Dads! The Musical
September 22 - October 9, 2005
Book and Lyrics by Robert More
Music by Tom Doyle
Directed by David Nairn
How can something so innocent cause so much trouble?
Three brand new fathers suddently turned into house-husbands unwittingly discover the ups and downs of being stay-at-home parents. This delightful comedy features musical numbers such as The Testosterone Tango, A Fistful of Pampers and The Oh So Colicky Blues. It's non-stop entertainment that appeals to moms, dads and kids alike.
Starring
Steven Gallagher
Mark Harapiak
David Rosser
Blythe Wilson
Articles and Reviews
Poking Fun at Fatherhood
It's funny -- until it happens to you. And then it's just funny to those watching. That's what three new fathers learn in Dads! The Musical when they are thrust into a domestic role reversal and have to master fatherhood from a stay-at-home perspective. Changing diapers ... dealing with spit-up ... and now they are suddenly forced to unravel the mentality that men often subscribe to (or, are just assigned to).
It's what happens when dads learn to become moms. And, it's hilarious. "It's the classic case of a person in a situation new to them ... and comedy always ensues," says Mark Harapiak, one of the actors playing a dad. "It's very, very funny," adds David Rosser, another dad, "because there are a whole lot of those sort of confused, awkward situations." A fast-moving production with all the right elements -- laughter, lessons and a wide variety of music -- the story is distilled from playwright Robert More's own life. More, who brought the heartfelt drama A Matter of Time to Theatre Orangeville's stage last season, is bound to please audiences once more with this quirky look at predicaments the three house-husbands wind up in. And, notes Blythe Wilson, who takes on a dozen different roles in the musical, the subject will relate to all audiences -- men, women and children.
"It's not just for everybody who has been a parent," agrees David Nairn, director of the play. "It's for everyone who has been a kid. "You'll definitely walk away with a different appreciation for what you put your parents through," he laughs.
The songs, with their telling titles such as A Fistful of Pampers and The Testosterone Tango, cover a whole gambit of musical genres. From ballads to blues to country, there's something to appeal to everyone. "Some have wacky lyrics and then you get some songs that are quite truthful, and you begin to see a lot of the child in each of us," says Rosser. It will also spark a lot of elbow-nudging in the audience, they suspect, and a lot of "I told you so!" glances exchanged between parents in the audience. "People are going to be saying through the whole thing, 'Oh my God, I had to do that!'" laughs Rosser.
A musical is a wonderful way to lift spirits and get people excited -- which is why it will work so well as Theatre Orangeville's season opener. Nairn has assembled a talented cast for the show, which, he says is a great showcase for seasoned performers. Audiences should also expect some sensational surprises in the story, and, on the stage. "We've had so much fun so far. It's been a laugh, a riot, and we just can't stop laughing," says Estevan Gallagher, the third dad. "We just laugh all day long." Theatre Orangeville's season premier Dads! The Musical, written by Robert More, runs Sept. 21 to Oct. 9. Call 942-3423 for tickets.
Mamma Mia Stars on Local Stage
The stars of Mamma Mia are gracing the evening skies all over Dufferin County. That's right: Theatre Orangeville is thrilled and honoured to present two of the greatest leading ladies ever to grace the stage in the recent Toronto production of Mamma Mia, Blythe Wilson and Louise Pitre.
Blythe leads an all-star cast in Dads! The Musical, the first production in our 2005-2006 season at Theatre Orangeville. This must-see delightful musical explores (and exposes!) the truth about new fathers. Ladies, this show will let you in on all the zaniness that is really going on in the minds and hearts of the fathers of your children. Gentlemen, the women are about to discover what really makes us tick! Dads! The Musical opens on Sept. 21 and plays until Oct. 9. Call the box office at 942-3423 for your tickets today.
A very funny look at the modern father
DADS! THE MUSICAL
You really don't have to be a fan of musicals to enjoy Theatre Orangeville's season premier Dads! The Musical -- but you do have to appreciate a good comedy.
It's funny -- really funny -- and what makes it so enjoyable is neither the characters nor the story take themselves too seriously.
Three very different men, coming from three very different lifestyles -- an executive, a Latin teacher and a construction worker -- suddenly find themselves stay-at-home dads.
No problem, right? They're millennium men, and they know what they're doing. That in itself is laughable -- in a sympathetic sort of way -- but it gets better.
The singing, dancing and music -- pay close attention to the clever lyrics and the fathers' suave moves -- give the production a comical texture that can't be matched by dialogue alone. (Actually, I sincerely doubt they realize just how outrageously funny they are at some points.)
Physical comedy is a fundamental element of the play. From facial twitches (played out with monumental style by actor Steven Gallagher) to the four babies starring the show (who really do have faces only a father could love) -- you'll find yourself, and everyone around you, laughing at the most unexpected moments.
Performances are genuine and honest -- you'd never guess that none of the actors on stage are parents in real life. It's difficult to say that one performer steals the spotlight, as all four deliver with winning enthusiasm and first-rate acting.
Gallagher (from Theatre Orangeville's 2003 hit Home and Away) wins the audience over with his quirky, jittery and excitable performance as Joey Dingle -- the father of twin boys. His daydream sequences are something to look forward to, as is his attempt at getting the other fathers to explore their feelings in a group discussion.
David Rosser, a newcomer to Theatre Orangeville, plays Charles, a high-brow executive who once enjoyed the finer things in life -- but soon realizes nothing can compare to the luxury of a good night's sleep. Rosser gives the audience a genuine performance, and is a perfect fit for the role. Everything here is entertaining and I hope to see him return to Theatre Orangeville's stage.
Mark Harapiak (Home and Away, Carol's Christmas) is no stranger to local audiences -- and doesn't let us down. Playing Kirk, a young dad inexperienced with fatherhood -- and domestic life -- he often serves as the punch line, although he may not know it.
I have to give a big round of applause to Blythe Wilson (you may recognize her from Royal Alex Theatre's production, Mamma Mia!) for her ability to maneuver easily and effectively through a dozen different roles. Wilson, who we saw in Carol's Christmas, is always enjoyable to watch.
Despite the stellar performances, I felt the production was weighed down by the more solemn moments. I suppose they are included to give the story depth and meaning -- but I don't think it was necessary. In a production that works so well because of its ability to poke fun, it's difficult to take anything too seriously.
87 Broadway, Orangeville ON, L9W 1K1