Laura and Samara spend their days as non-profit unicorns and fill every spare minute exploring the world of musical theatre as BFFs (that’s Broadway Friends Forever). Follow @bffs613 on X, Instagram and Facebook.
In its premiere season Elevator Theatre Company (ETC) has taken on four very different shows (plus a pre-season premiere) to bring to Ottawa audiences. As we hit the halfway mark of their 2024/2025 season ETC brings us Songs for a New World on stage at LIVE! on Elgin until November 24th. This is the second Jason Robert Brown piece after putting The Last Five Years on as part of their pre-season launch.
Songs for a New World is Jason Robert Brown’s first musical and includes a collection of songs that look at the power of one moment and where it can lead. Giving us insight into how people navigate life and love in both ordinary and exceptional scenarios. You may have not heard of the show before, but likely have come across some of the catchy, funny and powerful tunes including I’m Not Afraid of Anything and Stars and the Moon.

Emma MacEachren. Photo: Laura Collins.
A concert style production, LIVE! on Elgin is the perfect venue to create an intimate relationship with the audience. As always in ETC’s productions, the live band was amazing, elevating each performance to truly fill the room. The lighting also played a huge role in the flow of the show from song-to-song in a way we weren’t expecting. Perfectly timed and adding to each emotion, belt and finale, it really elevated a more simple production into something special.

Charlotte Thompson. Photo: Laura Collins.
Led by a cast of 6, each performer seemed perfectly chosen for their respective songs and each voice blended seamlessly with the others on stage, creating beautiful harmonies. The featured cast, Charlotte Thompson, Clarissa Fortin, Emma MacEachern, Maggie Wolfe and the swings/ensemble, Andrea Romero Cartas and Daniella Bell each committed full emotion to their performances and held great power and control over their vocals, making each song its own unique piece.
Providing a different experience than many productions you may have seen so far this year, you have just one moment to catch ETC’s latest stand out production. Catch it before it’s gone and get your tickets now!
Songs for a New World runs from November 21st – November 24th at LIVE! on Elgin. Performances run from Thursday to Sunday at 7:30pm. Tickets are $32.50 +fees with reduced senior and student prices.