PREVIEW: CCPAC: THEY’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT MUSICALS
Hamilton’s musical theatre community has always been full of individuals with a devoted passion for this style of performance and the members of Curtain Call Performing Arts Centre are no exception. Over the last few years, this company has evolved and shaped many lives with their enthusiasm for daring storytelling, stunning technical prowess and, most importantly, nurturing and welcoming new talent into this ever-growing community. Last year’s The Lightning Thief: A Percy Jackson Musical was a highlight of my reviewing season and showcased some of the brightest young adult stars with even brighter futures ahead of them.
Every year, CCPAC produces a night of musical theatre revelry and this March, their musical concert experience boasts an impressive amount of Broadway hits from Beetlejuice the Musical to Wicked. I had the pleasure of a virtual interview with Danielle Viola, as Director, Producer and performer for this concert. We discuss just how passionate a Passion Project must be to succeed and how it all comes together for a few nights of showstopping entertainment and celebration of musical theatre.
Director and Producer Danielle Viola leading the cast in rehearsal…
Describe the inspiration for this musical theatre concert and how it was finalized by the production team.
DV: This concert was inspired by our deep love for musical theatre and the power it has to bring people together. We wanted to create a concert that highlights the incredible talent in our adult community while celebrating the joy and emotional depth that musical theatre brings to audiences. The production team worked collaboratively to select a dynamic setlist that blends classic and contemporary pieces, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience.
After our successful run of Jesus Christ Superstar this past fall, our performers were looking for more ways to get on stage at CCPAC, and audiences were eager for more opportunities to see our Passion Project actors perform rather than just once a year. Altering our annual concert to become our second Passion Project show of the season felt like the perfect way to showcase our performers' talent in remarkable ways.
What have been some challenges in creating and workshopping the performance and how have you overcome them?
DV: Putting together a concert featuring 30 musical theatre numbers comes with countless moving parts. With a small but remarkable group of performers—many of whom have graced stages in Hamilton, Toronto, and beyond—our goal has been to ensure each artist is highlighted in the best possible way. This meant listening to hundreds of songs to curate the perfect mix that not only showcases our performers' strengths but also creates an unforgettable experience for our audiences.
The process has been incredibly fast-paced, with only six weeks of rehearsals, most of which have taken place in our own homes. We’ve relied on our phenomenal team to put in extra work on their own time, mastering complex harmonies and executing intricate dance numbers. With only a few people on stage at a time, each performer’s strength truly shines.
The technical aspect presents its own set of challenges. We only have a few days in the performance space before welcoming audiences, which means our Technical Director and Designer, Zachary Viola, has been meticulously designing a rock-style lighting show to complement each number. His dedication and countless hours of digital pre-programming—using rehearsal videos to map out staging—allow us to hit the ground running once we step into the theatre, turning this concert into a visually stunning spectacle.
What have been some of your favourite moments putting this concert performance together?
DV: We have been incredibly fortunate to work with such an amazing team. Every rehearsal has been filled not only with stunning performances but also with a deep sense of camaraderie and support among the cast and crew. It’s been a joy to collaborate with such hardworking performers who bring an incredible level of creativity and passion to the process.
Rehearsals have been full of laughter—especially during the challenging moments of learning intricate patter songs featured in the concert. Having a cast that is so well-prepared has allowed us to push the creative boundaries, adding exciting new layers to each performance.
One of the moments we’re most looking forward to is our first full run-through with costumes this weekend. With our small cast navigating costume changes for almost every number, we know it’s going to be full of energy, excitement, and a little bit of classic theatre chaos—sure to create plenty of unforgettable memories!
What excites you about this passion project experience and how can the Hamilton community support your efforts this season?
DV: The Passion Project Company has always been a special part of CCPAC, providing adult performers with a fast-paced, professional theatre environment where they can thrive and create bold, daring theatre. We’re especially excited to focus this concert on showcasing these phenomenal performers, celebrating their artistry, and continuing to grow both our company and our audiences with each production.
The best way the Hamilton community can support the Passion Project Company is by attending a performance. Just one chance to experience this show, and we’re confident you’ll be blown away by the incredible talent on stage and behind the scenes. This concert isn’t just about the performers—it’s also brought to life by a talented creative and technical team, making it an unforgettable event for musical theatre lovers of all ages.
We also want to show that a true theatrical spectacle can be created in any space, no matter the size. With the right team, there’s no idea too grand. If you can’t attend Passion Project: Musical Concert, we encourage you to come see Newsies this August, another Passion Project Company production. And if you can’t make it to a show, sharing information about our productions or following us on social media (@curtaincall_pac) is a fantastic way to support and help us continue building something special.
What makes CCPAC a safe, encouraging and welcoming space for theatre performers? How do interested parties get involved?
DV: At CCPAC, our core mission is to create a space where everyone feels welcome, supported, and valued throughout their theatrical journey. Whether it’s our youngest performers discovering joy, confidence, and friendship through theatre, our teens pushing their boundaries with challenging roles, or our adult performers honing their skills in an environment where they feel encouraged and empowered—our goal is to ensure that every individual knows they belong. Theatre can sometimes feel competitive and intimidating, but at CCPAC, we strive to foster a positive, uplifting, and collaborative community for all. Whether you're stepping on stage for the first time or are a seasoned performer looking for a supportive theatre home, CCPAC is the place to grow, create, and be part of something special.
If you're looking to get involved—whether as a performer or an audience member—there are plenty of exciting opportunities coming up!
Upcoming Performances: The Knight at Dawn (Novices, ages 6-9) – April 26th and Finding Nemo JR (Intermediates, ages 10-18) – May 9th-11th
Summer Camp: Our Summer Camp registration is now open! We’re offering two theatre camps for students from Kindergarten to Grade 10, running June 30th - July 11th at the Binbrook Agricultural Hall. Both programs culminate in a special performance for parents on the last day of camp!
Auditions for Season 8: Musical Theatre Intensive Auditions – April 28th-30th (Ages 13-28) for a full-scale production of Rock of Ages and Passion Project Company Auditions – July 7th-9th for GTA-based performers interested in auditioning for Newsies.
Huge thanks to Danielle for sharing all that goes into making a concert performance. If you’ve never attended before, this is your opportunity to support this impressive company full of vocal powerhouses, expert lighting designs and choreography that tells such a captivating story that you won't be able to stop tapping your feet and singing along.
The Musical Concert runs for three performances only March 13-15, 2025. Don’t miss it!
Photos & Poster by: CBZ Productions
