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Brampton native brings his Broadway talent to Toronto
Sunday June 8 2008
By Ashley Goodfellow
 
If it’s not about lions, it’s about elephants for Brampton native Alvin Crawford.
The renowned Broadway performer is taking a short break from his role as Mufasa in New York City’s The Lion King to play an exciting role in an area production.
This month, fans, followers and supporters of Crawford have a rare opportunity to see him perform in Tapestry New Opera Works’ production of Sanctuary Song at Toronto’s Berkeley Street Theatre.
Recruited to play the role of a zookeeper, Crawford says Sanctuary Song is a contemporary opera based on the true story of an elephant’s life.
A tender tale, the opera follows the days of a female elephant from the time she is plucked from the forest in Indonesia, to her days at the circus and then her solitary life at a zoo.
The elephant and the zookeeper, who spend 22 years together, form an extraordinary friendship.
“It’s a very interesting story,” said Crawford, who explains the story was taken from a PBS documentary. “It’s a beautiful piece, they’ve created almost a Straussian opera. The melodies are beautiful.”
Crawford says this piece is particularly important because of its story, its appeal to an audience of all ages, and its Canadian roots.
The 35-year-old, who as a teen made his way from North Park Secondary School to Broadway in mere months, is very patriotic.
“I really think it’s important to be a part of a contemporary Canadian opera,” he said.
And though he’s been making the rounds on Broadway for almost 20 years— starting with roles as Sam Cooke in the Buddy Holly Story and John in Miss Saigon— the Juilliard Operatic Center graduate plans to pursue more roles in the area.
“I just decided I really want to make an effort to create more opportunities for me to perform here,” he said, noting three of his siblings still reside in Brampton.
“I really like being Canadian.”
For more information on Sanctuary Song, which runs until June 14 as part of the Luminato festival, please visit www.tapestrynewopera.com