Legendary Canadian Rock group Rough Trade electrified the 80s and 90s with their political sexual genre-busting lyrics and their outrageous androgynous style. Inducted last year into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame for their homo-erotic anthem "High School Confidential," their music was the backdrop for activism, queer coming of age and the synthesis of pop and politics.

Seeded by a generous gift form The P. Austin Family Foundation, This new musical is fueled by the height of their 80s sound and tells the true story of lead singer Carole Pope's brother Howie who was an originating member of ACTUP during the 1980s AIDS Pandemic.

With music by Carole Pope and  Kevan Staples, musical direction  by fellow expat Canadian Logan Medland, a book by downtown scene queen Kate Siahaan-Rigg and sung by some of Broadway's brightest stars this concert is an introduction to a bold new musical currently in pre-production. 

For this special concert of songs from the musical, the cast is led by Broadway Star and “First Lady of Canadian Musical Theater” Chilina Kennedy (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Paradise Square, Jesus Christ Superstar) as Carole Pope. She is joined onstage by other musical theater heavy hitters such as Julius Chase (The Tina Turner Musical), Amy Spanger (Rock Of Ages, Tick Tick Boom), Korie Lee Blossey (Aladdin, Elf the Musical), John Battagliese (Cruel Intentions), Danaya Esperanza (For Colored Girls), and Genesis Adelia Collado (Reefer Madness on stage). Rising stars John El-Jor, Blair Medina, Easton Michaels, and Veronica Fiaoni round out the cast. 

Photo courtesy the artists.

Rough Trade the Musical Website

Carole Pope Bandcamp