Tony LePage
Originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Tony LePage is an accomplished actor, writer and producer whose work has been seen all over the world, across Canada and on Broadway. Tony made his Broadway debut in the smash hit Rock of Ages where he understudied and performed all 8 male characters, the only person in the history of the show to do so. Most recently, he was a member of the original Broadway company of the Canadian musical, Come From Away, and can currently be seen in the role of Kevin T/Garth and others in the Apple TV+ live capture. Select international theatre acting credits include: Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat international touring company (Simeon), The Boy From OZ (understudy to Australian musical theatre superstar Todd McKenney in the lead role of Peter Allen). In Toronto: Urinetown (TYT), Breaking Up is Hard to Do (Stage West), Seussical (Lorraine Kimsa Theatre), Canadian Explosion (Stage West Calgary) as well as a return to Fredericton as Frankenfurter in The Rocky Horror Show (Theatre New Brunswick). Locally, he was seen in numerous productions including Starting Here, Starting Now, The World Goes Round, The Fantastiks as well as theatre troupes like Brunswick Spirit and The Calithumpians. In 2009, Tony landed the role of a lifetime and had the rare opportunity to work closely with world-renowned composer Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, originating the lead role in Webber’s new musical The Boys in the Photograph, co-written and directed by Ben Elton. Shortly afterwards, he was cast as a member of the Original Canadian Cast of Rock of Ages in Toronto. Select film credits include South Pacific (Disney) and The Greatest Showman (Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble). In addition to his esteemed acting career, Tony is the artistic producer of Rogue Productions, a Fredericton-based theatre company whose recent productions include Rock of Ages, Home For Christmas and “Broadway By the Sea” and, coming this summer, the first ever regional production of the Tony Award winning musical: Come From Away.
What drew you to the world of musical theatre?
I spent the first 11 years of my school life playing sports, so my love of musical theatre began relatively late when my best friend Jamie Brewer told me about the Fredericton High School (FHS) musical in grade 12. Long story short, I jumped out of my comfort zone, and Jim Myles, the director, watched my audition and saw something in me that I didn’t. I booked a lead role, and when I hit the stage for the first time, I was hooked. That experience and the adventure that followed is one I am so very grateful for.
How did you end up being cast in a Broadway show?
Every step along the way, no matter how big or small, played a role in my getting to Broadway. Every person I met, I learned from, and every show I did added tools to my performing “tool belt”. After touring the world in places like Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong (to name a few), I moved to Toronto. Performing in shows like Seussica, Urinetown, Canadian Explosion and The Boys in the Photograph, I booked a role in the 80’s rock musical Rock of Ages. We closed the show in Toronto, after a year-long run, and the next day I got the phone call I had been dreaming of since that nervous high school kid jumped on the stage… “You’re going to Broadway”. I packed up my life, headed to NYC and did the show on Broadway for the next 5 years.
What do you love most about being live on stage?
It’s a unique thrill to be onstage. The rush of adrenaline, the cheering crowd, and the camaraderie with your company. But for me, it’s the joy I can bring to the people in the audience. I see their faces light up and feel the energy from them every time. It’s nice to know that I am giving people an escape, and for the time that I’m up there performing, I make people’s lives a little bit better.
What is the most memorable reaction you’ve ever received from an audience member?
I was in Florida at a coffee shop and a lady approached me and said “I’m sorry to bother you, but are you Kevin?”. I said “No.” She then said “Oh no, sorry, I meant in Come From Away!”. We both had a good laugh. Her friends and family had all watched The Apple TV+ version the night before, so we took some photos and chatted all about it. So from now on, I also respond to the name Kevin.
How was it to be involved in the filming of one of the few Broadway musicals available on a major streaming platform?
It was an absolute thrill. We filmed it during the COVID pandemic, after our industry was (very abruptly) shut down. It was by no means a regular process. Due to the COVID restrictions, we had to rehearse in the hotel conference room where we were staying, and the cast was kept separate from the crew for the duration. We were the first Broadway show to return to the theatres, and to be able to get together with our cast and company, and do what we love again was just incredible. My wife Courtney was able to be in the audience for the filming, which of course, made it even more special. It was surreal, to say the least, to see myself on Apple TV+… very strange, but what a gift to have such a special show, and time in my life captured forever.I suggest for everyone to see Come From Away. It is such a beautiful show. You will laugh, cry and feel truly proud to be Canadian.
What do you enjoy most about being an artist living in New Brunswick?
Being able to give back to the place and people that gave me my start. Employing and engaging local New Brunswick theatre artists is at the core of Rogue Productions’ mission. This province is FULL of incredibly talented people. We have been astounded by the talent we have been fortunate enough to work with, and there is a bright future, full of exciting things we are creating right here in NB. Rogue Productions is more than a company to me. It is my way of saying thank you to the incredible place I grew up in.
