Searing contemporary take on a Russian classic heats up Rodeo
Onegin cast is as enamoured with the historical love story as the audiences are
According to Josh Epstein, Veda Hille and Amiel Gladstone’s musical Onegin has people falling in love with love.
The Vancouver actor should know because he’s been with the award-winning musical since its first workshops back in 2014.
This Canadian show, which runs in the Max Bell Theatre Jan. 5-13 as part of the 2018 High Performance Rodeo, has a mighty lofty pedigree.
It is based on Alexander Pushkin’s 1832 epic poem and the Tchaikovsky opera it inspired.
It’s the story of a dandified city nobleman who visits the estate he inherited in the country only to arouse long-buried passions in the country folk and in himself.
“What was so exciting and special about working on Onegin was that the lushness, gorgeousness and romance were always there, which explains why all of us stayed with the project to its opening.
“We knew from Day 1 that this show was special. The writing, the music and the score are all incredible,” says Epstein, who plays the poet Vladimir Lensky, Onegin’s new country neighbour who introduces the visitor to his fiance Olga’s family and especially to Olga’s shy intellectual sister, Tatyana.
Vladimir is also the narrator, so Epstein says he gets to observe audiences watching the show.
“I see how the story, the music and the characters work their magic. I see so many tears and I watch as couples inch closer to one another.
“Everyone has a story of loves lost and won that this musical rekindles, whether it’s a current lover or a former lover. This has been the power of Pushkin’s story and explains why it has lasted so long.”
Epstein says Onegin is the Russian equivalent of Romeo and Juliet and believes the performers love it as much as the audience.
“Veda and Amiel have written characters, dialogue and songs that showcase every one of us in the show.
“Veda is the coolest lady I know and she makes things feel so current and ballsy, and she definitely knows how to write a pop tune.
“Amiel knows how to make everything he touches seem fresh and uncomplicated. Together, they have made this centuries-old story so beautifully accessible to a modern audience.”
Where Epstein is one of the original stars of Onegin, Nadeem Phillip is the newest cast member. He joined the company for this new mini-tour, playing numerous small characters in the story.
“I saw the premiere of Onegin back in 2015,” Phillip says. “It is definitely the best musical I’ve ever seen and perhaps even the best show I’ve seen. It’s not what you expect from a traditional musical. It is so much more and so unique.”
Phillip says what makes Onegin an instant Canadian classic is that “it may not be your grandfather’s musical, but it is definitely your grandfather’s love story.
“There is a sense of old-world honour and dignity to the story that is all too rare in shows today. Everything from the story and characters to the music strikes at the heart.”
Phillip says Calgary audiences are fortunate because after the final show in Whitehorse on this tour, there will be changes in the cast.
“Calgary audiences get to see Onegin with all the original cast members plus me, which means being in this tour makes me as fortunate as the Calgary audiences. These are the people who created the show.”
Onegin stars real-life couple Alessandro Juliani and Meg Roe as Evgeni Onegin and Tatyana Larin, with Epstein and Lauren Jackson as the poet Lensky and his fiance Olga Larin.
Other cast members and the onstage orchestra include Caitriona Murphy, Andrew Wheeler, Nadeem Phillip, Barry Mirochnick, Jennifer Moersch and Chris Tsujiuchi.
Tickets for Onegin are $30 and can be reserved through theatrecalgary.com, hprodeo.ca, in person at the Arts Common box office or by phone at 403-294-9494.