OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASEWorld Television Premiere: Documentary follows personal journey of Canada’s Kyle Riabko as he takes Broadway by storm in the Tony Award®-winning musical Spring Awakening Toronto, ON (March 5, 2009) – The Prairies meet Broadway when a young Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist from Saskatchewan takes Broadway by storm in the world television premiere of KYLE RIABKO: THE LEAD, airing Sunday, March 15 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on Bravo!. Produced by Eagle Vision Inc. in association with Bravo!, the one-hour original documentary chronicles the inspiring personal journey of Saskatoon’s Kyle Riabko as he is catapulted into spotlight in the centre of the theatrical universe as the lead in the Tony Award®-winning musical Spring Awakening. Airing just days before Kyle takes the stage in the Canadian theatre debut of Spring Awakening in Toronto, KYLE RIABKO: THE LEAD gives Canadian viewers their first look at the eight-time Tony Award-winning musical. The one-hour documentary airs again on Friday, March 20 at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT on Bravo!. "Becoming the lead in a Broadway show was like being caught in a wild, stressful, and exciting tornado,” said Riabko. “I am so happy that this documentary was made, to archive a magical experience that I will never forget." Gemini Award-winning director Jeff Newman documents Riabko as he tests his Broadway chops as Melchior in the Broadway production of Spring Awakening. With 20 days to prepare, the documentary goes behind-the-scenes to follow Riabko’s daring move to New York, the intense rehearsal process he embarks on, and his debut performance on opening night. Riabko shares his thoughts of learning the ins and outs of Broadway acting and about the struggle to find his place in the hit musical. This exciting documentary includes candid interviews with former Spring Awakening star Jonathan Groff, Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer, playwright/lyricist Steven Sater, Oscar®-nominated producer Tom Hulce, and more. The documentary also includes exclusive interviews with Riabko’s family members, friends, and fellow cast members, and showcases the incredible impact Spring Awakening has had on youth, by interviewing diehard enthusiasts. By the age of 15, Riabko was an accomplished musician with a record deal and two albums to his name. Prior to joining the cast of Spring Awakening, Riabko spent several years touring Japan, Australia and North America, opening for the likes of John Mayer, Buddy Guy and Maroon 5. Now 21, Riabko has transformed from a musical prodigy into a promising theatrical star. Riabko has also appeared as a principal actor in CTV’s award-winning INSTANT STAR. KYLE RIABKO: THE LEAD was produced in association with Bravo! by Kyle Irving of Winnipeg-based production company Eagle Vision Inc. whose recent credits include BLUE STATE, WALK ALL OVER ME and CAPOTE. Executive producers are Lisa Meeches and Wayne Sheldon. Spring Awakening, the eight-time Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical, begins performances at the Canon Theatre on March 17 and runs through April 19, 2009. For tickets call 416-872-1212 or visit www.mirvish.com. Bravo! is an oasis in the television landscape where viewers make a regular appointment with the arts. Whether it’s a classic opera, an art documentary, a performance in the Concert Hall, or a cutting-edge film, Bravo! gives viewers an opportunity for enriching and thought-provoking experiences. Make an appointment with the arts each night on Bravo!. Bravo! is owned by CTV Limited, a division of CTVglobemedia, Canada's premier multi-media company. For more information, please contact:
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