Tuckamore Club a must-see

The Tuckamore Club

July 12, 2009

Directors: Eva Moore, Keith Pike

Cast: Holly Aucoin, Allsion Basha, David Bennett, Kate Etienne, Michael Fenwick, Natasha Hartery, Steven Heisler, Keith Pike

If there was ever a showcase for the theatrical talent that exists in Bay St. George, The Tuckamore Club would be it.

The play follows Viola (Allison Basha), a young French girl in Bay St. George, c. 1900, who is forced to perform various initiations with the hopes of joining a secret club hidden amongst a group of Tuckamore trees.

Written by Stephenville native Ben Pittman, there are underlying themes of culture, folklore and staying true to one's roots. Simultaneously amusing and thought provoking - Pittman reworked an earlier version of Tuckamore for STF and he has achieved something near to great with this play.

While this was a tight ensemble piece (the original script had more than 50 actors), Basha shone brightest with her irresistible charisma and obvious enthusiasm. Her Francophone accent may have slipped here and there, but she held the audience's attention and one couldn't help but root for her character throughout the show.

David Bennett and Michael Fenwick were a hoot, providing much of the comic relief throughout the hour-long play. The duo's camaraderie was reminiscent of Laurel and Hardy - and will likely only get better (and funnier) with each performance.

The set and costumes were charming and lighting was used effectively to differentiate between interior and outdoor scenes. The overall technical sound was decent, though Bennett and Kate Etienne's voices didn't always carry through the venue.

Word-of-mouth reviews from the younger set were generally positive, with several expressing their enthusiasm at the show's end. While there was an interactive component of the play for children in attendance, it might have been fun to have a sing-along after the finale.

That said, the overall show was fantastic, and suited both young and old audience members. It would be a must-see for out-of-town visitors or those interested in Bay St. George's cultural past.

Perhaps Pittman could be persuaded yet again to re-jig the play for an entirely adult audience as a Mainstage performance. The festival's artistic producer has often been heard talking about how to 'get bums in the seats.' Well, Diva, it's time to shake the dice and steal the rice.

The show is scheduled to play again on July 26, Aug. 1, 9 and 12.