SUMMERLAND
Harbord Collegiate
Rating: NNNNN
See show info here
One of the most rocking shows in the Fringe, Summerland blows the roof off Harbord Collegiate.
Written by a trio of talents – Anika Johnson, Barbara Johnston and Suzy Wilde – the show follows eight teen misfits of different sorts (the large company rotates in most of the central roles) who, after a bus accident, end up in the magical world of Summerland, ruled by Queen Raven and her three brothers.
A blend of Peter Pan and DeGrassi High, the production offers a high-energy, exciting 90 minutes (actually two hours – come for the preshow, 30 minutes before curtain time, and meet the characters on the school lawn and in its halls) of powerful story and great tunes, as alliances change, dreams are fulfilled and lost, and characters discover their true natures.
Though the acting is sometimes variable, the terrific singing and dancing by this impressively talented company, directed by Ann Merriam, more than compensate.
If you missed seeing Brantwood last spring in Oakville, catch this wonderful piece that echoes many of its strengths.
