Culture Shock a laugh-out-loud show

Culture Shock - The Musical

July 15, 2009 - Preview

Director: Lorne Elliott

Cast: Jake Bradbury, Glenn Downey and Lorne Elliott (musical accompaniment by Trevor Hinks and Ryan Tiller)

Making its debut at Stephenville Theatre Festival this summer is Canadian humourist and playwright Lorne Elliott's Culture Shock - The Musical.

The show tells the story of Hillyard Philpott, a young man who leaves outport Newfoundland to make a trip to Montreal and the bedlam he brings back home to his father.

After looking past the 'stunned Newfoundlander' clichÉs that form the basis of the show, the play itself is actually a sharp blend of clever writing, amusing sight gags and exciting acting.

Elliott has been performing this play for a couple of decades, and his ease within the play's more subtle touches was readily apparent. He was quick on the mark and seemed to relish every moment on stage.

Glenn Downey was equally impressive. Blending a wonderful timing for slapstick humour with an impressive stage presence, he was an ideal sidekick to Elliott.

Holding his own against these two seasoned performers was newcomer Jake Bradbury. Emanating a natural charm and charisma, it's hard to believe this play marked his professional debut. The dialogue tended to be quick and snappy, and Bradbury pulled his lines off with ease, save for a few smothered grimaces.

What made this show a debut was the fact it was a musical. Musicians Trevor Hinks and Ryan Tiller were placed just off-stage and added a certain level of amusement to the play. Some of the songs were actually quite funny, while others seemed to be tedious and oddly placed, breaking the flow of the play. One hopes that after a couple of performances, the actors and musicians will find their groove and make every run with a little more ease.

The set was simple, but with all the touches reminiscent of an outport home. Costumes were well done, especially considering that each actor played a couple of roles that sometimes required swift costumes changes. Lighting was used to full effect and was mostly spot on, as was the sound (but please, find an actual ring tone for the prop telephone).

This was a fun and laugh-out-loud kind of show. There was plenty of onstage action to keep the audience at the edge of their seats, so as not to miss a thing. Running two hours with an intermission, Culture Shock - The Musical has a limited run - shows are scheduled for July 22, 23, 25 and 26.