Ousted Idol takes to the Grand stage
If you don't have the pipes, but want to get that one step closer to Canadian Idol, a former contestant will be on stage at the Grand Theatre during the stage performance of Rock and Roll.
Aaron Walpole, a St. Thomas native who auditioned for Canadian Idol in London and finished in the top three during the shows 2005 season, will be on stage during the month of April in a musical throw-back to the classic rock genre.
Rock and Roll was a hit at the Grand 18 years ago and they are bringing the popular play back to demonstrate the timeless heart and determination of rock musicians.
It's not just the band who is reuniting at the Grand, but Val Moore, who choreographed Rock and Roll the first time around at the Grand, is back again as choreographer and director.
The stage production follows the evolution of a rock and roll band from the psychedelic 60's all the way to the pop-infused 80's.
Prior to his Idol fame, Walpole studied music theatre performance at Sheridan College and starred on the onstage productions of Guys and Dolls and Anything Goes during Stratford's 2004 season.
The natural musician also plays the guitar, drums and has gained notoriety as the lead singer of local band, Hooligan's Holiday.
Finishing just behind winner Melissa O'Neil and Juno nominated Rex Goudie; Walpole's Canadian Idol standing has won him a flock of dedicated fans from across the country. His rendition of Blue Rodeo's “Try” and Dobie Gray's “Drift Away” on the national Idol stage put him up there with some of Canada's best singers, but it was his version of Barenaked Ladies “Break My Heart” that sent him home with third place.
Tickets for Rock and Roll are available for a discounted price of $15 for students and $20 for guests for the Tuesday, April 11 evening performance, at Fanshawe's Biz Booth.
Aaron Walpole, a St. Thomas native who auditioned for Canadian Idol in London and finished in the top three during the shows 2005 season, will be on stage during the month of April in a musical throw-back to the classic rock genre.
Rock and Roll was a hit at the Grand 18 years ago and they are bringing the popular play back to demonstrate the timeless heart and determination of rock musicians.
It's not just the band who is reuniting at the Grand, but Val Moore, who choreographed Rock and Roll the first time around at the Grand, is back again as choreographer and director.
The stage production follows the evolution of a rock and roll band from the psychedelic 60's all the way to the pop-infused 80's.
Prior to his Idol fame, Walpole studied music theatre performance at Sheridan College and starred on the onstage productions of Guys and Dolls and Anything Goes during Stratford's 2004 season.
The natural musician also plays the guitar, drums and has gained notoriety as the lead singer of local band, Hooligan's Holiday.
Finishing just behind winner Melissa O'Neil and Juno nominated Rex Goudie; Walpole's Canadian Idol standing has won him a flock of dedicated fans from across the country. His rendition of Blue Rodeo's “Try” and Dobie Gray's “Drift Away” on the national Idol stage put him up there with some of Canada's best singers, but it was his version of Barenaked Ladies “Break My Heart” that sent him home with third place.
Tickets for Rock and Roll are available for a discounted price of $15 for students and $20 for guests for the Tuesday, April 11 evening performance, at Fanshawe's Biz Booth.
