“This is a story as long and rich as it is entertaining,

which Mel Atkey expertly points out in this beautifully produced book, replete with countless photographs. But you don't have to be an theatre expert to enjoy it... Atkey's well-researched and delightful account, makes it easy to see why Hollywood has been permanently packed with stage-struck Canadians since the days of Quebec-born Mack Sennett.” – Canada Post, London (UK)

“Atkey’s book (long in the making) is an important service in the cause of the Canadian musical" Keith Garebian, Stage and Page

“Mel Atkey's book is so full of interesting detail and entertaining anecdotes, by the time I had reached the last page I found myself caring about all the projects and personalities I had read about. To my delight, the book also confirms once and for all the extreme arrogance of Broadway and the West End. The idea that a musical is not a musical until it has been recognised by either of those giant arbiters of taste is, of course, idiotic; but that opinion certainly exists in New York and is voiced by some in London... Thank you, Mel Atkey, for an informative and affirming book.” – Ken Caswell, Musical Stages, London

“If you're a Canadian and a show-tune buff, you'll probably be interested in this book… it's full of information and pictures about our musical theatre that no one has ever collected before.” – Richard Ouzounian, Toronto Star

“A most intriguing new book… The stories of the creation of Anne of Green Gables and Billy Bishop Goes to War are well told.” – Brad Hathaway, Potomac Stages (Washington, D.C.)

“Broadway North should be required reading for all Canadian students and practitioners of musical theatre. And for members of the general public with an interest in the arts in general, Atkey will forever dispel the notion that “Canadian musical theatre” is the ultimate oxymoron.” – Danny Schur, Winnipeg Free Press

"Mel Atkey's book, sub-titled "The Dream of a Canadian Musical Theatre," almost parallels the Australian experience, in that Canada's desire to develop a vibrant song-and-dance culture of their own has been thwarted somewhat by their easy access to Broadway and West End product. Bookended by the country's two biggest international successes, Anne of Green Gables (London 1965) and The Drowsy Chaperone (Broadway 2006), and documenting everything that came in between, it's a fascinating look into a musical theatre culture that's had scant recognition in print before. Atkey's definition of musical theatre is wide, as he also encompasses the revue and cabaret genres. His research reveals some of the world's top musical theatre actors were Canadian: Robert Goulet, ... Len Cariou and Victor Garber, as well as the legendary comediennes Beatrice Lillie and Anna Russell. We learn that Anne of Green Gables, which, started as a TV production in 1956, played the Charlottetown Festival for 41 years, that the revue Spring Thaw was the inspiration for Rowan & Martin's Laugh In, and that Galt MacDermot, the composer of Hair started out writing songs for the McGill University revue, My Fur Lady. Atkey, himself a composer with an Off-Broadway credit (A Little Princess, 2003), has done a terrific job in amassing all the detail and interviewing the key players. It's well-documented, full of facts, and a compelling read for any musical theatre buff. Highly recommended." -- Peter Pinne, Stage Whispers, Australia

From Goodreads:

Feb 14, 2013 Doug Matthews rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was long overdue. It is an excellent history of Canadian musical theatre beginning with the Theatre du Neptune in Annapolis Royal in 1606 and going right up to 2006; 400 years of tremendous successes and dismal failures. There are details of many little-known works and some very honest commentary on some of the personalities and attitudes in the Canadian theatre world. Also illustrated with some great vintage photos and playbills. I would suggest it should be required reading for all theatre programs in Canadian universities.

Author Mel Atkey's research for Broadway North included interviews with Norman and Elaine Campbell and Don Harron, creators of Anne of Green Gables-The Musical; Mavor Moore, founder of the Charlottetown Festival and of Spring Thaw; John Gray, author of Billy Bishop Goes to War; Ray Jessel and Marian Grudeff, Spring Thaw writers who had success on Broadway with Baker Street; Dolores Claman, composer of the Hockey Night In Canada theme, who also wrote the musicals Mr. Scrooge and Timber!!!; and Galt MacDermott, the composer of Hair who started out writing songs for the McGill University revue My Fur Lady. Atkey also draws on his own experience as a writer and composer of musicals, and tells the story of why a show that should have starred James Doohan (Star Trek's Scotty) didn't happen.

Composer, lyricist and author, Mel Atkey is currently based in the U.K. Proud of his Canadian cultural roots, he has long been fascinated with the notion of a distinctive Canadian musical theatre.

Broadway North: The Dream of a Canadian Musical Theatre

By: Mel Atkey

Number of pages: 336

ISBN: 1897045085

Price: $29.95 CAD | $23.95 USD

You can purchase Broadway North online through Amazon