Remember Marc Hall, the azure-haired Oshawa teen who wanted to take his boyfriend to prom in 2002? The problem was that he attended Catholic school, and they said no – so Marc took the board to court in order to bring his bf.
Prom Queen, a musical inspired by this fight for equality, made its world premiere at the Segal last night. I loved the fantastic score, stellar cast and dance moves inspired by the early oughts (choreography by So You Think Can Dance judge Sean Cheesman).
The dynamic lead, Alessandro Constantini, plays Marc as an outgoing high schooler coming out to his parents and dragging his reluctant boyfriend to prom. The cast portrayed the travails of high school love with sensitivity and humour.
The real Marc Hall (now in his 30s, he works in academia out west, and he specially re-dyed his hair blue for the show) was in attendance and joined the cast onstage at curtain call; he told me afterwards that he was thrilled with the musical interpretation of his high school fight against the man.
Other fun stuff this weekend includes some prime events for foodies:
Get your art party on at the monthly Nocturnes du MAC. This current exhibit, a collection of varied works loosely inspired by the word 'hedonism', is part of mega art event the Montreal Biennale. There will be interactive tours, DJs and tacos and popcorn for sale
Cat lovers are invited to the Salon (or chatlon?) des Aristochats at the Centre Pierre Charbonneau (near the Big O) for feline fun, friends and paraphernalia made right here in Quebec (think accessories, art, jewelry). While there will be some "celeb" cats present, you are asked to leave your cat at home for "insurance and safety matters."
Just a head's up that this is the last weekend to ride the Vampire and the Condor at La Ronde this season - the park closes after Sunday. If you buy a 2017 pass, you can use it early and get in this weekend. I went last Friday, and trust me, the lines are short!
The MProv Festival is the only bilingual improv comedy fest in North America. French shows are this week – like les Enfants de Moliere, a group that performs works inspired by the famous French author. English shows are next week, and I'll have a preview then.
If Montreal's spying scandal has you feeling inspired, check out Dr Sketchy, a monthly sketching event. Saturday's subject will be dressed as Mata Hari, the exotic dancer and World War I spy. Saturday afternoon at MainLine Theatre, 2pm. Bring your supplies!
Also at MainLine later that night, a monthly storytelling double bill: Confabulation at 8pm, followed by the booze-soaked Life Lessons at 10:30pm. True stories, told with no props! Confabulation's theme is 'Playing the Villain'.
Comedy/bureslque show Stand Up/Sit Down combines 'jokes and boobs' at Theatre Ste-Catherine on Friday night at 9:30 pm.