NEWS RELEASE


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                                   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Blockbuster show ‘Queen - It’s A Kinda Magic’ comes to Canada
Fans get a chance to re-live the excitement of a legendary Queen tour

(Winnipeg, MB – February 22, 2010) After capturing the hearts of over 250,000 Queen fans and conquering stages across the globe, Queen – It’s A Kinda Magic is set to rock again…this time in Canada!

 

Blockbuster concert show Queen – It’s A Kinda Magic re-creates the excitement, energy and theatrics of Queen’s last world tour with Freddy Mercury at the helm. 

In 1986, Queen embarked on a tour following the release of their album, A Kind of Magic. Over one million people saw Queen on that tour (a record at the time), which turned out to be the band’s last with Freddy Mercury. Queen - It’s A Kinda Magic relives that glorious experience.

Queen – It’s A Kinda Magic is “rock theatre” at its absolute best. It delivers the real thrills and excitement of seeing Queen live with 21st century sound and lighting. The stellar cast consists of Craig Pesco capturing the passion and flamboyancy of Freddie Mercury, Travis Hair as the prodigious lead guitarist Brian May, Brett Millican as drummer/vocalist Roger Taylor, and Matt Newton playing the unmistakable bass sound of John Deacon.

Since 2005, Queen – It’s A Kinda Magic has captivated audiences in France, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Canada, United States, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and more. The show is personally endorsed by Freddie Mercury’s former personal assistant and long-time close friend, Peter Freestone.

For more information, visit www.itsakindamagic.com

Media inquiries? Please contact Lisa Saunders: lisa@soundstrategy.ca or 204.799.4641

 

Some words of praise for Queen – It’s A Kinda Magic:

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and if the legendary Freddie Mercury was with us today, we’re sure he’d agree that the outstanding Queen – It’s A Kinda Magic… was a worthy homage”
~ Masala, DUBAI, 2006

“The thrill, the excitement, the personality and theatrical experience that was Freddie live! I have not seen another show in the world do it better, their name is well deserved, they truly are A Kinda Magic."
~ Peter Freestone, 2005

“Queen It’s a Kinda Magic’s portrayal of Freddie Mercury and Queen was flawless… With a standing ovation to a much loved classic "Bohemian Rhapsody" the crowd, many having a feeling of deja vu of days gone by, left feeling as though they had been ‘mercurized’!”
~ Toronto Sun, CANADA, Sept 2006

“The fact it has nearly sold out every show on its North American tour speaks volumes about its caliber of accuracy and the dedication of Queen fans worldwide”
~ Seattle Post Intelligencer, US, Sept 2005

With legions of Queen fans young and old worldwide hail Queen – Its A Kinda Magic as the “resurrection of the greatest band ever”. This moveable feast of true rock reminds us of a time when live performance meant bands with instruments and a lead singer that rocked you over and over
“The atmosphere was nothing short of electric and the costumes were faultless… one of the most energetic performances Dubai has ever seen. Rock on!”
~ Masala, DUBAI, 2006

“Queen has left a legacy that we will always remain devoted to and I can’t believe we can still see it live on stage,”    ~ Audience fan, State Theatre, SYDNEY 2005
Don’t miss this extraordinary rebirth of the greatest rock band ever.
Queen – Its A Kinda Magic WILL rock you in ‘07!  “The real deal”
~ Herald Sun, MELBOURNE, 2005

“Sensational”     ~ Metro, BARCELONA, 2006

About the performers:

The outrageous stage antics and personality of Freddie Mercury comes alive through Craig Pesco
Craig is a founding member of the group and plays a vital role in the development and production of the show. His fascination with Freddie Mercury and Queen has developed into Craig becoming world renowned as the most realistic and authentic frontman to capture the true spirit of the Queen legend. Peter Freestone, Freddie’s personal assistant and best friend since 1979, describes Craig’s performance as “spine tingling” and “truly amazing”. A fantastic compliment from a man who spent more time with Freddie Mercury than even the band members did in Queen’s final years. Craig is a Queen historian who has worked successfully in the entertainment industry for over 20 years. He has previously worked with his own bands and toured with Kiss and Sammy Hagar. Craig is 38 and lives In Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia.

The inimitable style and sound of Brian May's Red Special, played by Travis Hair
Travis Hair is a truly gifted guitarist from Brisbane, Australia. At age 25, Travis is almost a veteran of show business and the perfect choice to play the role of Queen’s amazing guitarist/ songwriter Brian May. Travis is meticulous in his choice of equipment, resurrecting the exact sounds, tones and nuances of Brian’s unique style. Note for note recreations of Brian’s most famous solos are Travis’ speciality.

The hammering of tubs and vocals of drummer Roger Taylor recreated by Brett Millican
Brett Millican plays the specialist role of drummer Roger Taylor. He is a well disciplined player who has the ability to recreate Roger Taylor’s chilling falsetto voice, intricate drum fills and original style. Brett is also from Brisbane Australia, and like Roger, is a keen fan of motor sports. “I’m In Love With My Car” is his signature song in the Queen show. Brett is aged 25 and a founding member of the cast.

The unmistakable bass sound of Mr. John Deacon played by Matt Newton

Matthew Newton is a well-respected session musician and producer from Brisbane, Australia. When not running his own successful studio, Matt plays the role of John Deacon, bassist, songwriter and quiet member of Queen. John Deacons’ bass lines are the bedrock of the Queen sound, and come in such memorable forms as “Another one bites the dust” and “Under Pressure”. Matt takes great pride in his performance and chooses fender equipment when on tour.

PRODUCED BY: Showtime Management under the direction of John Van Grinsven Senior 

The Queen phenomena worldwide
~ 18 Number One albums ~
~ 18 Number One singles ~
~ 8 Number One DVD’s ~
~ Total album sales in excess of 100 million ~ ~ 2001 – inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ~
~ 2003 – first and only band inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame ~
~ 2004 – ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame ~
~ As of 2005 Queen albums have spent a total of 1,422 weeks or 27 years on the UK album charts; more time than any other musical act including The Beatles and Elvis Presley (Guinness Book of World Records) ~
~ As of 2005, Queen Greatest Hits album best-selling album of all time in UK (over 5.4 million) 2007 – Best British Band of All Time (BBC Poll)