Ever since his days with Great Big Sea, Newfoundland musician & composer Bob Hallett has always been absorbed by the idea of bringing the rich, vibrant music of Newfoundland to the world.
When Great Big Sea became land-locked into what he calls “an impenetrable legal tangle” a few years ago, Bob transitioned almost instantly into huge success in a whole new medium: musical theatre.
Bob’s newest project No Change in the Weather is a musical that showcases great Newfoundland songs and makes a modern re-appraisal of Newfoundland history, all within the context of characters encountering one another at a wake.
Bob talks to CKUA’s Grant Stovel about being a lifelong champion of Newfoundland music, stumbling upon a rather unexpected new career path, and being one of the musical architects of this new show — which runs the gamut from traditional tunes to Ron Hynes classics to a brand-new song by Bob’s old Great Big Sea bandmate, Alan Doyle.
Catch Change in the Weather September 18th through 21st at the Grand in Calgary, and in Edmonton September 25th to 28th at the Westbury Theatre.