Legendary songs move from screen to stage to create A Whole New World

Newest production to feature Sound the Alarm’s lineup of seasoned singers mines soundtracks of Disney and Hollywood classics

By Vince Kanasoot

A Whole New World. Photo by Diamond’s Edge Photography

Sound the Alarm presents A Whole New World: A Concert of Movie Musicals’ Greatest Songs at various Lower Mainland venues from May 25 to June 20

THE MERGING OF THE iconic phrases “Once upon a time” and “Lights, camera, action!” embodies the concept of A Whole New World: A Concert of Movie Musicals’ Greatest Songs.

Under the creative direction of Alan Corbishley, A Whole New World is a uniquely conceived concert of songs from beloved Disney films in the first act and Hollywood musicals in the second. The production kicked off its 17-city B.C. tour on May 17 and will continue to June 20. 

“For the Disney half, we wanted to create a magical, nostalgic experience that’s fun and vibrant. The second half is based in realism and contrasts sharply with the first,” Corbishley explains. “They’re two different vibes that complement each other really well.”

Presented by Sound the Alarm: Music/Theatre, of which Corbishley is the founding artistic director, A Whole New World follows on the heels of the company’s successful Music of the Night: The Concert Tour and has a similar format. Each performance features four singers out of an impressive roster of eight whose credits include the Stratford Festival, major musicals, and opera. Although there are no costumes, sets, and props, an exciting lighting design by Jason Hand promises to boost the show’s magic, as was the case with Music of the Night. Hand has had plenty of experience using illumination to elevate experiences, as he’s designed the lighting for immersive Disney events worldwide.

Corbishley notes that much thought was given to piecing together the concert’s repertoire and ensuring the songs fit together. While the songs in A Whole New World are performed out of context—don’t expect Aladdin and Princess Jasmine to fly over the audience on a magic carpet—Corbishley and his team have found creative ways to deliver each number.

A Whole New World. Photo by Diamond’s Edge Photography

“There’s a part in the Disney act where we create a street scene with musicians in New Orleans,” Corbishley says. “It’s kind of like an acoustic section of our Disney half, and it’s so much fun and very satisfying. As well, the song ‘Everybody Wants to Be a Cat’ from The Aristocats is going to be quite an epic experience. In the second half, we do really beautiful versions of ‘Over the Rainbow’ [from The Wizard of Oz] and ‘Pure Imagination’ [from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory].”  

At the same time, Corbishley notes, “there are also the real epic songs that we just don’t want to mess with, like ‘Defying Gravity’ and ‘Let It Go’. And we have such powerhouse singers who nail it every single time. They’re awe-inspiring and I’m very proud to have them on our team.”

Also returning from Music of the Night are musical director Fredérik Robert, music arranger and band leader/keyboardist Evan Berndt, four vocalists, and five additional band members.

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