After its sold-out 2023 national tour, Sound The Alarm Music/Theatre returns to stages across the country, bringing its celebration of all things Andrew Lloyd Webber to fans everywhere. Featuring selections from some of his most iconic musicals – Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Starlight Express, Cats and Sunset Boulevard, to name a few – this all-Canadian company of extremely talented artists and technicians delivers a dazzling parade of unforgettable songs in a cabaret-style revue.
Their last stop was at the Arena at Pickering Casino, a vast 2,500-seat, 20,000-square-foot multi-purpose venue that, to my mind, felt far too grand for what should have been an intimate show. Starting 10 minutes late, the performance opened with more pumped-in fog than a London street. While the haze was clearly intended to enhance the atmosphere and lighting, I’ve rarely been to a concert where it so heavily enveloped the first few rows. Thankfully, as the show progressed, the fog stayed more on the stage creating striking visual effects.
Lighting Designer John Webber does a bang-up job! By using about 10 independently moving floor lights that pan and tilt in every direction, he creates a visually impressive monochromatic environment that seems to wrap around each performer, beautifully enhancing the energy of each number.
Creative Director Alan Corbishley stages a simple showcase of enormous talent. There’s no narrative, no witty banter. Just song after song staged with simple, effective movement by the more than capable cast. The company has 10 vocalists, with a different cast of four taking the stage at each performance. Our quintessential quartet – Tenor Adam Fisher, soprano Alexandra Grant, baritone Levi Stepp and mezzo-soprano Amy Gartner – were electric and unstoppable, blending soaring vocals with finely honed subtlety. Whether powerhouse ensemble numbers, delicate backing harmonies, or breathtaking solo moments, each performer proves they belong in the spotlight.
Vancouver’s Adam Fisher’s soaring rock tenor is perfectly suited for “Gethsemane” from JCS while demonstrating nuance and emotional depth to numbers like “Love Changes Everything” from Aspects of Love and “Till I Hear You Sing” from Love Never Dies. Stratford, Ontario’s Alexandra Grant offers a pleasing soprano with a strong mid-range, though her upper register lacks the same power, particularly noticeable in her “Phantom” medley. Baritone Levi Stepp is a high-energy chameleon, opening the show with flair in “I Am The Starlight” from Starlight Express, then hamming it up in “Herod’s Song” from JCS, and seamlessly transforming into a dark, introspective Phantom delivering quite a moving rendition of “Music of the Night”. His ability to balance youthful energy with emotional maturity marks him as a standout talent to watch. Amy Gartner, another Vancouver native, is a tour-de-force mezzo-soprano with a rich, warm, and exceptionally voluminous voice that fills the theatre with ease. Her vocals combine strength and sensitivity in equal measure. Her renderings of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” from Evita and “Memory” from Cats are nothing short of captivating, showcasing her impressive power and expressive depth.
The standout performances are backed by a fantastic four-piece band, under the expert leadership of Evan Berndt, that somehow creates a full, rich sound with just two keyboards, a guitarist, and a drummer. It’s honestly impressive how such a small group can capture the feel of a full orchestra—adding even more depth and energy to the show.
Music of the Night – The Concert Tour isn’t just a great tribute to Andrew Lloyd Webber—it’s a straightforward, no-frills celebration of everything that makes musical theatre so powerful: its strength, its beauty, and its ability to move an audience.
Running time: approx. 100 minutes with one intermission.
The production is enjoying a run in eastern Canada and will end its run in Moncton NB. April 4
Sound The Alarm Music/Theatre presents Music of the Night – The Concert Tour
Co-Creator, Producer, Creative Director: Alan Corbishley
Co-Creator, Music Director: Frederik Robert
Lighting Designer: John Webber
Sound Engineer: Aaron Quibell
Starring: Adam Fisher, Alexandra Grant, Levi Stepp, Amy Gartner
Keyboards: Evan Berndt, Arielle Balance
Guitars: David Usselman
Drums: Dean McKey
