If You Could Read My Mind: The Songs of Gordon Lightfoot
Belfry premieres a new musical event.
We have extended the run of the show to May 25, 2025
Victoria, BC...From April 22 to May 25, 2025, the Belfry Theatre will present the world premiere of If You Could Read My Mind: The Songs of Gordon Lightfoot, created by Michael Shamata and Tobin Stokes. Shamata and Stokes created the Belfry's production of I Think I'm Fallin': The Songs of Joni Mitchell in 2016 (and remounted in 2023).
So how does it all come together?
"I create a blueprint—which songs in what order and who is singing them. That blueprint gets revised during rehearsal. It's a very collaborative process—which continues once we're in the room with the actor/singers—they have a lot of input into the chords and harmonies and choices of instruments." Michael Shamata
"There's certainly going to be many familiar tunes, and a few surprises. Right now in rehearsal we have a big room full of talent, and it's crowded with instruments. It's a good chaos – there's even a dog (Sadly, the dog will not appear onstage). There's only room for so many songs in there!" Tobin Stokes
Victoria’s Kelt Eccleston starred in the Belfry's production of Home is a Beautiful Word, and Stratford-based Evangelia Kambites starred in the original production of I Think I’m Fallin’: The Songs of Joni Mitchell.
Pedro M. Siqueira relocated to Victoria from Brazil and starred in the Belfry's presentation of A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol. Sidney native David Lennon and Edmonton-based Melissa MacPherson are making their Belfry debuts.
WHY I CHOSE THIS PLAY
Tobin and I had been talking about creating a show around Gordon Lightfoot for some time. As with our Joni Mitchell show—it is such a thrill to hear the music in new arrangements—which allows us to hear the lyrics anew. And what amazing lyrics these are—! What I did not know when I chose this play, was that spotlighting a Canadian icon would be so much the very best thing we could do at this particular moment. Michael Shamata.
Cast
Kelt Eccleston - Performer
Evangelia Kambites - Performer
David Lennon - Performer
Melissa MacPherson - Performer
Pedro M. Siqueira – Performer & Assistant Musical Director
Creative Team
Michael Shamata – Co-Creator & Director
Tobin Stokes - Co-Creator & Musical Director
Carole Klemm - Set Designer
Emily Friesen - Costume Designer
Kevin Fraser - Lighting Designer
Paul Tedeschini - Sound Designer & Audio Engineer
Caryn Fehr - Stage Manager
Kelsey Cain – Assistant Stage Manager
Katie Van Bergeyk – Directing Intern
Live and Virtual Events
Our round-up of events happening at the theatre over the next four weeks.
B4PLAY (In Person + on Facebook)
Saturday, April 19 at 11 am
BMO Studio, 1291 Gladstone Avenue
Our live talk show hosted by CBC Radio’s Gregor Craigie and featuring artists from the upcoming show, along with experts from the community, has been designed to provide insight into each Mainstage production.
Each event is held the Saturday before Opening, is free to attend, live-streamed on Facebook, and is available as a podcast on our website.
B4Play is ASL Interpreted. To reserve free tickets, please call our Box Office at 250-385-6815.
TALKBACK THURSDAY (In Person)
Thursday, May 8
Following the third Thursday performance of each show, actors return to the stage to answer your questions and provide insight into the play you have just experienced. These Q & A sessions last approximately 20 minutes.
VocalEye – If You Could Read My Mind: The Songs of Gordon Lightfoot
Sunday, May 11 at 2 pm (in-person event with Touch Tour & Social after)
For patrons with low or no vision, we offer one VocalEye performance during most Mainstage productions. Trained Audio Describers provide descriptions of the visual elements of the show, allowing people with low vision to enjoy the theatrical experience without missing any of the details. More information at the Box Office - 250-385-6815.
Ticket Information
We are offering Pay What You Want tickets for all performances this season. Tickets are available at 250-385-6815 or online at tickets.belfry.bc.ca.
Show Sponsors
If You Could Read My Mind: The Songs of Gordon Lightfoot is generously supported by BMO and Used.ca.
Season Sponsors
The Belfry is generously supported by The Times Colonist, Helijet, and Splashes Bath & Kitchen.
Public Funders
The Belfry is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, the Province of BC, the BC Arts Council, CRD Arts Development, and the City of Victoria.
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Mark Dusseault