Backstage lunacy makes for gut-busting laughter in Jitters
Firehall Theatre in Niagara Falls stages David French’s comedic classic
Theatre troupes rehearse endlessly in an attempt to pull off seemingly flawless plays before audiences, but in real life, what goes on behind the scenes in theatre halls can be chaotic and messy.
Audiences at the upcoming Firehall Theatre fall production of David French’s “Jitters” will get a rare, closeup look at that mayhem behind the curtains in all its flawed glory.
The all-volunteer theatre in Niagara Falls is tackling the acclaimed play by the award-winning Canadian playwright renowned for his hilarious scripts, starting on Friday.
Shows run Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. until Nov. 10.
The play involves the opening night of a fictional new play, The Care and Treatment of Roses, and within minutes the audience is immersed in the lunacy.
French’s literature describes the “larger-than-life personalities, easily bruised egos … faulty props, close quarters, lost lines and bad reviews,” all magnified by the opening night jitters of cast, crew, writer and director.
The play was first performed in 1979 to critical and commercial success, and has become what’s described as one of Canada’s most enduring and popular plays both at home and abroad.
In a review of “Jitters” in the Toronto Star a few years ago, writer Robert Crew said a few minutes into the show the audience erupts into gut-busting laughter.
“The laughter builds and builds to a rippling series of rib-aching crescendos,” he wrote.
Crew said the characters include diva-ish Jessica Logan who has made it big on Broadway; “snarling, devious” Patrick Flanagan who’s a big fish in the smaller Canadian theatre pond, but has never tried his luck in the Big Apple; Phil Mastorakis who is a bundle of nerves fretting about his too-tight pants and squeaky shoes; a besieged director and seemingly timid playwright.
For all their faults, Crew said French’s characters “are real people with real fears and insecurities.”
A review of “Jitters” in the New York Post said for anyone who has any knowledge of the life of the theatre,
“French has caught its moods, anxieties and foibles to a lunatic nicety.”
Firehall Theatre co-producer Katie Muirhead said the audience will be challenged to keep up with the “neurotic, crazy backstage insanity” of opening night. “This is a group of really talented performers, and we are so excited for our audience to be introduced to some hilarious and unexpected performances,” she said.
The production is directed by Tracy Thorpe, who has garnered accolades for producing and directing outstanding performances at Laura Secord Secondary School,” said Muirhead.
The show features Ryan Lunn as Patrick, Katherine Kubarakos as Jessica, Jerome Black as George, Peter Mitchell as Phil, Eric Jeddry as Robert, Bradley Doyle as Tom, Wesley Detlor as Nick, Natalie Iggulden as Susi and Brianna Claus as Peggy.
Tickets are $20 for adults or $18 for seniors, students and children. They’re available at www.firehalltheatre.com.
Firehall Theatre is at 4990 Walnut St.