Burlington Today - Greg Flis Article - FINALES

Courtesy of Burlington Today - Greg Flis:

Drury Lane’s regular season has now come to a close, culminating with A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, which many patrons claimed was one of the best shows Drury Lane has done. But another special feature presentation will be put on at Drury for two days only – Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14 – with both a matinee and evening performance on Saturday.

Finales consists of what it suggests: nothing but songs which were the finales (first or second act) of their Broadway shows.

Only some of the finale shows are traditional musicals, amongst them The Sound of Music (Climb Every Mountain), Camelot (Before I Gaze at You Again), Gypsy (Everything’s Coming up Roses), and Guys and Dolls (I’ve Never Been in Love Before). However, the shows for which you may not be familiar will make you want to see them, including shows like Shrek, The Witches of Eastwick, and The Notebook.

The concept for the show and its compilation is the brainchild of Michael MacLennan. If you have been to Drury Lane, then you have no doubt seen a Michael MacLennan show. There is always a precision and perfect organization to any show he directs. His resume is extensive, including as cast member in Mirvish shows and at the Stratford Festival, but also directing musicals in Burlington and Mississauga and beyond. In community theatre, his choreography and direction are highly respected, in some circles legendary. In short, he knows how to move actors about the stage to the best effect. For Finales, MacLennan writes a minimalist narration, giving just what we need to hear before getting to the songs themselves. The narration effectively defines ‘finale’ for us, then later suggests the themes we are about to hear, including songs of the heart and songs with different perspectives which challenge audiences.

Amongst the performers are some who may be familiar to Drury Lane audiences, most notably Alix Kingston, last seen at Drury starring in She Loves Me, Vincent Perri who performed in Drury’s Spelling Bee, and Doug Massey, who has been a regular fixture on Burlington and Hamilton stages for many years.

My wife and I were lucky enough to be invited to a rehearsal recently, several weeks before Finales was to be staged, and we were, quite frankly, blown away by the talent. Several performers have worked as actors commercially, but most would be considered amateur in their status, that is, not being members of ACTRA. But their talents are nothing short of professional. These are all performers who are very skilled indeed. They are able to control their voices like finely tuned instruments. One stand-out performer for me seems to be the youngest member of this ensemble, Nathon Irving, whose vocal control and range were awe-inspiring in all his numbers, but particularly in Who I’d Be from the musical Shrek.

Most remarkable, to me, was the incredible blends that Music Director John Pugh was able to glean from this extraordinary cast. During the chorus numbers in particular, and especially in the opening number from Pippin and the final finale from The Notebook, each voice was distinct and unique, and the co-mingling of voices made for a sound which was emotionally powerful.

MacLennan and Pugh are able to get their actors to also be emotionally affective. Their voices, along with the beauty of several songs, will reduce some audience members to tears.

MacLennan’s choreography consists of simple movements which reinforce the songs’ themes and support the emotional intent of each finale as well. The trio of Meagan Dowey, Alix Kingston and Misha Khorramshahi, with the assistance of simple choreography and wonderful voices, bring to life a finale from The Witches of Eastwick, one of many highlights from this show which will leave the audience breathless.

I wish I could mention all the performers, names noted in the picture, but I can assure you that they are all very talented singers and actors.

Tickets for the Drury Lane production on June 13 and 14, including Saturday matinee, are available by calling the Box Office (905-637-3979), who are good for returning calls, and more easily at www.drurylane.ca where you can easily choose your own table/seats.

Finales will also be performed the following weekend at the Maya Prentice Theatre in Mississauga.