Brodie’s much-produced play is both a fierce and whimsical study of the one-room schoolhouse in rural Ontario in the early 20th century. Very young women were charged with teaching a diverse group of students in a single room where they held complete authority. Having said that, outside influences such as community mores, political entrenchment and social conservatism constricted the good work of these singular teachers.
Beyond the two leads, a third major element of this production is Michelle Chesser’s nostalgic and breathtaking set. The motif is books. Hundreds of actual books wind their way up columns – they hang from ropes and dangle in the air. They are attached to walls at least two stories high and opened with pages dangling. To ratchet up the creativity, some pages are folded or otherwise manipulated to create scalloped images.
The effect is effervescent. The warm autumn colours reach out like welcoming arms, drawing us into an aura of dust, story, and optimism. Standing and taking this in before taking our seats was magical.
The main storyline is narrated and performed by Alex Pearce as Miss Linton, just graduated from Normal School and, at eighteen, is thrown among a boisterous group of rural students. Usual hijinks include hidden mice and fireworks in the potbelly stove. Cool as can be, Miss Linton learns to contour disasters into learning moments and, for the most part, she wins the respect of the disparate group.
A quiet but roiling new student from a local reform school enters the classroom mix. Ewart is strange, troubled and almost immediately ostracized. But Miss Linton embraces him and offers an opportunity. His sense of ham-fisted justice results in further complications in his anguished life.
Pearce’s skills run the entire spectrum – she can be bright, cheery and very clever in her daily teaching. But in moments of conflict, her eyes darken, and she stiffens with formidable candour. Her acting range takes Miss Linton through moments of optimism, darkness, defeat, discouragement and empowerment.
Deluca, as Ewart, is equally skilled in his interpretation of the complex and introverted student. Like John Steinbeck’s Lennie, he has difficulty controlling his strength and passions. One can see the volcano seething before eruption – his hands are clenched or he picks at his sleeve. Head is down with hunched shoulders. But we do learn of his delicate, soft side. We finally learn of his crimes, which were the result of societal ills and gross poverty.
To 4th Line’s credit, youth is always served, and both Pearce and Deluca are either recently graduated or in senior programs at York and TMU.
Much of the supporting cast are very young and energetic actors. Highlights come from Indigo Chesser as the overachiever with hands wildly in the air, desperate for recognition. When unjustly challenged academically, her cheer falters, and we recognize a regular kid with regular vulnerabilities.
Other colourful moments come from Michelle Chesser as Mrs. Baptie, trying desperately to manipulate her community, and her choir directing is comic genius. Gillian Woodhouse does a great turn as the card-playing hypocrite who wants both to win at cards and in society.
A group of nine ‘ghosts’ appears in various scenes to evoke nostalgia. Something of a Greek chorus, they blow in and out, reminding us of past angels. At times, though, their message was not clear and needed more connection. That said, the moments with Ewart and his young angel were heartfelt.
The family-compact-style grip that the community and politicians have on the school system is highlighted at the end. Miss Linton quickly forms a plan for Ewart’s escape and future, and her look back in history comes to a close.
Fun moment: The typical outhouse in the field behind the school is plastered on the outside with newspaper and catalogue pages. I hope some was left for the inside!
Interesting moment: As the play is about to open, the audience is asked to identify if any of them once worked in a one-room schoolhouse – about half a dozen souls raised their hands. I hope this summer evening on the farm flooded them with happy memories.
‘Schoolhouse’ by Leanna Brodie
Performers – Indigo Chesser, Michelle Chesser, Alexie DeLuca, Alex Pearce, Evie Wallace, Gillian Woodhouse, other members of 4th line Performers
Schoolhouse’ by Leanna Brodie
Direction – Monica Dottor
Musical director – Justin Hiscox
Costume designer – Chelsea Day
Set designer – Michelle Chesser
Production runs through July 25, 2026.
Tickets: 4thlinetheatre.on.ca
