Canadian Rock Theatre

Websites:  No
Origin: Toronto, Ontario, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Canadian Rock Theatre was a dynamic and ambitious musical ensemble formed in Toronto, Ontario, in the early 1970s. With a lineup nearing 30 members, the group featured a full rhythm section, horn players, multiple lead vocalists, and a choir of backing singers, creating a rich, uplifting sound that blended rock, gospel, and theatrical elements.

Their self-titled album, released in 1972 on Lion Records, captured the spirit of the era with a mix of original songs and covers of contemporary rock musicals such as Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell. The ensemble was produced by Peter Mann and Perry Botkin Jr., with arrangements by Steve Brundage and engineering by Ed Greene and Steve Smith, recorded at MGM Recording Studios in Hollywood, California.

Canadian Rock Theatre was more than just a band—it was a collective of rising Canadian talent. Among its members were Victor Garber (later a celebrated stage and screen actor), Avril Chown, Doug Billard, Danny McBride, Karen Silver, Laurie Hood, P.M. Howard, Paul Ryan, Tabby Johnson, Peter McGraw, Steve Brundage, Ted Bettany, and Glenn Morrow. Many had already made names for themselves in Toronto’s vibrant musical theatre scene, including landmark productions of Godspell, while others would go on to notable careers in pop, disco, jazz, and film.

The ensemble’s performances were characterized by soaring vocal harmonies, jammy jazz-rock interludes, and tight, polished musicianship. Songs like "Changing Day to Day" showcased their versatility—shifting from energetic, horn-driven bursts to gentle, layered vocal arrangements. Their style drew comparisons to groups like Up With People, Lighthouse, and The Sugar Shoppe, blending messages of hope, change, and social unity with a secular professionalism that made their music accessible to a broad audience.

Though their time together was brief, Canadian Rock Theatre embodied a unique moment when the worlds of rock, theatre, and spiritual optimism converged in Canada. Their lone album remains a remarkable artifact of that hopeful, musically adventurous period.
-Robert Williston

Danny McBride: electric guitar, vocals
Steve Brundage: electric guitar
Victor Garber: acoustic guitar, vocals
P.M. Howard: acoustic guitar, vocals
Peter Bodkin Jr.: percussion
Peter McGraw: percussion, vocals
Peter Mann: percussion, piano, vocal arrangements
Pentti J. Glan: percussion, drums
Ted Bettany: bass
Glenn Morrow: organ
Rocky Howell: trumpet
Jean-Pierre Galipeau: trumpet
Jim Hanton: trombone
Sandy Forrester: trombone
Doug Billard: vocals
Avril Chown: vocals
Dorian Clark: vocals
Valentina Davis: vocals
Nancy Dolman: vocals
Laurel Hood: vocals
Faith Jansen: vocals
Cathy Johnson: vocals
Paul Ryan: vocals
Karen Silver: vocals
John Stainton: vocals

Produced by Peter Mann and Perry Botkin Jr.
Band arrangements by Steve Brundage
Recorded at MGM Recording Studios, Hollywood, California, USA
Engineered by Ed Greene and Steve Smith
Executive producer: Michael Ames Viner

Cover photography by Tony Steele and Robin Robin
Cover collage by Ron Raffaelli
Art direction by Saul Saget

Special thanks to Tony Mastrull and Laurie Hood