‘Reminiscence’ reminds us that challenges never go away
Who are you? Are you the same person you were in high school, or have you always been just confined to labels, unable to show it?
West Niagara Secondary School’s production of “Reminiscence” provides an introspective look at ourselves and who everyone truly is.
The story of Creekside High’s class of 2004 reunion, 20 years after a wild and life-altering prom night, was originally developed by Conner Croft, a West Niagara student, before being worked on as a collaborative effort of the cast and crew.
The story, while witty, touches on many issues teenagers faced then and still face now: the need to fit in, struggles at home, substance abuse and insecurities. Split into two casts, past and present, the show manages to make use of a small space even with the whole cast onstage.
Scarlet Moodie’s stellar performance as a young Brittany showed there was more to her perfectseeming life than met the eye. Her shaky and broken voice as she discusses insecurities and a complicated home life, moments before regaining her vocal bubbly nature to enter the prom, showcased Moodie’s versatility and talent.
Accompanying her was Nathan Haight, playing the role of Zack, Brittany’s boyfriend and the school jock. Zack’s lines were delivered with a warmth and compassion that perfectly complemented Brittany, making you want to root for the couple through the ups and downs.
Jumping to the future, the cast’s 2024 counterparts continued the story, showing whether they had grown and changed since high school. Julia Verrall and Conner Croft, future versions of Heather and Ted, showed how much they both had changed. Now married to Ted and with a family, Heather looks back on her high school experience, seeing how far she has come and grown. Ted has also seen some growth and, while still being the same nerdy guy he was in high school, has learned to stand up for himself and Heather. This is shown when the two of them confront Heather’s ex-boyfriend Dave, played by Graham Bellinato.
While the show used minimal sound and lighting the parts that did have it were spectacular, adding to the story, notably Zach and Brittany’s car crash.
Quick flashes of light and angst from 2000s alternative music made the scene much more impactful.
West Niagara’s “Reminiscence” struck just the right balance of thoughtful and witty, keeping the audience laughing from start to finish but never losing the core themes that made it intriguing from the start.
Through all the discussion of self and growing up, it reminds us that the dirt keeps on coming, a constant in our ever-changing lives.