HILARIOUS GENDER-BENDING FARCE EXAMINES LOVE, FAMILY
Show 26: Leading Ladies Where: Almonte and District High School Director: Jenny Sheffield Three million dollars — enough money to travel the world in luxury, buy plenty of sports cars and finally pay off that dreadful mortgage! But how far would you go to obtain this money, and what happens when you fall in love along the way? For the talented students in Almonte and District High School’s hilarious production of Leading Ladies, gender, dishonesty and false identity will not stand in the way of fortune.
This farce, written by Ken Ludwig, first had audiences laughing when it premièred in 2004. The comedy centres on two young actors, Leo and Jack, who are having difficulty making ends meet with their out-of-date Shakespeare productions. When they learn of an elderly woman looking to give her multimilliondollar inheritance to long lost relatives Max and Steve, they jump at the chance. But there is only one problem — Max and Steve are women!
Adrian Shearman shone as the mischievous yet charismatic Leo, bounding across the stage with effortless confidence. Whether he was dressing as the sweet Maxine or the determined Leo, his authentic mannerisms allowed him to fully embody his diverse personas. He excelled when he played both characters simultaneously from behind a door, his voice transitioning from a deep tenor to a sweet soprano within seconds. Alongside him was Callum LeRoy as Jack, whose precise comedic timing was extraordinary throughout both acts. Despite the fact that his female counterpart, Stephanie, couldn’t speak, his largerthan-life facial expressions and physicality earned plenty of laughs. His dainty movements fully embodied his feminine character, often skipping or strutting across the stage with unwavering energy.
Every intense stare and brotherly pat on the back added to an extremely believable chemistry between Shearman and LeRoy, whether they were acting out Shakespearean classics or dancing through the mansion as their female counterparts. Both actors balanced comedy and vulnerability with ease, all while delivering well-timed soliloquies in consistent British accents.
Kaleigh Irvin embodied the ditzy Audrey to a T, complete with never-ending enthusiasm and a sweet voice. She was constantly bouncing up and down, showing just how energetic her character is. As Meg, Kennedy Snaith’s perfect posture and gentle mannerisms perfectly reflected those of a stereotypical 1950s housewife. She balanced naivety and sass with ease, embodying her transition from sweet wife to independent woman. Mack Franklin’s unwavering energy captured the brazen essence of Doc, constantly using his bright facial expressions to mock the uptight minister.
A variety of props, including an old-fashioned telephone and a telegram, were perfectly suited to the 1950s time period. They complemented the simple, yet functional set, which included a worn couch and an intricate banister leading to the bedrooms. As with many farce productions, there was an extraordinary number of entrances and exits through numerous doors. Stage manager Jarred Acheson ensured each character was onstage at the right time, with the right prop and correct costume. Despite the high level of difficulty presented by so many costume, wig and set changes, Acheson, together with the props and stage crew, ensured everything ran just as smoothly behind the scenes as it did onstage.
Pretty in pink is an understatement when describing Almonte and District High School’s comedic production of Leading Ladies. It is evident that the cast and crew’s tireless effort resulted in not only a comedic play but also a true examination of family and love. Next review: (This was the last show of the season.)