THE DEBUT - EDINBURGH
Rob Roy premiered at the 2006 Edinburgh Fringe Festival to wonderful reviews.
The musical starred George Masswohl as Rob Roy (Sweeney in the Toronto production of Sweeney Todd), Susan Gilmour as his wife Mary (Fantine in Les Miserable on Broadway), and David Dunbar as the Duke of Montrose (winner of Best Actor award in Chicago for his King Arthur in Camelot) as well as a stellar supporting cast of top professional actors and musicians. The story covered a dramatic period in Scottish history, shortly after the Act of Union, and begins with the Duke of Montrose declaring Rob a wanted man due to the disappearance of One Thousand English Pounds he had lent him to purchase cattle. For ten years, Rob was pursued, often captured, but always escaping, and in the process he became the stuff of legend and a rallying voice for the Jacobite cause. His love story with the exceptional Mary MacGregor sustains them through unbearable hardships.
It is a story of love, honour, and loyalty entangled with the terrifying politics of lies, greed and treachery. High drama indeed, and opportunities for a soaring musical score.
THE CAST
IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE - EDINBURGH
- Michael Danso - The Bard
- Gabrielle Jones - Annabelle
- Mark Harapiak - Alexander Stewart
- Elizabeth Beeler - Margaret Stewart
- George Masswohl - Rob Roy MacGregor
- Caden Douglas - William Whyte
- Jennifer Stewart - Alice Mcleod
- Susan Gilmour - Mary MacGregor
- David Dunbar - Duke of Montrose
- Bruce Thompson - Duke of Argyl
- Kevin Dennis - Gareth of Coatbridge
- J. Sean Elliot - General Wade
Michael Danso was with us in Edinburgh, but unable to participate in the recording of the CD. Brian McKay sang the part of The Bard for the CD.
THE MUSICIANS
- Mike Allen - Guitar
- Ian Harper - Bagpipes, Flute, Sax, Pennywhistles
- David Longenbecker - Bass
- Richard Moore - Percussion
- David Warrack - Piano
- Erika Wieler - Violin
Special Thanks To: Hugh & Bernie Cameron, Pam Shainhouse, David Bernstein, Catherine Hancock, Keith Davidson (Canadian Actors Equity Association), Jim Biros (Toronto Musicians’ Association), Margaret Moll, Jeffrey Latimer, Tessa and Judy (Sojourn Travel), Dr. Neill Martin (University of Edinburgh Department of Scottish Ethnology), Jeannette Duda.
BACKSTAGE
- Artistic Team
- Assitant Director - Allan Craik
- Costumes - Eleanor Hill
- Dialogue Coach - Jon Osbaldeston
- Designer, Production Manager - Jeff Johnston-Collins
- Director
- Di Nyland Proctor
- Production Team
- Stage Manager - Diane Woodrow
- Company Manager - Cayleigh Warrack
- Rehearsal Pianist - John Hughes
- Production Assistant - Levi Warrack
- Dedication
- Rob Roy is dedicated to the remarkable spirits of Norman Campbell and Lillian Whyte