A "docu-concert" that decodes the mysteries of Don McLean’s iconic song American Pie is coming to the CAA Theatre in downtown Toronto this March.
The show, called Inside American Pie, promises to decode the lyrics of the eight-and-a-half-minute classic tune. McLean’s song has played on radio for decades and has continually touched listeners with its well-known chorus.
American Pie was written by McLean in 1971 to commemorate the 1959 plane crash that killed his musical hero, Buddy Holly, as well as young stars Richie Valens and The Big Bopper.
The song is jam-packed with riddles and references to other events in history — and Inside American Pie promises to walk audiences through them all.
How do The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin and Charles Manson all fit in to American PIe? Why were the Rolling Stones blamed for a murder? And who was Miss American Pie? Mike Ross and his band of Prince Edward Island musicians — Brielle Ansems, Greg Gale, Alicia Toner and Kirk White — claim to have the answers.
The Inside American Pie production is coming to Toronto direct from the Harmony House in Hunter River, P.E.I., a 25-minute drive from Charlottetown.
Cast members will unlock the mysteries behind the song in a concert experience that’s been thrilling East Coast audiences for four years and counting, Mirvish Productions advertised.
"Combining an iconic set list with remarkable stories, Inside American Pie will take you on a musical journey through the formative years of rock ’n’ roll," Mirvish said in a press release. "You’ll never hear American Pie the same way again."
Ross is a musician, composer, writer and actor who performed in more than 75 productions with Soulpepper Theatre in Toronto, where he would go on to become the organization's musical director. He and his wife, Nicole Bellamy, own Harmony House.
"When the couple returned to P.E.I. to raise their two young children in 2020, they took a leap of faith in purchasing a small music hall," Mirvish said. "Combining their love of music, storytelling and performance with their wish to remain in their home province, they’ve created a unique artistic destination for locals and visitors alike."
As Harmony House closes for the winter months, Mirvish Productions invited Ross and Bellamy to bring their most successful show to Toronto.
Inside American Pie will play at Toronto’s CAA Theatre, located at 651 Yonge St., from March 12 to 30.
Tickets range from $59 to $99 and are will available to purchase through Mirvish.com or by calling 1-800-461-3333 beginning Nov. 28.
