With a world premiere in 2018, Michael Ross Albert’s ‘killer of a thriller’ opening night production of Anywhere (a collaboration between Leroy Street Theatre, One Four One Collective, and The Assembly) now plays at the intimate Queen Street West venue.
It’s downright freaking scary at times. And enjoyable too.
A unique aspect of this run is that Kaitlin Race and Anne van Leeuwen alternate the two roles each performance, creating a different live experience for viewers, I’ve been told.
Ah, the joy of why we must attend the theatre.
It’s late at night. There are sounds of a rainstorm outside. Traffic goes by. At this performance, Airbnb host Joy (van Leeuwen) sits unladylike in a chair, reading a book. There’s an inherent feeling she’s waiting for someone or something. Joy is dressed in a way some might call ‘trailer-trash’: short shorts and a small T-shirt, with tattoos visible on her arm. Seconds later, Liz (Race) enters quietly, pulling a suitcase behind her. She’s sneaking into the basement, trying not to wake Joy and Ethan (Joy’s unseen son). Liz has been at a conference all week and has stayed in Joy’s basement room to save money.
Liz is professionally dressed and stylishly coiffed, suggesting she’s well-off financially. Joy, meanwhile, is separated and a single mum to son Ethan, who’s asleep in his bedroom. Joy has an unseen boyfriend, Kyle. Liz’s unseen husband, Richard, is articling and keeps long hours. They rarely see each other, which has caused friction in their marriage. Liz is planning to leave tomorrow and go home.
What follows in Albert’s gripping script is a sometimes downright terrifying game of cat and mouse, filled with power and intrigue, likely making anyone think twice about renting an Airbnb. To spoil or give away even the minutest detail of the story would be a disservice to the actors, the director and the playwright.
Set designer Amelia Mielke-O’Grady skillfully uses the full stage to recreate a convincing, cramped basement entryway in a busy part of town that looks long overdue for cleaning. The sounds of city traffic outside enhance the realism.
The atmospheric sound of pouring rain and gusty winds outside adds to a sense of unease lurking within the house. Chin Palipane’s lighting design intensifies this authenticity, mimicking the illumination often found in older basements. Key props also stand out—a chessboard set centre stage on a table, and a door marked MATTHEW’S ROOM (in childlike lettering) stage right. Beyond it lies the guest bedroom, notably lacking a window. Several boxes filled with toys and odds and ends are stacked nearby.
Cass Van Wyck’s solid direction maintains the play’s suspense and authenticity, steering clear of overblown theatrics and tired clichés. That’s a wise choice, as schlock techniques would have made me roll my eyes in disbelief.
I didn’t roll my eyes at all. I was captivated by the unfolding action.
Anne van Leeuwen and Kaitlin Race draw attention right from the start. They keep the pace brisk, never allowing it to drag. They listen and respond genuinely to each other. The moments when one takes control of the scene are swift and precise. Notice how they use the chess pieces on the board when each seizes power—it’s theatrically and logically convincing.
My guest and I had another lively chat on the way home about this excellent opening night production. At one point, the term nihilism came up, with one of the characters discussing the meaninglessness and pointlessness of life when things don’t go as planned.
To understand how nihilism fits into this slick handling of the play, go see Anywhere.
Running time: approximately 55 minutes with no intermission.
The production runs until April 2 at The Assembly Theatre, 1479 Queen Street West, Toronto.
For tickets and the performance schedule, visit www.theassemblytheatre.com.
LEROY STREET THEATRE, THE ASSEMBLY, and ONE FOUR ONE COLLECTIVE present
Anywhere by Michael Ross Albert
Directed by Cass Van Wyck
Set and Costume Design: Amelia Mielke-O’Grady
Lighting Design: Chin Palipane
Stage Manager: Aidan Hammond
Performers: Kaitlin Race and Anne van Leeuwen
