David Rogers continues his learning in his theatre career, where he now calls the shots.

I remember seeing David Rogers’ Toronto work on stage in the 90s during the Garth Drabinsky years.  He played both Raoul and the Phantom in the Toronto production of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera directed by Hal Prince. David also appeared in the Massey Hall production of Cats after the Toronto premiere at the Elgin Theatre.

His theatre resume remains quite extensive.

What’s he doing now?

He’ll return for a bonus show at Peterborough’s New Stages Theatre Company at Market Hall. In partnering with KS & Co, Stages brings Phantom & Friends: A Toast to Broadway on Thursday, October 22 at 7 pm.  This one-night-only musical theatre concert staging also features hometown artists Linda Kash and Kate Suhr Music, with musicians Victoriah Yeh and Sam Quin.  Music Director and pianist Gavin Tessier will accompany the Band.

We held a phone conversation recently.  I like to hear where artists completed their training.

I liked David’s coy response:

“I like to say that I train with every project that I do…I started learning on the job.”

Rogers never had any formal training after high school. He attended college for Music Theatre but left before finishing because he was fortunate enough to start working quickly after high school.

He’s had wonderful opportunities in his artistic career. He recalled his first paying job at Canada’s Wonderland theme park and says he learned a lot that summer, performing in five shows a day.

At Wonderland, Charlottetown Festival Artistic Director Alan Lund ‘discovered’ David’s work, after which he went to the city to pursue further work and training. Rogers spent two summers at the Festival, working and learning as much as he could, then moved to Toronto during the heyday of the British musical invasion (Cats, Phantom and Les Misérables).

 What still keeps David interested in the theatre industry?

 He’s been one of the co-Artistic Directors (with David Hogan) at the Victoria Playhouse in Petrolia, Ontario, for over fifteen years. Rogers remains focused on artistic leadership within the community rather than on his theatre career:

 “It’s a choice I’ve made not to do the eight shows a week. Moving into another direction (artistic leadership) keeps me interested.” 

David likes the concerts and the one-off singing engagements more than being involved in an eight-show-a-week production. Now he likes to produce and/or direct. He likes being on the other side of the table, casting, hiring and nurturing upcoming talent, which he has been doing for a long time now. He says he must stay one step ahead.  

“Creating, developing and casting a new show for an audience and keeping them happy. That’s the main challenge of being an artistic director and leader.” 

What advice does he have for new and up-and-coming artists?

“We’re products when we’re out on the stage. We’re a brand, and it’s like as much as you can.”

The shows at the Playhouse are tailored to the talent hired each year. Again, that’s what keeps Rogers focused and interested in the artistic community about an hour’s drive west of London, Ontario. David also says new artists shouldn’t take it to heart if they’re not accepted for something or if it isn’t their project. Keep discovering your brand and whatever your brand is, in whatever way you can.

Rogers also mentions artist Kate Suhr, who will be part of the concert at Market Hall this month. He confidently says audiences have fallen in love with her at the Petrolia Playhouse and is most assured they will do so at the Peterborough concert.

David is looking forward to returning to Market Hall this month for the concert. He was a guest at one of Suhr’s shows and got to experience the theatre and Peterborough a bit:

 “The audience was very welcoming and generous. When Kate invited me back to do something more, I said, ‘Oh, yeah, I love that space [at the Hall].’”

 He’s looking forward to working with Kate and Linda Kash again on this gorgeous music, and he hopes the audience will love what they’re presenting.

After all these years of industry experience, does he get nervous before a performance?

With a laugh, he responded:

“No, I don’t. If you’re nervous, you’re not prepared.” It’s true that an artist can’t control how an audience will respond, but if you’re afraid you’ll mess up, then you’re not prepared.

Instead, he says: “I get more anxious/excited before I go out.”

David has no idea whether Phantom & Friends will tour after the Peterborough one-night concert. That’s a question for the producers. Rogers acknowledges the majesty, allure and mystique of Phantom that still endure forty years later. A couple of songs from the show will be presented, along with other songs from the era. Again, he hopes everyone, the artists and the audience, will have a great time presenting and hearing music. 

 Right after the Peterborough show concludes, David will begin preparing for the Christmas show STARBRIGHT, a tradition in Petrolia for the last twenty years. It’s a hugely successful show each year.

For tickets to Phantom & Friends, an extraordinary, intimate evening of musical theatre, featuring beloved songs, stories from the wings, and unforgettable performances, visit www.markethall.org/new-stages or call the Market Hall box office at 705-775-1503.