The brilliant comedy series "Schitt's Creek" may have wrapped its final season, but Noah Reid who played Patrick is currently on his First Time Out Tour across the States gathering more fans with his compelling singing and songwriting. I was lucky to catch him during soundcheck at his Los Angeles stop. The venue was the intimate room upstairs at the Belasco Theatre (built in 1926) which is like stepping back in time - a room with stained glass windows and a stage that reminds one of high school plays.
Noah's bandmates include his good Toronto friends Matthew Barber, who produced both his albums, plays drums in his band and is also opening support, along with Matthew Bailey and Adrian Gordon Cook. I was soon to become privy to the fact that Sarah Levy who plays Twyla in "Schitt's Creek" would be a surprise guest and with her friend Shevy Smith who would join in to duet with Noah. It was a sweet moment to listen to Sarah and Noah rehearse together for their surprise duet.
Diehard fans were smart enough to get a fastpass and planted themselves in the front row. Also known as "Schittheads," they flew in from London, Oklahoma, Denver, Portland, Austin and other destinations.
After a short and sweet set by Matthew Barber who was scheduled to open, it was definitely a surprise to all as Noah took the stage to introduce Sarah Levy and Shevy Smith. Sarah sang two songs, including an original. Looks like Noah isn't the only one with vocal talent!
The time had finally come for Noah to take the stage. As he sat at the keyboards, he joked about of all days to wear a sweater and now he knows how Daniel felt on set. He started off with "Honesty" from his forthcoming sophomore album Gemini produced by Matthew Barber. Before "Minneapolis," he told us he wrote it while the cast was in Minneapolis and the women wanted to go to a spa, but Elton John had booked it. He sang about his hometown of Toronto on "TIFF song." The evening ended with a special duet with Sarah on the song that helped his musical career get that special boost, "Simply the Best."
Check out photos from the magical night in the gallery above!
