Article contentFor this, MacDougall partnered with ECMA award-winning musician, songwriter and fellow playwright Duncan Wells, whose career has spanned over 40 years.Article content“In Cape Breton, he’s really well known,” said MacDougall. “He took the script, and there were sections of the script that we kind of thought, you know, this part of the story could be told through songs. The script would get changed and moved out, and a song would evolve from there.”Article contentDonair: The Musical was now comprised of 10 songs thanks to the help of Wells. After bringing the script around to different writers and editors who offered their own suggestions, MacDougall would have an iteration of the play he was happy with.Article contentThis was around 2019. While MacDougall hoped to bring his donair-themed musical to the stage in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic put an end to his plans.Article content“You’d be lucky to have one performer on a stage,” he said.Article contentHowever, MacDougall was far from done with Donair: The Musical. He wouldn’t let the pandemic stop him from showing off a work that cost him and others so much time and effort. After reworking parts of the script, it was finished in 2022 and transformed into a radio play to air on Coast 89.7FM.Article contentArticle content Carol Anne Gillis is the manager of the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay. She’s also a well-respected actor and a first-time director. Photo by CAROL ANNE GILLIS /CONTRIBUTEDArticle content‘DEFINITELY A CHALLENGE’Article contentThen, in the spring of 2025, MacDougall spoke with the manager of the Savoy Theatre, Carol Anne Gillis.Article content“It might have been during an Adam Baldwin show,” said Gillis in an interview. “He just came up to me and casually said, ‘How do you feel about directing Donair: The Musical?’”Article contentGillis has been involved in theatre for decades as an actor with experience in DIY productions in Toronto’s fringe festival scene. Since moving back to Cape Breton in 2008, she’s been involved in many community theatre productions, but almost always as an actor. This is her first time directing a production.Article content“It’s definitely a challenge,” said Gillis. “Because I’ve played an actor in most other (productions), that’s the perspective I’m coming at it from, an actor’s point of view. It made me keenly aware of things, like making sure I use people’s time effectively.”Article contentWhile it’s a learning experience for Gillis, it’s been rewarding, especially since the cast is made up of various volunteer actors — some new to the stage, and others accustomed to the limelight.Article contentArticle content“We’re all equal, and that’s really helped out in terms of our atmosphere and our energy,” she said. “Having that kind of camaraderie, that we’re all the same. We’re all in a team, together.”Article content Musical director Adam Young, left, rehearses with actors Margaret MacPherson and Tristan Baxter on the Savoy Theatre stage for Donair: The Musical. Photo by PAUL MACDOUGALL /CONTRIBUTEDArticle content‘GOING TO BE A BIG HIT’Article contentIncluded in the production is pianist Adam Young, who has joined up as musical director.Article content“He’s a fantastic pianist who plays all around the island during the summer,” said Gillis. “This is his first introduction to being a music director, so we’re both pretty new to it.”Article contentA casting call helped find not just actors to play the roles, but coincidentally led to them netting a choreographer in actor Sarah Walker, who Gillis has worked with in the past.Article content“I worked with her when she was eight years old,” said Gillis. “Now she’s a 25-year-old choreographer and actor.”Article contentAt this point, MacDougall said he and Wells are sitting back as the production goes forward with rehearsals, readying for the August show dates at the Glace Bay theatre. Yet, he’s never been more excited to see his work come to the stage.Article content“People are going to absolutely love it,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a big hit.”Article contentTickets for the musical can be purchased on the Savoy Theatre’s website starting at $45. Shows begin at 7 p.m.Article content
Donair: The Musical: Nova Scotias iconic meal takes centre stage in Cape Breton
