‘Nothing out there like it’: Choose your own adventure musical debuting in Calgary

Off The Beaten Path is a fantasy tale inspired by Dungeons and Dragons and Lord of the Rings. (obpmusical.com)

A brand new, interactive musical debuts in Calgary, where the audience gets to decide what happens next.

Off the Beaten Path is a fantasy tale inspired by Dungeons and Dragons and Lord of the Rings.

Creators say unlike many other ‘choose your own adventure’ style shows, this one is not improvised.

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Instead, it is based on a 173-page script with over 160 potential story paths.

Every twist and outcome are fully scripted and rehearsed by the 18 performers and crew.

The audience pick those outcomes with their phones and have about 30 seconds to choose.

“It’s the ultimate interaction for introverts, because you’re only voting on your phone – you don’t have to communicate with anyone else – and the show itself is a musical so depending on which path the audience chooses you may get some music you may not get others,” said Tory Doctor, who wrote the play along with Melody McClellan and Nico Rhodes.

Doctor said they have been working on the production for six years and have tested it online, with positive feedback.

“This is something that’s really unique, there are a lot of Broadway producers that are interested in the show itself because there is nothing out there like it.”

The performances take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Beddington Theatre Arts Centre.