“A VOICE CHOICE, MUST SEE. A whimsical performance chock full of Canadian heart. This remount of THE DARKEST DARK blasts off on an imaginative journey of the wonder of childhood. The charming story embodies the essence of youthful Canadian dreams, hopes, and ambitions (with some good old fashioned magic, too.)

Young People’s Theatre has gloriously remounted Colonel Chris Hadfield’s story ‘The Darkest Dark.’ It last played at YPT in 2023 and ‘twas a terrific show for families then.

It remains so. There have been a few cast changes this time around.

I’m giving this opening night performance of ‘The Darkest Dark’ a VOICE CHOICE, must-see tag.

For one, Jim Millan’s skillful direction keeps the production moving smoothly. My interest in the plot never wavered. The delightful reactions of the young children sitting around me clearly indicate they haven’t lost interest either. Without giving away too much, there’s a moment when an object comes flying onto the stage, and the kids’ reactions are priceless to hear.

Why has it gone up a notch to a VOICE CHOICE, MUST SEE tag this time?

Millan and this splendid cast capture the joys of fervent childhood imagination I overlooked last time. The audience is told it’s okay to dream big even if you have some fears. If you always believe in yourself, you can face those fears head-on.

It’s the summer of 1969 at the Hadfield cottage on Stag Island. Apollo 11 is about to land on the moon. Nine-year-old space-loving Chris (Ziska Louis) is a precocious young lad who dreams of becoming an astronaut. He excitedly awaits the televised event of the Apollo moon landing.

Something changes at bedtime. Chris is afraid of the dark. His mother and father (Lisa Ryder and Ron Pederson) are at their wits’ end trying to help their son overcome his fear. Chris’s older sister, sixteen-year-old Cindy (Evelyn Wiebe), periodically teases her little brother about his fear and threatens to tell his friends Herbie and Jane (Anthony Perpuse and Hannah Forest Briand) about Chris’s fear of the dark. Cindy is hesitant to do so. Chris has picked up on his older sister’s feelings and interest in Keith (Shaquille Pottinger), a hippie hired to teach Chris, Herbie and Cindy how to canoe safely.

Anna Treusch’s set and Bonnie Beecher’s lighting designs are charming reminders of a giant three-dimensional replica of a storybook setting. Treusch has also selected appropriate bright colour pastels and a checkered look from the 1960s for costumes. Daniele Guevara’s authentic projection designs of tree branches and water fronds swaying in the breeze become almost hypnotic. Pictures, drawings, and news clippings of information about the Apollo 11 moon landing are also effective in these designs. Deanna H. Choi’s selection of song recordings from the late 60s made me smile because I hummed along quietly to some of them. I’m also a sucker and pushover for live magic tricks on stage. The actors seem comfortable mastering the various feats with David Ben's consultancy.

As co-writers, Jim Millan and Ian MacIntyre have crafted a genuine human story that resonates not only with young people in the audience but also with adults. Even adults may experience fears regarding the unknown, and it’s perfectly normal if that occurs. It’s essential to recognize that feeling scared about the unknown is acceptable. Even more crucial is embracing that concern and positively directing that energy.

The estimable ensemble cast remains the reason for seeing the show.

Hannah Forest Briand and Anthony Perpuse charmingly capture the carefree, youthful innocence of Chris’s friends Jane and Herbie. Watching them become part of Chris’s fears about the dark in his dreams is also magical. Evelyn Wiebe’s Cindy remains sassy and bold as Chris’s know-it-all sixteen-year-old sister. Wiebe is clearly enjoying her juvenile flirtations with hippie boy Keith. Shaquille Pottinger is perfect in voice, stature, and appearance as the spaced-out object of Cindy's affection.

Ron Pederson and Lisa Ryder become believable, harried-looking parents whose patience and tolerance are continually tested by a demanding daughter and son. The business Ryder has with the bell in trying to calm her son before his bed is still hilarious. Pederson’s CBC news reporter still made me laugh out loud for his Brylcreem, slicked back hair (young people may have to GOOGLE that product) and pin-striped suit. In his first appearance as the newscaster, Pederson brings out an object with him (don’t wanna spoil it here) that still makes me smile as I write this.

Ziska Louis is a winning, precocious Chris. It is a delight to watch Louis again bring this childlike innocence back to life with passion and sensitivity. Louis adeptly uses his voice and is quite convincing in his task.
Please get tickets for this. If you’re looking for something to do with the kids over the March Break, ‘The Darkest Dark’ is the perfect opportunity to introduce them to the world of the theatre.

With Family Day approaching, what a gift for all of you.

Please go.

Running time: approximately 70 minutes with no interval/intermission.

‘The Darkest Dark’ runs until March 16 on the Ada Sleight Stage at Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front Street East, Toronto. For tickets: (416) 862-2222 or youngpeoplestheatre.org.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE presents Chris Hadfield’s THE DARKEST DARK
Adapted for the Stage by Jim Millan and Ian MacIntyre

Director: Jim Millan
Magic Consultant: David Ben
Set and Costume Designer: Anna Treusch
Lighting Designer: Bonnie Beecher
Sound Designer and Composer: Deanna H. Choi
Video Designer: Daniele Guevara
Stage Manager: Laura Baxter

Performers: Hannah Forest Briand, Ziska Louis, Ron Pederson, Anthony Perpuse, Shaquille Pottinger, Lisa Ryder, Evelyn Wiebe.