“Is your soul alive? Then let it feed!”
Edmund Pollard – Spoon River Anthology
Spoon River, Soulpepper. Jackie Richardson (centre) and 2017 Spoon River Ensemble, photo: Cylla von Tiedemann
I am so glad that I revisited Spoon River, Soulpepper’s glorious remount of the classic collection of poems written by Edgar Lee Masters. They are the fictionalized epithets to the dead who once lived in the town of Spoon River. If you caught the show a few years ago, it’s worth a second look, because like a fine wine, the show has matured and developed even more delicious notes and undertones.
Soulpepper has created a very unique theatrical experience. Adapted (by Mike Ross) and directed by Albert Schultz, they have breathed new life into a text published in 1915. Ross was responsible for the wonderful musical composition and it was during the musical numbers that Spoon River worked the best. I wanted to jump out of my seat and start dancing in the aisles during some of the songs.
The audience enters the space through a long hallway that has been made to look like a funeral parlor entryway. The walls are lined with old-fashioned portraits and labeled with names of various characters in the play. The cast is incorporated into the pre-show, wishing you well, and offering condolences “for your loss.” Once you arrive at the end of the hall, a man stands solemnly by the casket of a woman. Then you walk through trees and tombstones with a great, haunting tree projected on the scrim. Ken MacKenzie’s attention to set and lighting detail really helps create the magic in the production.
Spoon River has terrific, upbeat and wildly original musical numbers. The music in this show is thrilling. At times, the sounds were discordant and jarring which made it a bit dangerous and performances skated in the danger zone. The music breaths a freshness into the script, making the stories of the dead more poignant, entertaining and heartbreaking.
The company was generally strong and made bold and exciting character choices. Raquel Duffy Alana Bridgewater, Miranda Mulholland, Jackie Richardson and Daniel Williston were especially terrific and delivered show stopping performances. Special praise goes to Hailey Gillis who was extraordinary, brought me to tears and managed to give me full body chills once again. I was positively mesmerized during her entire number.
Spoon River, Soulpepper.2017 Spoon River Ensemble, photo: Cylla von Tiedemann
Spoon River is a definite crowd pleaser. If you are looking for a one of a kind theatrical experience, this is a productions to check out. The show is heading to New York for an off Broadway run but you have the chance to catch it here. Make sure you do.
Soulpepper’s Spoon River is on stage at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts until April 15. For tickets, please visit: www.soulpepper.ca
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