TORONTO March 22 -- When the curtain rises Wednesday night for the lavish stage production of 'Napoleon' there'll be many nervous investors hoping their $3.3 million gamble on the first original Canadian mega-musical pays off.
Success could solidify Toronto's position as one of the world's premier centers for live theater and elevate its writers, actors and producers to Broadway-class stature.
Not that mega-musicals haven't been successful in Canada, or that locally-made musicals haven't been hits in Toronto theaters. Imports such as 'Phantom of the Opera,' 'Cats' and 'Les Miserables' have logged lengthy runs, drawing crowds from as far as Pittsburgh and Cleveland.
But the producers of 'Napoleon' are wagering that a musical written and produced by Canadians, and featuring a largely Canadian cast and crew, will take London's West End, and eventually Broadway, by storm.
'Napoleon' was born 12-years ago in a British Columbia high school where two teenagers began pounding out songs based on the French emperor's life. The two former students, Andrew Sabiston, 29, ad Timothy Williams, 28, developed the music and lyrics into a full musical and as virtual unknowns six years ago sold the idea to Toronto producer Marlene Smith.
Both had several television and film credits under their belts when they approached Smith but basically were little known in Canadian theater.
Williams had composed music for several Canadian and British film and television productions and Sabiston had acting roles in the Walt Disney/CBS television series The Edison Twins,' and ABC's 'MacGyver.'
The duo needed the support of established producers to fund their big-budget musical, one that would feature a cast of 33 and a 26-member orchestra. One of Canada's most successful producers recognized their talent and dedication.
'Anyone who convinces people to invest in their show has to be the best con artist in the world,' said Smith, who brought 'Cats' to Toronto for a two-year run in 1985. 'But the idea was there and I thought the topic was wonderful.'
Sabiston and Williams said they chose to pursue the French emperor's story after considering developing a musical around the life of Julius Caesar or England's Queen Elizabeth I. 'Napoleon had a fascinating tale. His life was an epic tragedy and a great love story,' said lyricist Sabiston.
Napoleon began previews March 9 and Smith said ticket sales have been brisk, but the producers will need to fill the house on the a regular basis through August in order to recoup their investment.
Smith said because of scheduling the show has to leave Toronto's Elgin Theater September 4 andwill probably go to London's West End in the fall.
Sabiston and Williams are hesitant to predict their show will change the direction of theater in Canada or bring Toronto's theater scene international acclaim, but they will attest to the fact the city has matured as a showcase for live theater.
'After we open Toronto will have six major shows running simultaneously. When we began writing 'Napoleon' there were no shows on, ' said Sabiston. 'I think people are finally realizing there's a lot of international-caliber talent in Canada.'
