Sunday, November 18, 2012
Michael Allen
Director: Wendy Merk.
Writer: Sadie Forbes and Sarah Smith.
Producer: Rosie Bitts.
Victoria, British Columbia - This critic admits that he is not a theatre aficionado. It has been over five years since this reviewer has seen a play despite studying dozens of Shakespearean productions throughout college. That is a shame. However, "Ghosts in the Plaza" has made the wait worthwhile. This historical production is immersive as an eclectic cast brings back the best memories from the Victoria Plaza Hotel. This is an ancient building that has stood the test of time since 1911. Now, this massive hotel will be demolished and this production hopes to entertain audiences with a few stories from this hotel's sordid past.
This theatrical production begins with a strange intro' involving a bumbling camera man and a pretentious waiter. Quickly, the production shifts into prohibition and the speakeasy era. An extortionist tries to take advantage of a madam and her working girls. Murder is the result. Then, the play moves through the hippie love generation, rocking eighties and into present day. Each era is given a story, which is narrated by a ghost, reporter or desperate stripper to fully flesh out the hotel's long and diverse history.
The narration and the experience in general is immersive. The central ghost addresses the audience as he guides viewers throughout the Odd Fellows Lodge on Douglas Street. He has a tragic tale to tell in ghostly makeup. Actors move through the crowd. Late into the play, dancers and performers invite the audience to partake in the festivities. This critic is no dancer, though. All of these elements bring the play close to the audience, which helps amplify the affect of the many performances.
The play's historical elements are also intriguing. The Victoria Plaza Hotel on Government street has seen its share of murder, suicide and double-dealings. Writer Sadie Forbes and Sarah Smith really did their research on this play, while some of the play's elements are likely fictionalized to increase the entertainment value. Each room employs a new era and some of the play's story is told through a short documentary. Viewers will get a real taste for the many time periods that this hotel has seen.
"Ghosts of the Plaza" is an entertaining production. The cast is lively, costumes are constantly changing and there is even a musical number or two incorporated into the play's story. Characters conflict with each other and there is some interesting drama to experience here. Well written, "Ghosts of the Plaza" gives the audience a well rounded experience. This play is an entertaining ride through Victoria's debaucherous history.
This play will continue to run throughout the month of November and theatre-goers will find a lot to be happy about in this performance. Immersive, historical and entertaining, "Ghosts of the Plaza" brings a lot to the table. This reviewer only has one complaint. Why was the play not hosted at the actual supposed haunted location on Government Street, where the Victoria Plaza hotel is located? The play chooses instead to take place a block away at the Odd Fellows Lodge, which is initially confusing and perhaps a slight drawback in relation to the play's believability. Outside of this minor point, "Ghosts of the Plaza" will satisfy those looking for a sometimes haunting, but consistently uplifting experience.
Overall: 8 out of 10.
Future performances include the following dates:
-November 23, 2012 - 7:30pm, 9:30pm
-November 24, 2012 - 4:30pm, 7:30pm, 9:30pm
*showings are held at the Odd Fellows Lodge on 1315 Douglas St.
**performances are almost sold out.
More show details can be found here:
Ghosts of the Plaza on Facebook
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Posted in: 2012,british columbia,history,preview,screenplay,theatre,theatres,victoria
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