VOICE CHOICE
"Thrilling! Electrifying! Canadian Musical Theatre remains in excellent hands. AFTER THE RAIN is a must-see!"

A thrilling, joyful musical guaranteed to bring tears to the eyes (à la 'Come from Away'), 'After the Rain' tells the story of Suzie Evans Stone (Annika Tupper) and how music plays a vital part in her life. At the top of the show, we are in a rehearsal with the band Evans Stone, who sings the terrific 'Way Up Over the Mountain.'  Tensions are rising during the rehearsal as the band members debate on whether to go ahead with new material or concentrate on the hits that made them famous.

Aging yet famous bandmate rockers Jean Stone (Deborah Hay) and Ashley Evans (Andrew Penner) are Suzie's parents. Along with Suzie, who plays in the band, there are other musicians whom Ashley and Jean have known for years: drummer Kunkel (Joe "Jojo" Bowden, who also plays Distraction #1) and bassist Mickey Mintz (Brandon McGibbon, who also plays Distraction #2).

The young Suzie is a mess. Her unseen boyfriend is stupid. She's trying to find her voice as a musician. Suzie is remarkably like young people today on the threshold of adulthood who ponder where their lives will lead.

Ashley asks his daughter to give piano lessons to a client as he can't go. Suzie isn't the strongest pianist, as she's more of a guitarist, but she acquiesces to help her father.  Suzie is surprised to find out who has called her to inquire about lessons. Her pupil is not a child but a mature student, Donna D'Angelo (Deborah Hay, in a dual role).  A somewhat eccentric individual, Donna only wants to learn how to master one piece on the piano: "Erik Satie's "Gymnopedie No. 1".

Suzie accepts Donna's request and begins to teach her. Along the way, Suzie meets Julian D'Angelo (Shaemus Swets), son of Donna and her partner, Frank (Andrew Penner, in a dual role). These two characters will also play an essential role in Suzie's life.

There's much to reflect on and admire about this spellbinding production that still has me thinking about it even a few days later.  The audience participation moments are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. I laughed out loud a few times, as did several others seated around me. Be aware that the actors will not automatically focus on those sitting in the first two rows on either side.

David Boechler's set design certainly catches the eye upon entering Tarragon's Main Stage. Long gone is the proscenium arch where the audience sits in front. This time, they sit on opposite ends, and the action takes place in the sunken stage in the centre. There is a winding staircase leading up to a raised level. A standing microphone is preset. There are optimum vantage sightlines from everywhere in the house. Musicians sit on stage left and right from the raised platform.

The creative team aims for Napoli's characters to leave a lasting impression on the audience.

And what memorable characters they are.

The musical numbers kick-ass, in addition to highlighting several key plot elements. I couldn't help but feel my head keeping in time with the musical beats of the songs. Again, others around me were doing the exact thing, too.

A shout-out of recognition to designer Brian Kenny for his diligent effort to ensure sound is maintained. That's crucial as Composer/Lyricist Suzy Wilde's astonishing work moves the audience from laughter one minute to pathos and/or heartbreak the next. Logan Raju Cracknell's lighting design once again creates an intense focus where needed. Ming Wong's costumes strikingly underscore each of the characters.

With impeccable precision in timing and nuance, Marie Farsi directs Rose Napoli's passionate and sincere book. Combined with Rachel O'Brien's glorious music direction and Evan Hammell's music preparation, the six-person ensemble cast does justice to this passionate story with genuine heart.

The cast is superb. That's the only way to describe them.

As Suzie, Annika Tupper tells the story with a fervent enthusiasm. Her journey of finding her voice as a musician becomes genuinely believable. One can't help but continue rooting for her all the time.

Deborah Hay delivers a masterclass in performance and song, playing dual roles as Jean Stone and Donna D'Angelo.  Again, Hay has me laughing profusely at one moment. Just moments later, I can feel tears welling in my eyes, either listening to Hay sing at the piano or watching her become two palpably genuine women who have a tremendous influence on Suzie.

Likewise, Andrew Penner's dual roles as Ashley Evans and Frank D'Angelo become just as memorable for the audience and Suzie. While Hay carefully reveals two strong female character portrayals, Penner's strong, unique male influences also become important reminders to Suzie.

Shaemus Swets' odd, lone wolf comes across as endearingly sweet.  Swets thankfully doesn't leave Julian at this one-dimensional level.  Julian is a young person who stoically reaches out to make a connection with someone outside of his aloneness. Life events that occur by the end of the play allow the audience to see how Julian will be alright, given his perspective on things.

The Canadian theatre music scene remains in solid and stable hands if audiences can expect high-quality theatre as 'After the Rain.'  There were some lovely surprises at the end, and I could feel my drop when it became clear. I'm not going to spoil it. I had tears welling in my eyes.

Do not miss 'After the Rain'.

Run, get tickets now.  Tarragon might extend the show if demand is there but don't wait for it.

Run to get tickets now!!!!!

Running time: approximately two hours and fifteen minutes with one interval/intermission.

The production runs until June 22 on the Main Stage at Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman Avenue, Toronto. For tickets, tarragontheatre.com  or call (416) 531-1827.

TARRAGON THEATRE and MUSICAL STAGE COMPANY PRESENT the World Premiere of

"AFTER THE RAIN," A New Canadian Musical
Book by Rose Napoli with Music and Lyrics by Suzy Wilde

Directed by Marie Farsi
Music Direction by Rachel O'Brien
Set Designer: David Boechler
Sound Designer: Brian Kenny
Lighting Designer: Logan Raju Cracknell
Costume Designer: Ming Wong
Stage Manager: Kai-Yeuh  Chen

Performers: Joe "Jojo" Bowden, Deborah Hay, Brandon McGibbon, Andrew Penner, Shaemus Swets, Annika Tupper