Get ready for “Thunderor”, the epic rock opera musical from JJ Tartaglia, a 2x JUNO-nominated musician/writer who’s been making waves in the music scene. This one’s a wild ride, folks, with a fresh soundtrack of original anthems that’ll transport you back to the glory days of arena rock. Think “Bat Out Of Hell” or “Rock Of Ages”, but with a modern twist.
“Thunderor” is making its stage debut as part of the 2025 Toronto Fringe Festival, with a limited run of 5 shows at VideoCabaret’s Deanne Taylor Theatre in Toronto. The twist? It’s being performed “In The Round”, so you’ll be surrounded by the action on all sides – talk about an immersive experience!
“I guess I’m giving my heavy metal dreams a makeover,” says JJ Tartaglia. “It’s been a crazy undertaking, but I’m absolutely stoked about the show we’ve created. I’m truly blessed to have such an amazing cast and team. Expect an unconventional take on musical theatre! In my mind, it combines the best of both worlds, and I hope that it’ll be enjoyed by all.” You can bet your metalhead friends will be talking about this one.
The musical score is debuting some unreleased material from THUNDEROR’s upcoming concept album “Bleed For It”, set to drop this fall. The live band is a talented bunch, featuring JJ Tartaglia on vocals and drums, JONNY NESTA on guitar, and ANTHONY PANNOZZO on keys. The production team is just as impressive, with LIAM ERIC DAWSON at the helm as director (he’s worked on “Come From Away”, among other productions), RAE CHATTEN as assistant director (who’s also a metal concert photographer – talk about a unique combo!), and KRISTEN PEPPER handling choreography (she’s worked on “Kinky Boots” and “Cabaret”, no less!). The cast is a seasoned bunch, with GEORGIA GRANT, JAMIE ELLIOTT, TRISTAN HERNANDEZ, and STEPHEN FLETT bringing the characters to life.
Boonsdale Records presents: THUNDEROR
Five shows as part of the 2025 Toronto Fringe Festival
July 3 – 9:45 pm
July 5 – 7:45 pm
July 7 – 4:00 pm
July 11 – 4:00 pm
July 12 – 5:45 pm
Writer, Musical Director: JJ Tartaglia
Director: LIAM ERIC DAWSON
Assistant Director: RAE CHATTEN
Choreographer: KRISTEN PEPPER
Starring
JJ Tartaglia (as Bowen)
GEORGIA GRANT (as Kenzie)
JAMIE ELLIOTT (as Sheenah)
TRISTAN HERNANDEZ (as Silverman)
STEPHEN FLETT (as Brother Nuckett)
Band
JJ Tartaglia (Drums/Vocals)
JONNY NESTA (Guitar)
ANTHONY PANNOZZO (Keys)
Venue
VideoCabaret – Deanne Taylor Theatre
10 Busy St, Toronto, ON
More information and tickets available as of June 4 at fringetoronto.com.
