Further dramaturgical work could make ‘When You Close Your Eyes’ a ghost story that keeps bringing young people to the theatre.
I’ll be honest: just from the title alone, I wasn’t sure I really wanted to see the production.
Then the brief plot synopsis on the Videocabaret website caught my attention:
“An original sapphic horror musical, in a small, bleak town where no one ever comes and no one ever leaves, we find a group of young women, stuck in all that they have ever known. When a newcomer arrives, promising the way out, we discover what it takes to get everything you see When You Close Your Eyes.”
While the website promises the production (a sold-out workshop in 2024 that I didn’t see) is bigger and bloodier than ever (it’s bloody, that’s for sure), one thing struck me as I left the theatre.
Jessa Richer’s book and lyrics of When You Close Your Eyes have the clever makings of a modern ghost story that could become truly terrifying, not an original horror musical. While the latter is what is on the Deanne Taylor stage in all its glory, the former can really leave a dramatic, theatrical impact.
The first sign that I thought When You Close Your Eyes would make for a solid twenty-first-century ghost story was entering the theatre. Lit by Evelyn Rensing’s expertly shadowy lighting, I couldn’t help but notice Costume Designer Taylor Mann’s long dresses hanging from the ceiling. These hanging dresses have a story behind them. I wanted to know who wore them and what their stories are.
The backstories do become clear in this current production, which has some pluses that deserve recognition.
Under Jacqui Sirois’s clear direction, the six-member ensemble is lively, vocal, and spirited. The arrival of newcomer Vera (a towering Josie Smith who perfectly sets in motion a ghost story worth exploring) sets in motion the horror of what and how cults can ruin lives not only of those involved but also those on the periphery, family and friends. The one lone male, Will (solid work by Jack Mosney, who lets the lyrics speak), becomes the voice of reason among the group.
Sirois makes the most of the entire Deanne Taylor Stage, keeping the action free-flowing and moving the plot along. Abby Nelson’s makeup design supports the horror story well. Kudos to Kai Korven and Music Director Jessa Richer for maintaining a steady balance, for the most part, between the band and the performers/singers. The opening intense choreographed number by Alli Carry is another sign that this production has the makings of a memorable ghost story.
In her Director’s Programme Note, Sirois writes about the fear that all young people (myself included, long, long ago) experienced when faced with the growing responsibilities of adulthood and what that would entail for each of us. While fear is a trademark of the horror genre, I believe fear has its strongest impact in telling a ghost story that sends shivers down the spine. Peter Straub’s Ghost Story is only one example.
The production runs to Sunday, November 15 at Videocabaret in the Deanne Taylor Theatre, 10 Busy Street, Toronto. For tickets: videocab.com or https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/when-you-close-your-eyes-tickets-2001222699967
PEPPER’S GHOST PRODUCTION presents
When You Close Your Eyes
Book, Lyrics and Composition by Jessa Richer with additional composition by Jason Kokkovas
Directed by Jacqui Sirois
Choreographer: Alli Carry
Music Director: Jessa Richer
Costume, Props and Set Designer: Taylor Mann
Sound Designer: Kai Korven
Lighting Designer: Evelyn Rensing
Makeup Designer: Abby Nelson
Cello: Maren Helyar
Violin: Randy Lei Chang
Stage Manager: Iris Asserlind
Performers: Kendra Cordick, Josie Smith, Jack Mosney, Azaria Shams, Emma Woodside, Lily Logue. Hunter Love Watson serves as Swing
