After spending a lot of his time in western Canada lately, 2005 Canadian Idol finalist Aaron Walpole is happy to be working closer to home. Landing the lead role of Lonny, in the Toronto Mirvish Production of Rock of Ages will keep Walpole busy for the next year.

“I am hopeful that the show will get extended beyond the first year. It's great to be working closer to home.”

The musical has been nominated for five Tony awards, including Best Musical and has taken Broadway by storm since it opened at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre in April of 2009. Toronto's Mirvish Productions will start preview performances of Rock of Ages on April 20 at the Royal Alexandria Theatre in Toronto.

Walpole has just wrapped up the musical “One Hit Wonders” at Stage West in Mississauga, where he has been performing since November. While home for just three weeks, Walpole will be busy with a show booked for February 12 at the Princess Ave Playhouse, where he will share the stage with Chris Eveland and John Milles. Then February 19 a show at the Blackshire Pub where Chris Eveland will again join Walpole, as he shares the stage with Sarah Smith from the Joys in staggered sets.

Putting the finishing touches on a new CD, Walpole expects to have it available for the February 19 show at the Blackshire Pub. He described the feel of his new CD as “acoustic and raw.”

“People seem to love the acoustic, so I am giving them what they want,” he said.

If you want to catch Walpole live while he is close to home:

February 12, 7 p.m. Princess Ave Playhouse, 40 Princess Ave, St . Thomas, all ages welcome.

February 19, 10 p.m. Blackshire Pub, 511 Talbot St., London, ID required.