Famous Underground vocalist Nick Walsh, who made a name for himself in the early '90s as the frontman for Slik Toxik, will be making his debut in the theater world performing in the musical, GIG. It will run in Toronto at the Panasonic Theater starting March 15th.

The Toronto Star recently spoke with writer/director Craig Martin, who is also the mastermind behind Classic Albums Live, about the production. Following is an excerpt from the story.

Known for his hugely successful Classic Albums Live concerts that reproduce records from the Beatles to David Bowie and Janis Joplin note for note, Martin produces 120 shows a year across North America. In the coming year, he will add 30 new markets. He also spent years playing in bar bands, wrote music for television and film and produced cabaret shows.

It’s his experiences on various sides of the industry that form the basis for GIG.

“I’ve played the Hell’s Angel’s clubhouse in Sherbrooke, Que. I’ve played maximum security prisons. I’ve talked my way out of some very difficult border situations. I’ve walked offstage mid-show. I’ve blown record deals. I’ve turned down a reality TV show. I’ve loaded pinball machines into the van in lieu of payment,” says Martin.

So why is he mounting an all-Canadian rock musical?

“I’ve had a ton of fun. Surviving all this sh-t made me tougher, smarter and more imaginative,” he says. “Now I’m 54. I’m a businessman and a family man. I want to tell my story — while I still remember it. That’s what GIG is: my story. All the crazy fun times told and embellished upon with credibility that only comes from living it.”

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On February 10th, the cast performed a show preview at the Drake Hotel in Toronto. Fan-filmed video of Walsh in action can be viewed below:

Tracks from the musical are streaming now at this location. The stream kicks off with one of the songs Walsh sings, "Season Of My Life".

Check out a newly released trailer introducing GIG's cast.

A previously released video trailer for Walsh in his role can be also viewed below.

Show details are as follows:

Panasonic Theatre 651 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON
M4Y 1Z9
416 872-1212

"GIG. A brand new musical from the producer of Classic Albums Live. GIG features all original music centred around five singers and their quest for the lights, alongside two booking agents and their quest for the money. Come beyond the velvet rope and see what goes on backstage - where talent runs free and egos run wild.

GIG features:

The Diva: A smart, beautiful singer who’s seen it all. Her conflict is career vs. love.

Jason, The Rock Star: He does what he wants, when he wants. The tighter you squeeze him, the more slippery he gets.

Belle: We watch her transform from a secretary to a Supernova. Her songs are all about dreams coming true.

The Rapper: He’s the show’s MC! He keeps things moving and controls the backstage mayhem.

The Groupie: She’s crazy and funny. She spends a lot of the show in bed.

Instead of a pit band, GIG features musicians onstage, performing and interacting with the Stars. GIG also spotlights a 4-piece ensemble that physically change the sets and let the audience in on all of the backstage secrets.

GIG is about dreams coming true."

This is an all-original musical from the producer of Classic Albums Live. Go to GigMusical.com for more information. Watch the official Facebook page here for updates.

Performance dates are as follows:

Tuesday March 15 - 8:00pm
Wednesday March 16 - 8:00pm
Thursday March 17 - 8:00pm
Friday March 18 - 8:00pm
Saturday March 19 - 2:00pm, 8:00pm
Sunday March 20 - 2:00pm

Go to this location for more information and to purchase tickets.