Last weekend I had the chance to head into Toronto to check out Mirvish's production of The Boys in the Photograph. I knew very little about the show going in, only that it was Andrew Lloyd Webber's newest venture, and done in collaboration with Ben Elton.
Previously it had played in the UK and Europe under the name The Beautiful Game, and I knew that the ending had been changed, but otherwise I didn't know what to expect. It was a wonderful experience. It has been a long time since I have seen a show that has an original premise and new music, and going in blind made it even better!
The story centers on a group of students in Ireland and the football team that they play on which unites them at a time when violence is stirring all around them. It chronicles the rise of the IRA and shows the conflict between Catholics and Protestants that was rampant in Ireland during the 1960's. At the beginning, the school football team comprises boys from both backgrounds, and as the story evolves we watch as this young group of friends matures amidst a world that is literally going crazy around them. The show spans many years, as the boys grow up and take different paths in life. Some join the IRA, others pursue their football dreams and others try and have families, but they all remember what it was like back when they were altogether as a football team.
At times I found myself wondering if perhaps this was Andrew Lloyd Webber's attempt at creating a musical on a level with the worldwide hit Les Miserables, since at various point throughout the show I found myself thinking of certain similarities. They both have a sweeping score with some very memorable anthems, and both center around a group of young students during a political revolution. At its core the story is a love story, as was Les Miserables, and I think that is part of what makes it work so well. It is historical in nature and showcases war and violence, when you cut to the core this is a story about love and it really does touch the heart.
Strangely enough, the Royal Alex is where I saw my first production of Les Miserables back when the Canadian Cast was there in the 1980s (and this could be part of my reason for feeling the shows are somewhat similar). The Royal Alex is a fantastic location for this production, and I loved the use of the screen in showing old news footage of various conflicts that were occurring in Belfast during the time period the musical is set. Getting to see real footage of what was happening back when these boys would have been living really added to the emotional impact of the story. Perhaps one of the things I liked most was the use of the individual photographs of the boys in their football uniforms as we find out what happens to them throughout the course of the show, the photographs add an extra sentiment that tugs at the heartstrings and really makes the piece hit home.
After the show I had the opportunity to chat with a few of the cast members and get some pictures. Everyone was very gracious and you could tell that they all really believe in the show. It was great to hear about their experiences with the show night after night and the positive reactions they have been getting.
I'm also working on my preliminary version of my BWW Toronto Blog...didn't see any shows this week so it'll have to be a bit different, but here is what I have so far:
This past week was a little slow for me personally, no trips made into TO but plenty of exciting stuff to read about and plan for.
Perhaps one of the biggest stories on the Toronto Theatre scene this week was the opening of August: Osage County at the Canon Theatre. Part of Mirvish's 2009-2010 line-up, this was a long-anticipated debut, and is in town for a limited engagement only. Here until the 15th of November, if you have the chance I highly recommend checking out this show! The lead role is played by Academy Award Winner (and Tony Nominee) Estelle Parsons, and according to early reviews, she does not disappoint! Globe and Mail theatre critic J. Kelly Nestruck called it a "moveable, delicious feast" in his very positive review which can be read here
The Toronto Star's Richard Ouzounian also had high praises for the show, and specifically for Ms. Parsons. You can read his review here. With rush tickets starting as low as $25, this show is affordable for everyone and sounds like a fun experience at the theatre.
On the London, Ontario theatre scene, Bill Cosby brought his one-man show to the John Labatt Centre Sunday Night to kick of London's "Broadway in London" 2009-2010 Season. Many great shows will be coming this year so watch this space for interviews and reviews of many touring productions that will be coming through my hometown! Some of the shows we can look forward to hearing more about as part of this series include Avenue Q, Cats, Cabaret and Beauty and the Beast.
The rest of the week is still up for grabs, Mirvish also saw the launch of My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding this week, with official opening night slated for the 15th of November. This one looks like a fun night at the theatre and I look forward to reporting back with details once I get a chance to check it out.
In the meantime, November is certainly turning into an exciting month for theatre across SouthWestern Ontario, so hopefully people are getting out to take advantage of everything our area has to offer!
Good stuff BWB
ReplyDelete