YES Theatre goes big for 2014 season

Given that YES Theatre has now been around for five years, it decided to “go big” with its 2014 lineup, said the company's artistic director, Alessandro Costantini.

It has been the practice of YES Theatre to stage one main stage production every year; however, the 2014 season will see a total of four productions, including two main stage musicals, one play, and a major concert production.

The season will open with the return of the sold-out production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” from July 4-19 at the Sudbury Theatre Centre.

“We have been inundated with phone calls and emails asking us to bring back 'Jesus Christ Superstar', which sold out the summer of 2013,” Costantini said, “so we are bringing it back.”

The production will feature the original cast from the 2013 production.

Another first for the company will be when YES Theatre presents its first non-musical with its production of “Salt-Water Moon” by David French. It is one of Canada's most beloved and oft-performed plays, and will be presented in partnership with Single Thread Theatre Company in July 2014.

The season will continue with the main stage musical “In the Heights” from Aug. 7-23 at Sudbury Theatre Centre.

This musical tells the story of New York’s Washington Heights neighbourhood and boasts three generations of music.

An immigrant story, "In the Heights" showcases a community on the brink of change, struggling with reconciling their past with their future.

"In the Heights" is the winner of four Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestration.

Closing out the 2014 season will be a special concert presentation of “Les Misérables” in collaboration with the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra. The three-night only engagement in December 2014 will pair YES Theatre’s signature vocal sound with the orchestral talents of the Sudbury Symphony.

“We are extremely excited for our upcoming season and we hope that Sudbury is too,” Costantini said.

“We are growing as a company, we are listening to our audience, we are trying new things, and we are taking every opportunity to showcase the talent found here in Greater Sudbury.”

More information on the 2014 season can be found at yestheatre.com