(Toronto, ON) – I will admit, it’s been over 25 years since I’ve seen a play of any sorts, but I felt compelled to see the Dee Snider’s Rock and Roll Christmas Tale that was featured at the Winter Gardens Theatre here in Toronto. I was fortunate to be able to see the 40th and final performance on December 20th. The show was scheduled to run until the 3rd of January, however the lack of ticket sales forced the show to end sooner than anticipated. I question the sustainability of theatre performances. This show was bar none a fantastic, fun display of classic metal culture meshed with a Christmas message. I know of many people who saw the show multiple times, yet the production had to end early.
Heavy Metal Icon Dee Snider, front man of the ’80s band Twisted Sister, is the brain child behind this musical production. Although not in the fore front of the cast, he took a secondary roll as narrator for the evening. His wife Suzette Snider designed the wardrobe for the show. The entire cast consisted of actors and musicians that are based out of Toronto. Co-star and Grammy-Award winning singer Taylor Dayne played the part of “Roxanne”, the club owner of Down n’ Dirty. Actor, singer and musician Peter Deiwick played the bands front man roll as “D.D. Snutz”. Established guitarist and composer Sean Kelly played the part of temporary band manager and guitarist “Johnny B. Greate”. Actor Kevin Fox played the part of the not so tough bass player “Tank”. Spencer Robson, an actor, who in his spare time researches and plays extreme Metal (according to his bio) plays the drummer role of “Ralph”, the new guy. Lexi Soha and Tiera Watts played the waitresses Angel and Angie. Tim Funnel played the roll of the successful DJ “MC Dedrok” and long time friend of D.D. Of course you couldn’t have a Christmas performance without Santa! This roll was played by Josh Murray.
Däisy Cütter, is a ’90s Metal Bar Band that plays in the basement of the Down n’ Dirty night club. Night after night they fail to have anyone attend their shows, unlike MC Dedrok who draws the crowds to the upper level of the venue. Owner Roxanne gives the band an ultimatum of filling the place up by Christmas or get out. With their everlasting dreams of success, the members of Däisy Cütter sell their souls to Satan in hopes of making it big. However, within the written contract is an important typo, this error would side track their perseverance to the top of the Metal world. Playing their headbanging sets, (mostly Twisted Sister songs) the chorus would change from metal to soft hearted Christmas themed lyrics. Feeling neglected by their oath to the devil, confused and angered by this behavior, singer D.D. eventually calls it quits. Club owner Roxanne convinces D.D that their Christmas inspired songs are an overnight hit, and he must pursue the new found fame of Däisy Cütter. On December 24th, Santa appears, announcing the contract was made out to him as opposed to Satan, hens the overwhelming need to change their lyrics to Christmas Carols.
The evening wouldn’t be complete without Dee belting out a tune from his repretoire called “The Magic of Christmas Day,” along side the impressively talented cast.
This performance was a light-hearted, family friendly show. There where many moments of chuckling and laughing. A fun throw back to a time that was prevalent to Metal Music. I thoroughly enjoyed this performance. If it comes around next year, it certainly is a must see.
Check out what’s next for Dee Snider and Taylor Dayne
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