EXPLORING THE POWER OF DANCE, FAMILY AND LOVE
Show 17: Almonte and District High School
Dancing at Lughnasa
Director: Jenny Sheffield
Review Ranked No. 1:
What happens when deeply rooted values begin to be challenged and the constants in life begin to shift? How can a family learn to survive on the brink of such change? In their impressive production of Dancing at Lughnasa, the remarkable cast and crew of Almonte and District High School provided answers to these complicated questions and poignantly explored the power of dance, family, and love.
Bursting with sincerity and vibrancy, this production blended a variety of attentive technical aspects and a wonderfully interconnected cast to capture the heartfelt and lively atmosphere of the Mundy family.
Written by Brian Friel, the play Dancing at Lughnasa first premièred in 1990. Set in the north of Ireland, this play is told as memories from the grown-up Michael as he recalls and reflects upon the life-changing events of his childhood. In particular, it captures life during the 1936 summer festival of Lughnasa, as Michael's mother and the other Mundy sisters struggle for survival, love and their beliefs while facing huge shifts in the fundamental dynamics of their lives.
In the spirited role of strongwilled Maggie Mundy, Madison Sonnenburg utilized rich facial expressions, emotive intonation and strong comedic physicality to bring a vibrant energy to the stage.
In the juxtaposing role of the strict Kate Mundy, Marjorie Mennie used assertive body language, such as stern glances and a strong posture, to capture the disciplined nature of the eldest Mundy sister.
Cast as the youngest of the Mundy sisters, Ella Wattie realistically conveyed the innocent nature of Rose Mundy through her soft-spoken deliverance of lines, optimistic smiles, and timid hand gestures. As the present-day narrator, Jack Lockhart (Michael) performed with an exceptionally realistic Irish accent and never faltered in his character portrayal. While recalling the memories of his childhood, he spoke with a quiet sincerity that brought a sense of comforting nostalgia to the memories portrayed on the stage.
Attentive lighting allowed for wide use of the stage, as appropriate spotlighting centred focus on the outside garden, the Mundy family kitchen, or the present-day narrator as needed. Warm lighting created an inviting atmosphere that captured the simple and comforting nature of the determined Mundy family household. The light makeup and practical hairstyles remained true to the period, reflecting a time-appropriate sense of modesty as well as the lower economic status of the Mundy family.
In their production of Dancing at Lughnasa, the cast and crew of Almonte and District High School tackled the timeless themes of love, change and the persistent struggle between tradition and advancement through humour and a tremendous amount of heart.
About the reviews: The Almonte and District High School production was reviewed by 28 critics representing four schools. The critic discussions were mentored by teacher Sarah Davidson of Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School and student reviews were edited and selected for publication by teacher Electra Hatzopoulos of A.Y. Jackson Secondary School, who could see only the reviews, not the names or schools of the reviewers.
This is the final production of Canada's Capital Cappies 202223 season. Cappies critics will vote to determine the winners in both performance and technical categories.
These winners will be announced at a gala hosted by the National Arts Centre in June.
About the Cappies: The Citizen and 18 high schools are participating in the Cappies, a Washington, D.c.-based program that uses high school critics to review high school theatre. The program is a unique partnership between the Citizen, the Ottawa-carleton District School Board and the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Two schools from other boards in the region and two private schools have also joined. The four winners of the lead acting categories will receive a bursary provided by the international law firm Gowling WLG Canada LLP. Follow the Cappies on Twitter @Ottawacappies.