Tony LePage and Courtney Hammond Bring The Magic of Broadway to New Brunswick

In a remarkable display of creativity and determination, husband and wife Broadway duo Tony Lepage and Courtney Hammond have successfully brought the magic of Broadway to the province of New Brunswick. LePage, a native of Fredericton, met Hammond on Broadway in New York while performing in notable shows like "From Away." When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the couple decided to make a dramatic change, ultimately leading them back to LePage's home province where they brought Broadway to the Maritime province. Their efforts have not only entertained audiences who have never had Broadway come to them, but also inspired a new generation of talent within the local community.

Lepage and Hammond have been instrumental in staging several unforgettable productions, including ""Broadway by-the-Sea" and Sweet Dreams: Air Supply the Musical" at KIRA Amphitheatre in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. These shows, which have captured the hearts of audiences, showcase the duo's unwavering commitment to the arts and their desire to bring the Broadway experience to areas that may not have easy access to the renowned theater district.

"The second we saw it, we said, 'We have to do something here.' And in that moment, someone just said, 'Broadway by the Sea.' And that was it," Tony exclaimed, reflecting on the inspiration behind their venture at KIRA Amphitheatre.

The inaugural show in 2021 was a resounding success, with two sold-out performances that left audiences in awe. Broadway stars and local talent came together to create a magical evening filled with show-stopping numbers from popular Broadway musicals. This year, LePage and Hammond have once again curated a lineup of Broadway hits that are sure to captivate audiences.

"We want to create a show that showcases the best of Broadway and leaves the audience wanting more," Hammond shared.

Broadway by the Sea is not only about entertaining the community but also about nurturing young talent. LePage and Hammond have been actively involved in mentoring aspiring performers in New Brunswick. Through workshops and masterclasses, they aim to provide guidance and support to those who dream of making it in the performing arts industry.

"We believe that taking risks and building confidence are key elements to success in this industry," Hammond explained.

LePage, who has made a name for himself as New Brunswick's first Broadway star, understands the challenges that aspiring performers from smaller communities may face. He emphasized the importance of embracing opportunities and not allowing geographical limitations to hinder one's dreams.

"We want to instill in our students the belief that they can achieve anything they set their minds to," LePage reassured

Inspired by their experiences, the duo has made a commitment to contribute to the local arts scene in New Brunswick. LePage emphasized their desire to bring more productions to the area, working with both local talents and artists from New York. Their ultimate goal is to create an even more vibrant theatre community in New Brunswick, fostering collaboration and creativity.

As the curtain falls on their most recent achievements, these are certainly not LePage and Hammond's final acts. It's truly just the beginning as they continue to leave an indelible mark on the arts community. Their commitment to the transformative power of theatre and their passion for sharing it with others will undoubtedly shape the future of Broadway in New Brunswick for years to come.