Social Issues - According to the Chorus and Wildcat

I thought I would catch up a bit and  chat about a couple of shows I saw that I didn't have time to blog about at the time. Sometimes I get busy... I still have a post to write about my last day of Fringe this summer as I usually collapse after Fringe wraps up that whatever I see on the last day gets neglected... Anyhow, I digress... 

I say two pieces this fall that were both heavy on social issues, each of them approaching them in a very different way. 

The first, According to the Chorus, was presented as the October production at Walterdale Theatre. It told the story of the backstage of a Broadway show during the mid-eighties during the height of the AIDS crisis. The show also alluded to other social issues, eating disorders and domestic violence, but these were not dealt with in as much depth. It was a clever way to talk about what was going on at the time, as Broadway was no doubt hit harder than other industries with illness and death. We heard about this from the perspectives of the chorus girls and saw the impact of the disease on the stage manager Vander (played by Josh Young) who seemed to shrink before our eyes throughout the show. The show was definitely telling this story from a new perspective - that of those observing it happen while it is not happening to them. I felt the script could have used a little more work as it seemed to want to lean into comedy and petty disputes, but I was very impressed with the actors who did the work to make the world feel real. 

The second, Wildcat, at first glance seemed to be about a former union activist searching for relevance as she ages, however, it shifted to be really about catfishing and online fraud and a unique way that elderly people might be caught up in giving away their money to unsavory people. I will admit, I feel that the activism storyline that kind of bookends the piece could have been eliminated and it would have been stronger. The clever set-up for the catfishing and how the problem is solved is the shining diamond of the play. That's where the story moves and gets entertaining and engaging, and I think it tells a story that we all need to hear to protect ourselves. I'm getting older and I could see very clearly how someone, lonely and isolated and wishing for their past could get swept up in the danger. I think the bookends about activism might have come from the inspiration for the characters and the perception of a necessary backstory, but I think it might be a case of less is more - OR - maybe there's actually two plays there - maybe there's a play about the Activist that earns the ending epilogue.  It is a fun piece of theatre and the acting is excellent (Michelle Fleiger, Maralyn Ryan, Melissa Thingelstad, & Graham Mothersill). The second act gets very funny and dangerous and there's some terrific choreography used to help support the story-telling. I'm certainly still thinking about it, & that's always what you want from theatre! 

A Nostalgic Theatre Adventure Continues with Beehive: The 60's Musical!

The Cast of Beehive: The Musical
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On Thursday night I had a wonderful time revisiting the music of the 1960s with St. Albert Dinner Theatre's Opening Night of Beehive: The 60's Musical. The show was handily directed by Caitlyn Tywoniuk with Music Direction by Dalton B. Terhorst. It featured a talented collection of 6 singer/actor/dancers who wove together a journey through the pop music of the 1960s. While I was not alive for most of the 60s (note: I say most of as I was born during the tail end of the decade) I was very familiar with most of the songs due to growing up with the radio on and absolutely loving the 60s girl group sounds! I also directed and performed in a similar show, Shout!, a number of years ago at the Fringe and there were some overlaps in song selection. Needless to say, I was quietly singing along to many of the songs in Beehive! 

The cast was very well suited to the music, both in voice and dance (choreographed by Sabrina Thieven). Their harmonies were bang-on and each of the 6 actors had moments where they could shine. Josephine Herbut as Wanda, skillfully guided us through the journey, and I loved all her songs. Her voice never falters and has such a beautiful tone which is perfect for the music of the era. Her renditions of Walking in the Rain and The Beehive Dance were simply terrific! Sika Clarke as Pattie is a powerhouse vocalist which leads to a dynamic version of You Don't Own Me. I absolutely loved everything that Renee DeSilva-Bissell (Jasmine) sang as she is remarkably vocally flexible. Her Diana Ross inspired, You Can't Hurry Love, is a showstopper. Melanie Dobos (Allison) has a bright youthfulness and elegance that is charming in her rendition of Where the Boys Are. Chrissie Palacios (Gina) stands out when she delivers the classic, (You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman, and Kelsey Hoople (Laura) channels Janis Joplin with a warm and smoky medley including Cry Baby and Me and Bobby McGee. Through all the songs, the cast works as a true team backing each other up with energetic dance and tight harmonies. They also don't limit themselves to the stage, but literally work the crowd with shout-outs and weaving through the audience to make the whole thing more immersive. It was a fun ride! 

I should also mention, that this company is a dinner theatre, so the evening starts with a buffet meal which was delicious. This was also the company's first foray into producing a musical and they've done a terrific job with an excellent piece of theatre!

Beehive: The 60's Musical runs on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until November 22nd. Tickets are $70.00 and that include dinner and the show and can be purchased here.