It’s not often that I do a post that is entirely dedicated to soliciting a single show, but this is a special occasion.  Henry Svec has just announced that he’ll be doing a final show as The Boy from ET, about whom you can read here,  at The Tranzac on Wednesday, August 13.

You can bet that I’ll be there, as not only are the songs on The Boy from ET’s Lives the Part great, but the storytelling concept is one that definitely lends itself to a live setting.

Those of you unfamiliar with the concept, here’s a brief attempt at an explanation: Henry Svec (Peter Mansbridge and the CBCs) plays the role of actor Henry Thomas (Elliott in ET) and crafts songs and stories that tell the fictional life of the actor after his big film role. It’s a creative undertaking to say the least, and I’ve heard that the real life Henry Thomas is none-too-happy about the idea, which makes it all the more daring.

Here’s the official blurb on the show from the man himself:

Join us for the 11th annual guest lecture series hosted by the U of T Dramatic Society. This year, professor Ajay Mehra will guide you in and around the craft of legendary Canadian actor, Henry Thomas.

Mr. Thomas has also agreed to give a special performance of his latest work, “The CFL Sessions,” a series of musical monologues written and recorded by Canadian football stars in the 70s. Henry stumbled upon tapes of the sessions in the CFL Hall of Fame on a recent vacation with his girlfriend to Hamilton. The songs explore archaic themes such as discipline, self-sacrifice, commitment, and sincerity. It is not common for guests of the series to perform entire works, so this is indeed a special treat.

The event is free for U of T Dramatic Society Lecture Series members, $7 for non-members. Doors open at 8:00. It’s on Wednesday, August 13, in the Tranzac’s Main Hall.

The Society is a bit nervous about having rented, this time, such a big space, so please come out! And spread the word.

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The Boy from ET - A Stompin’ Tom Cover

The Boy from ET - In Quebec

Hear more at The Boy from ET’s Myspace page or grab a digital copy of Lives the Part here.