Broadway arrived at the Midland Cultural Centre last Thursday night for Lindsey’s Legacy Cabaret: A Musical Theatre Showcase which was performed to a sold-out house.
The event was held to raise money and awareness for Lindsey’s Legacy Fund For Clear Cell Ovarian Cancer Research, a fund of the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. The fund honours Lindsey Martin-Penny, who died in July, 2022 from this disease.
Guests donated more than $15,000 to the cause, a number which jumped to $150,000 when ticket revenue was included, a news release said. That's halfway to the 2023 goal.
The fund supports research being done by Princess Margaret Cancer Centre specialist, Dr. Stephanie Lheureux, who attended with Tannis Walker, the hospital foundation's senior director of major gifts.
Lheureux shared thoughts of inspiration, emotion and hope, and emphasized how the funds raised will help her efforts to ultimately save women’s lives.
The musical program starred Marisa McIntyre and Kale Penny. The three sets covered songs from 14 Broadway shows including the early days (Carousel, Guys and Dolls), Lindsey’s and other fan favourites (Sweeney Todd, Oliver, Les Misérables, Mamma Mia, Little Shop of Horrors and Cabaret), and more recent productions (Wicked, Newsies).
“Vocalists Marisa and Kale hit it out of the park,” said Paul Irwin, who travelled from Vancouver. “It was a magical evening of music, laughter and love — a chance to honour a dear friend who left us too soon, while also contributing to the fight against clear cell ovarian cancer.”
Scott Rowland, originally from Midland, drove up from Mississauga for the Lindsey’s Legacy Fund For Clear Cell Ovarian Cancer Research event.
“The level of musicianship and the vocal performances were as high as I’ve seen anywhere. The variety of show tunes took us on a journey that truly honoured Lindsey and left us wanting more,” he commented.
Hosted by Jaime Crouch (looking fabulous as a Cabaret “Liza”) the show also featured John French playing the Cultural Centre’s Steinway grand, and a very tight backup band of keyboards, bass, and percussion.
The event was supported by 24 generous sponsors. Production assistance was provided by Splash Floral and Event Design, The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and the Midland Cultural Centre.
