Music
YES Theatre said it is thrilled to announce the cast of its upcoming original musical Way Out There, opening April 14 at the Sudbury Theatre Centre.
Set in White Rock, British Columbia in 1996, Way Out There follows Megan and Jason as they navigate the mysterious disappearance of their father.
While Megan searches for stability and a sense of normalcy, Jason becomes consumed by the belief that their dad was abducted by aliens — drawing them into a story shaped by grief, imagination and the unknown.
Blending the sounds of 90s rock with a sci-fi inspired narrative, the musical offers a fresh and emotionally grounded theatrical experience.
Leading the production are Cole LeBlanc as Jason and Katie Wise as Megan, two siblings at the heart of this genre-bending story.
Cole returns to the YES stage following his standout performance as Troy Bolton in the company’s recent sold-out run of High School Musical, while Katie is known to audiences for her acclaimed roles as Roxie Hart in Chicago, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, and Princess Diana in Casey & Diana this past fall at the STC, said a press release.
“The thought of playing a role that has never been done before is both exciting and nerve wracking,” said Leblanc.
“I am so honoured and grateful that this opportunity has been offered to me, and allowed me to continue working with YES. I am thrilled to be able to perform this brand new piece of Canadian theatre that is truly so beautiful and unlike any musical I’ve heard before. The music is incredible and I am so blessed to be able to bring this story to life alongside some of my best friends.”
They are joined by a “dynamic ensemble of performers” bringing this new Canadian story to life on the YES Theatre stage:
- Jason – Cole LeBlanc (Troy in YOCO production of High School Musical)
- Megan – Katie Wise (Chicago, Romeo & Juliet, Casey & Diana)
- Garth – Jake Deeth (Annie, Groundhog Day, Jersey Boys)
- Miss. Vance – Samantha Mbolekwa (YES Theatre Debut – Dear Evan Hansen (London West End), The Bodyguard (UK Tour))
- Jennifer – Tomiwa Ogunleye (Gabriella in YOCO production of High School Musical)
- Robbie – Mackenzie Wojcik (Bad Hats’ Peter Pan)
- Ensemble – Gaia Dhatt (Oliver!, Jersey Boys, Elf the Musical)
- Ensemble – Colin Eady (Never Break the Chain: the music of Fleetwood Mac, Groundhog Day)
- Ensemble – Trinity Thibeault (Never Break the Chain: the music of Fleetwood Mac, Bad Hat’s Peter Pan)
- Ensemble – James Pattison (YES Theatre Debut – Musical Director of the UK National Tour of The Last Ship, Toronto production of Fisherman’s Friends The Musical)
Behind the production is an acclaimed creative team. Way Out There features music by
Anton Lipovetsky, and is directed and dramaturged by Marie Farsi, in collaboration with creator and writer Sara Farb.
They are joined by Music Directors Jonathan Corkal-Astorga & Stephen James Ingram, choreographer Janie Pinard, sound designer Adrian Shepherd Gawinski, and costume & set designer Shannon Lea Doyle — together shaping the sound, movement, and world of this bold new musical.
Way Out There begins preview performances on April 14, with tickets available at a discounted rate. The world premiere of this new Canadian musical takes place April 18 at the Sudbury Theatre Centre.
Tickets are available now at yestheatre.com, including $35 Theatre for All tickets offered for every performance.