‘Rob Ford: The Musical’, the show will go on

Sep 16, 2014 | News

Rob Ford Musical will be debuting tonight at 8:00 pm at the Factory Theatre

Photo via Rob Ford: The Musical

By Viktoria Sciacca

Rob Ford: The Musical debuts Tuesday night at the Factory Theatre in Toronto even as Ford awaits the results of a biopsy on a tumor.

The musical comedy is creating controversy over the time it is released because of Ford’s current medical situation.

Some people may find it unethical to release the musical at this time, however Radio Host Jerry Agar from NewsTalk1010 disagrees.

When asked if the show should run, Agar said, “Absolutely.”

“His current situation has no reflection over what has been going on for the past four years,” said Agar. “It doesn’t change.”

Agar said everyone has something to say about Ford, “so why can’t (the producers)?”

Ford’s medical condition has cast a pall over opening night, but the cast and crew have been working on the production for the past year and won’t stop now, said writer and producer Brett McCaig.

“Our heart goes out to Rob Ford and his family,” McCaig said. “However, the show must go on.”

He said alterations to the show have been made, regarding his illness.

McCaig and Toronto composer Anthony Bastianon’s inspiration for the musical started when they saw Ford at a regular pub night in Toronto.

“We follow Rob’s rise to stardom with the mysterious Gawker video and the scandals that took Twitter and Youtube by storm.”

—  Rob Ford: The Musical website

“[Ford] got hit in the face with a camera that night, and from there we were actually thinking about a Rob Ford opera,” said McCaig. The opera idea transitioned into a musical and McCaig was inspired by satirical shows such as Family Guy and American Dad for the way the show would be written.

“We follow Rob’s rise to stardom with the mysterious Gawker video and the scandals that took Twitter and Youtube by storm,” the show’s website reads.

The musical will cover the past four years in ‘Crazy Town’ and will feature an eight-character ensemble with characters such as Doug Ford, Margaret Atwood, the police chief and, of course, Rob Ford.

The show will also feature 10 original songs written by Bastianon, with songs like “It’s Good to be Gay” and “Ford Nation F* You”.

Sheldon Bergstrom of Saskatoon will be playing the notorious mayor for the next two weeks.

In an Off The Lawn interview on Soundcloud, Bergstrom said Torontonians will absolutely love it. When asked about a possible tour nationwide, he said, “There has been lots of talk (about taking it to the road).”

Rob Ford: The Musical will be playing until September 28.

For more information regarding schedule and ticket sales, click here.

 

View photos of some of the cast and crew:

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