The Atlantic Repertory Company began its latest season with the Canadian classic Billy Bishop Goes to War. It features two actors whom Saint John audiences will recognize from a few recent productions: Patrick Jeffrey (many previous ARC productions) and Bertis Sutton (known for many leading roles with the Saint John Theatre Company). This production has plenty of enjoyable moments despite a rough start.
The set for this production is minimal but suitable for the show. It is an older building with a few army insignias hanging on the walls and a couple of pictures. Given the context, I can only assume they were of Billy Bishop, but they were too small to see from the audience, even though I sat quite close. The room was decorated with a piano on the left and a coat tree, desk, and chair to the right, with a wooden crate placed near the large entranceway. As a charming nod to the flying ace himself, the set featured billowing parachute material for the roof; this same material was used to mask the backstage area at the large centre-stage entrance. The simplicity of the set allows the performers’ work on stage to be the primary focus.
Billy Bishop Goes to War is a work with a rich history as a Canadian staple. Mary-Colin Chisholm, as the director, had the task of bringing the story to life. Chisholm presented this love letter to one of Canada’s flying aces. She maximized the stage and her performers’ talents, especially Patrick Jeffrey as Billy Bishop. Sometimes, when only two performers are on stage, it can feel awkward if one moves from side to side. In this case, it felt natural, such as when Jeffrey moved from the piano to the other side of the stage. This can be more challenging when one performer is confined behind a piano for most of the show.
Patrick Jeffrey as Billy Bishop and Bertis Sutton, the pianist, made a lovely pair, especially when they harmonized in the songs sprinkled throughout the show. Sutton has proven himself many times by leading other local productions. This was no exception; his singing and piano playing were superb. The few moments he had to portray a minor character offered a great insight into his talent as a performer. Jeffrey, overall, delivered an outstanding performance, but he truly shone when he took on some of the secondary characters in Bishop’s life during his time as a flying ace.
Despite a rocky start and a few missed lines at the beginning, once he found his rhythm, it was a charming performance. His quick transitions between characters were what made this version of Billy Bishop remarkably fresh and engaging. Each character was fully realized, with distinct ticks and physical mannerisms. It was exciting to see how the next person would be portrayed. Patrick Jeffrey and Bertis Sutton made this production of Billy Bishop Goes to War both refreshing and new.
All in all, this is a lovely presentation of Billy Bishop Goes to War. With only a few performances, it will be difficult for many to see the show. But those who get the chance will get a real glimpse into the life of a pilot during WWI.
Running time: approximately 2 hours with intermission.
The production runs until December 7 at the BMO Studio Theatre, 112 Princes St., Saint John.
An Atlantic Repertory Company production
Billy Bishop Goes to War book, music and lyrics by John MacLachlan Gray in collaboration with Eric Peterson
Directed by Mary-Colin Chisholm
Wardrobe: Brenda McLeese
Light, video and Sound Design: Drew Murdock
Rehearsal Stage Manager: Beatriz Cordeiro
Stage Manager: Teagan Keith
Performers: Patrick Jeffrey and Bertis Sutton.
