A long standing tradition with Dreamcoat's annual children's production is the cast party. The cast lets loose, gets hyper on pizza, pop and cake. They sing and dance and relive moments on stage. They sign each other's programs, posters and cast pictures. There is usually a few tears good-bye... until next time.
This year, remarkable in so many ways, presented this talented cast with an additional memory, face time with one of Canada's most talented song-writers and musicians Jim Cuddy.
This cast opened their rehearsal year in September with a spot on Canada AM, helping Aviva Insurance launch the 2011 Aviva Community Fund Campaign. At the close of that National TV coverage, they sang a song at the request of Canada AM who was also interviewing Jim Cuddy and showcasing his new album "Skyscraper Soul". As a surprise to Mr. Cuddy, Canada AM showed him the cast of Annie singing "5 Days in May" as the credits rolled.
Today, 5 months later, as Jim Cuddy gets ready to perform on stage at North Bay's Capitol Centre (Sunday, January 29th), he answered a request by Dreamcoat and appeared, much to the surprise of the Annie cast and their families, on stage at West Ferris Secondary School. Graciously signing cast photos, programs and even shirts, cell phone cases and arms.
Mr. Cuddy seemed delighted by the attention of nearly 90 children. But by far, the most touching and memorable moments came as he sat amongst them, sang "5 Days in May" on Jesse Beam's guitar and answered their questions and talked about what it means to work hard and to pursue and achieve one's goals.
Thank you Mr. Cuddy! It was a most memorable end to a memorable production and a memorable year!
Photo credit: Cynthia Roy
Photo Credit: Mary Ann Jones
Thanks to Kate Adams and Baytoday.ca you can share in some of the excitement of the surprise. See the whole article here. Video#1.
Also, you can listen in on the question and answer session here as well. Video credits to Kate Adams and BayToday.ca. Video #2.
