M’CHIGEENG—It’s been a long drought, but the Burns Wharf Theatre players reigned on the Manitoulin Secondary School stage this past weekend with their production of Maltby and Shire’s ‘Closer Than Ever,’ an eclectic musical that would stretch the talents of even the most accomplished of thespians.
Burns Wharf Theatre made its name by mounting complex musicals such as those of Gilbert and Sullivan, and this offering of the David Shire/Richard Maltby collaboration is no less complex. Unlike most musicals, this play does not have a single narrative running through it, explained producer Lynn Dee Sproule during her opening night introduction. Rather there are 24 individual story lines, each contained within the lyrics of the songs of the two-act play—12 in each act—all held together on a major set of themes (doors figure prominently, as do love and relationships).
This production brings the Burns Wharf crew into modern themes and challenges, all without the use of spoken lines—it’s all musical all the time.
Although there were a few technical issues on opening night, the cast delivered an enthusiastic performance before an appreciative audience. The choreography was well suited to the material and the veteran members of the cast were well-complimented by several newcomers to the Burns Wharf stage.
Music director Ray Scott took a turn or two as a cast member, stepping away from the keyboard to hilarious effect, while providing the backing melodies for the cast.
There were 15 players onstage in this production, including in addition to Mr. Scott, Margit Alberti, Alex Baran, Peter Baumgarten, Ann Cummings, John Diebolt, Audrey Jones, Isaac Gosse, Carole Labelle, Rebecca Laurenti (unfortunately off sick during the opening night performance, her parts filled by other cast members), Allison MacNeil, Jacob Pitawanakwat, Jane Prosser, Kayla Simbiriski, Carmen Sloss and Lynn Dee Sproule.
Stage direction was provided by Kayla Simbirski, music coach was Marilyn Wohlberg, set, light and sound provided by Isaac Gosse.
There are still performances to come, all taking place at Manitoulin Secondary School in M’Chigeeng. Evening performances start at 7 pm on October 26, 27 and 28; while a remaining matinee performance takes place at 2 pm on October 29. Tickets are $25 and can be accessed online at burnswharf.net.
