Strawberries in January- A Musical Fantasy is a delicious, funny, and bright antidote to the grey dour winter blues. It puts a smile on your face and lifts your mood, making you want to fall in love (again). This is about love in all of its vulnerabilities, honesty, missed opportunities, and joyful reconnections. And the lovely music will put a song in your heart too. This show is not to be missed!
Coffee shop owner François (Ryan Bommarito) is writing a show about his romantic pitfalls with his roommate Sophie (Madeleine Scovil). Whenever one of them tries to open themselves to further the relationship, it goes sideways. However, the friendship remains, even if it’s a bit strained. François embellishes his stories and his characters even though they are based on the people in his life. The stories contradict each other and highlight how one can confuse romantic love with true love. François gives his script to Robert (Éloi ArchamBaudoin), a university professor who has a romantic liaison with Léa (Métushalème Dary) a B&B owner. Léa moves to the city to find Sophie, her childhood friend, and hopes to find Robert too. The lovers continue their search for love in the wrong places, in spite of disappointments. And François’ little white lies also catch up to himwith surprising results.
As the title indicates, the show is a musical. Who doesn’t want the search for true love to be expressed in song and sweet music? It adds to the wonder and pleasure of discovery in finding the person you want (and need). Mr. Bommarito narrates the show to the audience with verve, delight, and warmth. He has great timing and makes the humour lift the drama. Ms. Scovil and Ms. Dary are wonderful singers and give lots of personality to their characters. Mr. ArchamBaudoinbrings terrific energy and has a showstopper number. Fantastic cast! Bravo!
The sets are spare but give a sense of being in an imaginative musical, with lights highlighting mood, tension, and those light-bulb moments when François as a moment of illumination. The effect is fun and moving. The four-piece band is terrific! The music brings tones of joy, wittiness, and accompanies those moments of wistful reflection. It adds to the liveliness of the characters’ journeys.
How can we find true love? Even when it is right in front of you, it doesn’t just take courage. You have to be aware of the presence of love. Sometimes you need to wake up and smell the coffee…
Photo Credit: Andrée Lanthier
Strawberries in January- A Musical Fantasy. Directed by Frédéric Bélanger. Adapted from the play Des fraise en Janvier by Evelyne de la Chenelière. Show continues to February 9, at the Centaur Theatre, 453 St-François-Xavier, Old Montreal. For tickets call the box office at 514-288-3161 or go to www.centaurtheatre.com
