FRINGE 2019: 3 more MASTERS
Crescendo!
Stage 12 (Varscona Theatre)
This Plain Jane Theatre (and Chorus Productions) show wins this year’s award for the most agreeable surprise. The premise, as outlined in the program, didn’t show great promise – but the result is one of the most genuinely enjoyable experiences of the week.
Crescendo! is not only a new musical, but one written by an Edmontonian: Sandy Paddick, a well-know local actor and choral singer. A couple of years back, Artistic Director Kate Ryan was attending the popular script salon readings where playwrights are invited to read their new works. Paddick, who sings with the Columbian Choirs (Full Disclosure – I host their annual Night on Broadway show) had written a show about women who are part of a community choir – their joy of singing and sharing music. Paddick discovered a mortal truth known to many who sing together: music often prompts people to open up to each other, and that sharing the experience also meant sharing sometimes deeply personal stories.
Ryan was impressed with the nascent work and thought there might be a play with music in there somewhere. The two contacted local musician and composer (and member of the Kokopelli Choir) Jennifer McMillan who wrote some songs (including the title of the show, Crescendo! – a genuine rouser). For the restm Ryan rummaged through her encyclopedic musical knowledge to come up with songs that fit.
The stories have the ring of truth and obviously spring from considerable knowledge of the territory. Paddick spins her tale as pieces in a jigsaw puzzle that come together most satisfactorily.
Led by a demanding conductor (whose resolution of personal problems provides the emotional climax to Paddick’s tale), the women experience a series of personal and professional difficulties. The conductor insists they see various colours when they sing. One is a foster mother with seven kids and often has to bring them to practice. Another, a food addict, finds herself in a program with sex, booze and drug addicts. One is autistic with perfect pitch – but unable to sing by herself. One goes on to study at Julliard.
There is also considerable humour. A respectful rendition of O Canada falls into chaos. In one hilarious audition scene a vocal student ties herself into knots as she tries to please the two judges who have very different opinions on how the song should be sung.
The tone is gentle and the feeling real.
The performers, who play various roles, are Dawn Sadoway, Colleen Tillotson, Michelle Diaz, Jenny McKillop and Kirsten Phiel.
The music is far-ranging, including works by Schubert and Mozart, along with The Skye Boat Song, Rockin’ Robin and a moving version of I Set My Heart. The singing is so good that you wish the show had featured more of it.
5 out of 5
