Based on last night’s DalTheatre performance of Carol Sinclair’s Firefly, I predict a boatload of success for the graduating students of the Class of 2009. The play itself—a musical set in the early 1900s on PEI–was an ideal vehicle for showcasing the students’ considerable talents. It’s difficult to single out performances from such a strong ensemble, particularly when the casting seems so spot-on. Sarah Jane MacDonald anchors the whole play with her charming performance and her big voice and she is well-matched by Nick MacInnes as her love interested, Jack. Peter Perina’s set design is clever and economical and I particularly liked the telephone pole that sat firmly centre-stage, reminding us of the theme of the play. The only problem with the whole production is that a five-day run is not nearly long enough to accommodate everyone who would enjoy this play!
Firefly runs until Saturday, 8 p.m., with a matinee Saturday, 2 p.m., in the David MacK. Murray Theatre, Dalhousie Arts Centre. TICKETS: $6 and $12. Call 494-3820 or visit the Dalhousie Arts Centre box office.
This article appears in Feb 7-13, 2008.