Everyone reading this newsletter knows that Peter Sanagan runs two butcher shops in Toronto. But, like any other reasonable, well-rounded person, he had a life before the meat business and continues to have a life in spite of it — a very busy ambitious life. Here are some excerpts from an interview I conducted with the boss regarding the latest installment in the life of Peter.
Graham: So Peter, how would you describe this new project.
Peter: laughs I think you can only describe it as a musical.
Graham: I think it’s safe to say that most people didn’t see that coming.
Peter: Oh, for sure but that’s what’s so fun, and frankly, therapeutic about it; it’s so far away from running two butcher shops.
Graham: So, is it like a traditional singing and dancing musical?
Peter: Yeah, I’m a big fan of the genre: Rodgers and Hammerstein, Andrew Lloyd Weber, Rent — all the greats.
Graham: Is this something you have a background in?
Peter: Well, before I got into food, I was a bit of a stage brat. As a kid I was in the touring version of the Polka Dot Door. I did a few commercials. Google https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz2ARTdaqE0 I was on my way to gaining admittance to the National Theatre School when I got a summer job at Licks, and then that was that. From there it was food all the way. But now I really need something other than work and family.
Graham: What’s it about?
Peter: It’s totally based around my experiences starting up a butcher shop in the market. In a lots of ways it’s about Kensington Market and so therefore about the city itself.
Graham: Wow. So what are some of the numbers?
Peter: Right off the top of my head? Long pause I Can See Myself In That Shop Window; Cows and Pigs and Chickens and Me; Help Wanted - Apply Within; Sing-agan’s…
Graham: That sounds like fun. Are you pitching this to any producers or theatre companies?
Peter: Oh it’s early days for that but The Ontario Cattle Breeders Association is on board.
Graham: Where do you envision staging it?
Peter: Well the truth of the matter is, we’ve got so many talented performers working here at Sanagan’s, that I think I might try doing it in-house. I mean, it’s like the shop is already a stage.
Graham: Does it have a name?
Peter: Oh that was easy. April Fools.