Nathan Carroll to star as Terry Fox in ‘Marathon of Hope: The Musical’

WATERLOO, Ont. – After a nationwide search, Nathan Carroll has been cast to portray Terry Fox in a new musical about the late Canadian icon.

The emerging Canadian theatre actor will star in the premiere of “Marathon of Hope: The Musical,” created by composer and lyricist John Connolly and playwright Peter Colley.

Carroll, who was born in Elliot Lake, Ont., made his theatrical debut at the age of five and immersed himself in local community theatre as a teen.

He has travelled across Canada as part of the original Canadian cast of the musical “Once.” Carroll also starred in productions including “The Wizard of Oz” and “La Chasse Galerie.”

Fox had his right leg amputated after a battle with bone cancer. In 1980, at the age of 21, he embarked on a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

“Marathon of Hope: The Musical” was developed in consultation with Fox’s family, and will chronicle his famed journey covering 373 kilometres in 143 days — equal to 128 marathons. It runs Oct. 5-30 at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse in Waterloo, Ont.