, lyrics that were formerly shadowy, seemed to lift from the page and became clear and newly resonant.
Special note:
After the performance, I managed to ask the artistic director, Ray Hogg, about an instrumental piece that opened the second act. Some parts of it were recognizable and others less clear. He credited the drummer, Jamie Drake, for mashing together a number of U2/Stones songs that were not used in the main event.
Pure magic.
Go see this show – see it!
Then go home, dust off some old vinyl and enjoy even more.
‘Uncovered – U2 and the Rolling Sones’ Musical Stage Company
Music supervision – Kevin Wong
Performers: Colin Asuncion, Hailey Gillis, Kelly Holiff, Andrew Penner, Lydia Persaud, Jackie Richardson, Shaemus Swets, Enya Watson.
Staging – Kaylee Harwood
Lighting designer – Logan Raju Cracknell
Performances through – October 25, 2024.
Tickets – musicalstagecompany.com
