Winner’s circle

>> Le Spotlight highlights and Frankie finalists

MONTREAL IDOLS: Le Spotlight contestants

by AMY BARRATT

When Chris Barillaro stood up from the piano and moved centre stage singing “I Believe” from the musical Altar Boyz, it was just one of many thrilling moments in le Spotlight, a Fringe special event. Produced by the Centre for Education and Theatre in Montreal, this “musical theatre challenge” was more than a competition—it was a highly entertaining show.

It was also a safe place to express the love that dares not speak its name: love of musicals, that is. The 128-seat Théâtre Calixa-Lavallée was crammed with enthusiasts and, despite the intense heat, I didn’t see anyone leave before the show was over.

Ten finalists had been chosen after preliminary auditions to perform four-minute selections from the musical theatre repertoire. Spectators were supplied with score cards to evaluate contestants on everything from singing ability to movement skills to suitability of dress, but the final decision was left up to a panel of five judges. Creator Stephen Pietrantoni, who also hosted the show, had many surprises up his sleeve, including dragging your humble critic out of the audience to join him on “You and Me,” from Victor/Victoria (completely unrehearsed, of course).

Described as a competition for “professional-track performers,” le Spotlight attracted youngsters fresh out of school as well as more seasoned performers. Two of the contestants, Alisha Ruiss and Gabrielle Maes, were classically-trained singers branching out into musical theatre, while Christine Ghawi, best known as a comic actress, wanted to prove that she could sing. All three were impressive. Stephanie Pitsiladis employed a classic Broadway belt to thrilling effect on “The Wizard and I,” from Wicked. But it was Maes, performing the “Diva’s Lament” from Spamalot, who won over both audience and judges to take the top spot. As pre-arranged by CETM, she will be whisked to New York in September to compete in the semi-finals of Broadway Idol at the New York Musical Theatre Festival. (The winner of that competition gets a solo show in N.Y.)

The other winner was Barillaro. Nineteen years old and barely out of Dawson, he did all the orchestrations for the eight-piece band and was musical director of the show. At the end of the evening, co-producer Sandra Lyons announced that the CETM had obtained the rights to translate and produce the Off-Broadway hit Altar Boyz in French and English next spring in Montreal. Afterwards, Barillaro was offered the lead, which he accepted.

Christine Ghawi may have walked away empty-handed from le Spotlight, but the following Saturday, she was the people’s choice of favourite drag king at the Fringe’s first coed Drag Races. Ghawi was also in Frankie winner Thunderspank! (see below).

The Frankies At The Fringe