Charles Foster

Mel Atkey

James Neufeld

Martin Hunter

Sheila M.F. Johnston

Ward McBurney

This special bundle contains seven books that detail Canada’s long and storied history in the performing arts. We learn about Canada’s early Hollywood celebrity movie stars; Canadians’ vast contributions to successful international stage musicals; the story of The Grand, a famous theatre in London, Ontario; reminiscences from the early days of radio; the history of the renowned Stratford Festival; and a lavish history of the famous National Ballet of Canada. Canada’s performing artists blossomed in the twentieth century, and you can learn all about it here. Includes Broadway North Let’s Go to The Grand! Once Upon a Time in Paradise Passion to Dance Sky Train Romancing the Bard Stardust and Shadows

Broadway North / Let's Go to The Grand! / Once Upon a Time in Paradise / Passion to Dance / Sky Train / Romancing the Bard / Stardust and Shadows

Dundurn Performing Arts Library Bundle — Theatre

Breaking Into Song is a collection of articles, essays and interviews by Mel Atkey, the author of A MILLION MILES FROM BROADWAY -- MUSICAL THEATRE BEYOND NEW YORK AND LONDON and BROADWAY NORTH: THE DREAM OF A CANADIAN MUSICAL THEATRE.

Breaking Into Song

A Collection of songs from musicals written by Mel Atkey. Mr. Atkey has been writing musicals ever since he was in high school in his native Vancouver. He was a finalist for the Musical of the Year competition in Aarhus, Denmark, and his work has been short-listed for the Vivian Ellis Prize, the Quest for New Musicals, the Ken Hill Prize and Musical Stairs. His two-character musical Perfect Timing was a finalist in the 1996 Musical of the Year competition in Aarhus, Denmark, and was showcased at Greenwich Theatre, London, in 2005. He made his New York debut in 2001 with O Pioneers, and followed it in 2003 with A Little Princess, both with book by Robert Sickinger.

Something Magic -- Mel Atkey and the Musical Theatre

When We Both Got to Heaven places James Atkey (1805-1868) on the shores of Georgian Bay at the time of treaty negotiations between the First Nations people of the Saugeen, Nawash and Colpoy’s Bay areas, and the Colonial government. A Methodist lay preacher, Atkey leaves the Isle of Wight and arrives at Colpoy’s Bay with his family in 1855. There he takes up the position of teacher for the Anishnaube children of the area. The great-great-great-grandson of James Atkey, author Mel Atkey engaged in extensive research of both primary and secondary sources. His efforts provide considerable insight into both the influence of Wesleyan Methodism of the time and the background context of the treaty negotiations that ultimately led to the surrender of much of the Saugeen Peninsula for pioneer settlement. People with leadership roles of the past, such as Chief Kegedonce, Kahkewaquonaby (Rev. Peter Jones), Laurence Oliphant and Sir Francis Bond Head, as well as many others, are part of Atkey’s story. Reverend Maggie McLeod of the Cape Croker United Church provides a thoughtful Foreword. This quite remarkable book is a compelling read for those interested in Ontario history, First Nations history, genealogy and the role of religion at the time of European settlement.

James Atkey Among the Anishnabek at Colpoy's Bay

When We Both Got to Heaven

James Atkey (18051868) arrived on the shores of Georgian Bay at the time of treaty negotiations between the First Nations people of the area and the colonial government.

Did you know that the idea behind the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes was first tried out in Toronto? That Canada produced the world’s longest-running annual revue? Few people realize the Canadian influences that are at the heart of American and British culture. Author Mel Atkey’s research for Broadway North included interviews with Norman and Elaine Campbell and Don Harron, creators of Anne of Green Gables-The Musical; Mavor Moore, founder of the Charlottetown Festival and of Spring Thaw; John Gray, author of Billy Bishop Goes to War; Ray Jessel and Marian Grudeff, Spring Thaw writers who had success on Broadway with Baker Street; Dolores Claman, composer of the Hockey Night In Canada theme, who also wrote the musicals Mr. Scrooge and Timber!!; and Galt MacDermot, the composer of Hair who started out writing songs for the McGill University revue My Fur Lady. Included is the phenomenal success of The Drowsy Chaperone. Atkey also draws on his own experience as a writer and composer of musicals, and tells the story of why a show that should have starred James Doohan (Star Trek’s Scotty) didn’t happen. Composer, lyricist and author, Mel Atkey is currently based in the U.K. Proud of his Canadian cultural roots, he has long been fascinated with the notion of a distinctive Canadian musical theatre.

The Dream of a Canadian Musical Theatre

Broadway North

An historical chronicle of Canadian musicals and the composers, lyricists, actors, and producers who brought them to life across Canada.

Musical Theatre Beyond New York and London

A Million Miles from Broadway

Musical theatre is an international form, not just an American one. It can take root anywhere. Few people would realise that such hit standards as "The Glow Worm", "Brazil", "Mack the Knife", "I Will Wait for You" and "El Condor Pasa" came from foreign language musicals. ""His research is monumental... This is an important book on a previously undocumented area of musical theatre."" -- Peter Pinne, Stage Whispers ""There's never been a better book for the armchair-traveler-theatergoer."" -- Peter Filichia

Mel Atkey

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