What do you think is the impact of artists' work on communities and the province as a whole?
I personally think it’s necessary. The world is a crazy place sometimes, particularly in the current global climate. Life is full of ups and downs and triumphs and tragedies, so I think it’s important for people to be able to go see a play, or a musical, listen to live musicians, take in beautiful art, and dance. There are so many artistic companies out there doing really great things, and I believe, in life, sometimes we need to stop listening to the “noise” and hear the music.
What inspired you to create “Broadway by the Sea”?
My wife and Rogue Productions business partner, Courtney LePage, and I were introduced to the amazing people at Kingsbrae in St. Andrews, by two of our biggest supporters and now, very dear friends, Tony and Lori Mais. They told us about the Amphitheatre at Kingsbrae and the absolute force of nature who created it, Mrs. Lucinda Flemer. We took one look at this incredibly beautiful outdoor space and immediately said “we NEED to do something here!”. It was a blur of excitement, but I’m quite sure the words “Broadway by the Sea” came out of our mouths right then and there. And so, for the past three years, we have been bringing current Broadway stars to St. Andrews. With a stellar group of local NB ensemble and musicians, we have performed our Broadway musical revue to sold-out crowds every year. Alongside our world-class Musical Director, Michael Doherty (also from Fredericton), we are thrilled to bring Broadway to NB and are gearing up for our 4th year as we speak! The two shows are on July 19th and we are so excited to get down to St. Andrews again!
What is your long-term vision, and what do you hope to achieve?
I am a very proud East Coast Canadian, and bringing my Broadway experience back home means everything to me. Courtney and I founded “Rogue Productions” to bring Broadway back home. We want to cultivate local talent through professional mentorship, with our team of Broadway and Canadian professionals, and to produce exciting and high-caliber work. Our mission is to engage communities, inspire togetherness, foster inclusivity, and invigorate the New Brunswick theatre arts scene. Our long-term goal is to allow local audiences and performers the chance to see and do what they love right here at home. Not everyone can go to Toronto or New York for the big shows, and Rogue Productions wants to make Fredericton a destination for world-class musical theatre.
If you could produce the musical of your choice, which one would it be?
Oooh interesting question… It just so happens the answer to that is also the show we WILL actually be producing next. We are thrilled to announce that we are producing the first ever regional New Brunswick production of Come From Away!! We are doing a co-production with the Saint John Theatre Company and will be presenting the show for the last two weekends in August at the Kingsbrae Amphitheatre, followed by a week-long run in early September at the Imperial in Saint John. It is an understatement to say this is an absolute dream come true.
Why do you think it is important to pursue an artistic career?
So, I’m not a fan of “What ifs”. Artists are typically dreamers, and I think it’s important to see a dream through. As long as you have the dream, follow it. Not blindly, but with purpose, dedication, hard work, and perseverance. A career in the arts is not an easy one, it is filled with rejection and disappointments, but also incredible highs and enduring friendships. And you know what that sounds like? Life. There was an amazing Peter Allen line in The Boy From OZ that I never forgot, and I feel it describes the artistic pursuit: “You will have a wonderful life. There’ll be good bits, and bad bits, but you can tell your life like a story, and it’ll be a real adventure. Now off you go.” The great part is, if your goals and dreams change, (as they almost always do) then you will have left it all “on the ice” as we say here in Canada. You can hold your head up high, and when you look back, those pesky “what ifs” will be gone, and there is great solace in that.
Describe what you are most proud of in your career.
Being from Fredericton and setting a goal for myself called “Broadway” was a lofty one. The first time I went to New York City was on a high school trip in March of 1993. I saw three shows: Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables and Cats. The big three. I said to myself then and there that I wanted to be up there one day. That day was March of 2011. There were a lot of twists and turns on that 18-year journey, but one that I am very proud of.
What advice would you give to people who want to work in musical theatre?
Be brave and redefine the word “failure”. Failure, as we often know it, is a myth. It is all just learning and growth. ALL of it. So be ready for it all. I also think it’s important to do other things. I learned so much about teamwork from playing sports and trust me when I say that musical theatre is a team event. Every single person, both on and off stage, is necessary and important. It doesn’t matter how well you sing, if the sound operator doesn’t turn your mic on. The best acting in the world can’t be seen without the lighting person. My very dear friend Jenn Colella (Tony-nominated actress for Come From Away) always says work hard, be on time, and be kind. Above all, be kind. And I couldn’t agree more. With all those qualities, and a little bit of luck, you can do it. I once heard luck described as: “when opportunity meets preparation”. If you’re ready for it, nothing that is truly meant to be yours will ever go past you.
