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Artscene Oakville Beaver · FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2007 19 Oakville actor wigged out by California Dreaming By Krissie Rutherford OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Matthew Campbell's latest endeavour includes an enormous orange afro wig, flashy costumes and a tribute to rock and roll over the ages. The 26-year-old Oakville resident is one of 14 performers in the Stage West production, California Dreaming 2: The Beat Goes On. It's a musical revue that looks at the progression of the California rock and roll sound from the 1960s to the turn of the century. As Campbell puts it, "It's a two and a half hour rock show." Hits by legends like Kenny Rogers, CCR, Heart, Journey, Michael Jackson, Santana, Sheryl Crow, Sonny and Cher and Janet Jackson are just some of the numbers included on the song list. The performers aren't impersonating those stars, but they are getting into the era each belongs to. "We have costumes kind of fitting the period of each song. Some of the show is done in kind of a more impression style, but it's more of a tribute overall," said Campbell. "It's fun because wearing the costumes lets the audience relate a bit more and it brings back memories of those periods. "Sometimes they look at it and just say, `I can't believe it, it's ridiculous that I once wore that,'" he added, laughing. "I think it really brings them back to it." EARTH, WIND AND MATTHEW: Oakville's Matthew Campbell (back row, orange wig) enjoys several costume and wig changes in the musical revue California Dreaming 2: the Beat Goes On now playing at Mississauga's Stage West. The actor, who sings songs by Huey Lewis and the News, Journey and The Eagles, among others, is pictured here with cast members in the Earth, Wind and Fire segment of the show. A Sheridan College music Buddy Holly Story and Measure Harmer and The Derek Miller theatre grad, Campbell's contri- for Measure with the Band. bution to the show includes Charlottetown Festival, Next on his list is the release songs by Huey Lewis and the Campbell is also pursuing a solo of his debut solo album: No News, Journey, and his favourite, music career, and plays both the Fixed Address, which he's been The Eagles. piano and guitar. working on over the past 18 "It's great, I really enjoy it a "I always enjoyed musical the- months. lot," he said, adding the show fea- atre and it's something I always "I'm focusing more and more tures acts "loosely chronological- wanted to get into. In this career, on my own material. My debut ly" from the 1960s to present day. it's tough to just do musical the- album is kind of where my ener"The crowds seem to really atre," he said. "I've been lucky gy is these days," he said. "At the enjoy it and it's always nice doing that I work with other music as end of the day, I definitely enjoy that kind of music for people well with guitar and piano." doing my own stuff. Compared because you get a really good Campbell has been singing to the show, they both provide response." professionally for the last eight such different opportunities. I On top of his musical theatre years, and has played as a gui- love doing both of them." career, which includes roles in tarist and pianist with stars Campbell says he's also enjoyJesus Christ Superstar, The including Tom Cochrane, Sarah ing not having to follow a script this time around. "It's nice in the sense that you can do things differently here and there in this show. It's also better for the audience because the music just never stops. It's a non-stop rock show." California Dreaming 2: The Beat Goes On, runs until Feb. 18 at Stage West, 5400 Dixie Rd., Mississauga. Performances run nightly Tuesday to Sunday with matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Tuesday to Saturday nights include a buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m., curtain at 8:15 p.m. Sunday nights, dinner is at 5 p.m., curtain at 7 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday matinées, buffet at 11 a.m. with curtain at 12:30 p.m. For tickets, book online at www.stagewest.com or call the box office at 905-238-0042. For more on Matthew Campbell and to hear his solo music, visit www.myspace.com/matthewcampbellmusic. Bellydancesmovement! The original women' Want to learn the sultry, oh-so feminine moves of bellydance? To celebrate our opening month, we're offering a free beginner bellydance class each Saturday morning in January from 11:30am.-12:30pm. It's a great way to check out our class & our gorgeous studio that just oozes with the bellydance vibe. Limit one free class per person. Reservations essential. Call 416-414-1115. Visit us online at www.bellyup.ca & our blog at www.bellyupbellydance.blogspot.com We're located at 2464 Lakeshore Rd. W., Unit #1 in Bronte. bellyup bellydance studio The beauty of motion www.bellyup.ca CHOOSE FROM OVER 1,000 PREMIUM SELECTED PRE-OWNED VEHICLES - 3000 WOODCHESTER DR. (ERIN MILLS AUTO CENTRE) MISSISSAUGA SakeP ayment a Vacation BUY NOW - NO PAYMENTS TILL SPRING! REALLY!