Onegin kicks musical theatre into high gear
Onegin goes down like a line of vodka shots — warm but with a satisfying kick. Like the traditional Russian drink, the show incites laughter, dance, boisterous storytelling and a bit of drama.
Saskatoon audiences should line up quickly to partake of this impressive production, part of Persephone Theatre’s mainstage season.
Amiel Gladstone and Veda Hille, inspired by a poem by Pushkin and an opera by Tchaikovsky, created a Canadian production with a lush Russian esthetic. Modern touches are woven into the fabric of the musical, including raging rock music.
They are successful in this daunting task, remaining respectful to the classic works that inspired the show. They also adhere to the time-honoured tradition of musical theatre, writing memorable songs that run through the mind and memory after the final curtain drops.
The duo created sharply drawn characters that audience members quickly feel they know and understand. This, combined with snappy choreography, stately sets and humorous touches, creates a winning combination.
“How clever,” is a thought that regularly comes to mind.
The talent of the cast is obvious straight off the top and this assessment only strengthens through the two-hour performance. Each member is a triple threat with fine singing voices, comedic and dramatic acting ability and an ease with dance moves.
The Saskatoon run winds up Arts Club Theatre Company’s national tour. Lauren Jackson and Jonathan Winsby have terrific chemistry as they play lead characters Tatyana Larin and Evgeni Onegin (pronounced oh-nyeh-gin). Winsby powerfully brings the tall and nasty namesake of the show to life, darkly effective as his character transforms through the show.
Erik Gow ( Vladimir Lensky) is a standout in his role as the poet whose love for Olga Larin (played with fierce energy by Meaghan Chenosky) takes him from the heights of joy to the depths of despair.
All members of the show are called upon to be versatile and they are flawless whether they are harmonizing with the leads, playing an instrument or executing a set change. The band — working from a base of drums, piano and cello — is exceptional.
One does not want to ruin any surprises, but don’t think this is the kind of show where you can simply sit back and watch. The audience is invited to enter the world created on the stage and it is a refreshing approach.
There was buzz around this show before it even hit town. Tickets were in such demand that five shows were added to the run before anyone in Saskatoon even saw the production. Clearly, the show lives up to the hype. The production is at the Rawlco Radio Hall at the Remai Arts Centre until April 8.