Alan Thicke to star in new musical Queen for a Day

Richmond Hill, Ont., opens new arts centre with world premiere

CBC News

Posted: Aug 8, 2012 5:12 PM ET

Last Updated: Aug 8, 2012 5:15 PM ET

Alan Thicke is to play TV host Jack Bailey in new musical Queen for a Day. (CBC)

Canadian TV star Alan Thicke is taking to a stage in Richmond Hill, Ont. this fall for the musical production Queen for a Day.

The man who became a favourite TV dad with his role in Growing Pains will play iconic television personality Jack Bailey, host of 1950s radio and TV show Queen for a Day. The show is considered a forerunner of today’s “reality TV.”

Thicke has committed to just 10 performances of the new musical, which has music and lyrics by Linda Barnett and script by Chris Earle, Shari Hollett, and Paul O’Sullivan. The show is to have its world premiere Sept. 26 at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.

Bailey was host of the radio, and later TV, program that asked women "Would YOU like to be Queen for a day?" Each contestant was forced to reveal something about herself on the program to compete for the prize.

Queen for a Day: the Musical, with a cast of 22 and a live orchestra, has been in production for several years and marks the opening of the new performing arts venue.

Thicke’s previous musical theatre credits include Mame and Promises, Promises at the Hollywood Bowl and Chicago on Broadway.

Blythe Wilson, Marisa McIntyre and Stratford Festival veteran Denise Fergusson also star.

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