More than 2,000 attendees of the debut performance of the Queen-inspired musical We Will Rock You descended on Sheraton Centre Toronto for a gala after-party. Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor and writer Ben Elton attended the premiere at the Canon Theatre. The trio collaborated on the production, which depicts a dystopian future bereft of creativity and individuality.Mirvish Productions, producer of the Toronto show, tapped Premier Conference and Events to coordinate the lavish, rock themed gala, which lasted just an hour and a half. Designer Kevin Slavish, of Lavish Designs, created a series of goth-inspired vignettes which were set around the food stations. Sheraton Centre catered the event, serving a varied menu, including sushi, tapas, and decadent desserts. Silver lighting trusses from Fortis Productions framed the stations, while mannequins in 1970's rock costumes perched overhead on the cross trusses. Tattered, dark-coloured fabrics and Elvis Prestley busts embellished a massive truss in the centre of the room that served as the main bar. Meanwhile, linens overlaid with silk scarves decorated with psychedelic patterns and images of white skulls covered the cocktail tables, which were topped by lit black pillar candles. V.I.P. guests hung out in a boys-club style lounge with red leather wingback chairs and classic lamps. Mirvish public relations manager Randy Alldread called the decor "a tribute to the music of Queen, which is what the [stage] show is all about."
In the halls outside the ballroom, there were tables with red linen and white chairs with lit spheres in the centre that changed colour continuously. There were also dessert stations overflowing with sweets and gourmet treats and candy tables with bowls of popcorn, lollypops, and candies that glowed from light sticks placed within.
—Robyn Small
Posted 05.07.07
Photos: BizBash.TO
In the halls outside the ballroom, there were tables with red linen and white chairs with lit spheres in the centre that changed colour continuously. There were also dessert stations overflowing with sweets and gourmet treats and candy tables with bowls of popcorn, lollypops, and candies that glowed from light sticks placed within.
—Robyn Small
Posted 05.07.07
Photos: BizBash.TO