The marketing behind the launch of Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam would make even Walt Disney proud. Not only is there a TV premiere on Friday, a DVD and Blu-ray debut on Tuesday, plus a soundtrack rolling out, but the Jonas Brothers have taken the core cast of the movie on a world tour. This could make history for a Hollywood musical, if the effort is as successful as it promises.
The tour is already a hit. "It's been amazing," says American rapper Matthew (Mdot) Finley, who plays not-so-lovable but supremely talented Luke in Camp Rock 2.
The tour arrives in Toronto on Thursday for two shows at the Molson Amphitheatre (Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 2 p.m.). The extravaganza moves to Montreal for one show at the Bell Centre (Saturday at 7 p.m.). The Jonas Brothers are keen to take in Toronto, where Camp Rock and Camp Rock 2 were filmed.
"On set, we had a lot of fun," Joe Jonas says in an interview. "Toronto became our second home." The Jonases lived in Four Seasons Hotel for the shoot, except for the out-of-town locations at French River in northern Ontario. Joe even has favourite eateries, among them Hiro Sushi on King Street: "It's my favourite sushi place in the whole world!" And the three Fresh locations: "Seriously, I am now craving the burgers they have there!" he says.
"I really fell in love with the area. But it's really bizarre to tell people: I really know L.A., New York ... and Toronto."
Finley promises a display of talent. "It's the Jonas Brothers world tour featuring Demi Lovato and the cast of Camp Rock 2. If you come out and check out the show, we start off with Camp Rock songs. We go out separately and then the cast is together and Demi comes out and does her set and then we do more songs from the movie and then the Jonas Brothers do their thing. It's amazing. It's a great show."
Finley is obliged to go on-stage in character, even though Luke is a villain. "I am Luke Williams on the tour," he says of channelling his role. "I perform with Demi and it's just as intense and we try to bring that rivalry back to life from the movie."
Most of the entourage members are enormously impressed with the Jonas Brothers: Joe, Nick and newly married Kevin.
"I think what is striking me the best is the level of their vulnerability on stage," says actress-singer Alyson Stoner, who plays Caitlyn in both Camp Rock movies and also is on the world tour. "Being on tour with them (I see) they are sharing what is in their hearts, which is automatically liberating the audience to feel the same, whereas most performers put on the act so they can close off an area of their hearts they don't want people to know about. I'm learning that just the honesty and sincerity in their performances is inspiring."
Each Jonas is, Stoner says, "Normal!"
She smiles. "Isn't it awesome. It is absolutely a huge testament to their parenting, how they were raised. I think they understand it is not about us. It is about using our gifts to positively impact someone else's life. So, when you have that mentality, you don't have to worry about the glory. Just being famous, it is hollow success. They focus on the small things."
Those things include being polite, even to over-eager fans. "Honestly, they're so generous to their fans. Their motto is: Gratitude is the attitude."
Backstage, Stoner notes, "They're still opening the door for you. They're still being attentive to your needs as if your needs are more important than theirs. That sort of attitude is unheard of in the entertainment business. They're respectful. They're gentlemanly. I'm really amazed. Chivalry is not dead, thanks to the Jonases."
bruce.kirkland@sunmedia.ca
