Director Kaitlin Spedding and Musical Director Ashleen Fain clearly understand the power of music to evoke theatrical catharsis, and powerfully present an emotional thought-provoking universal conflict that draws us into a heartfelt story. The artistic crafting and beauty of this top quality and professional production is one which deserves full houses.
Intelligently and meticulously directed by Zane Fleming, many layers unfold throughout this professional quality two-hour narrative. The opening minutes - sound effects in blackout effectively capture and convey the backstory - the horrors of modern day warfare - which alerts us to expect scars and wounds, emotional, psychological and physical. On lights up, we are immediately drawn into the disquiet.
Superbly directed by first time directed Robin Lane and supported by a young musical director Sammie Campbell, the forty-four cast members (aged from 6-16) have the audience laughing almost from the opening moments. Lane is delighted to have had the opportunity to direct this show, one which he has fond memories of, as it was his first show, aged five, playing Angelo, in Fat Sam's Gang. Lane says this is why he sees the show as more like a game than a show - and indeed, that concept comes spinning clearly through the action.
As soon as you step into the gloomily lit theatre, the 'once upon a time' mystery of the fairy tale woods immediately enchants you. The blue gloomily lit scenery of the woods is so beautifully painted that it's as if you are really there. You are drawn into the story even before it unfolds. The 'magical' set is miraculous! Superbly co-directed by Regan Crummer and Paulette Hadley, the young cast (aged 10-18) engages the audience immediately and captivates them until the end.
At the opening performance of 'The Man Whose Mother was a Pirate' on Saturday afternoon it was not just children being richly entertained , but all attending who were young at heart thoroughly enjoyed a slick 50-minute musical play.
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