A literate, clever and entertaining meshing of three famous frightening tales. A strong acting ensemble of committed performers who understand the difference between shlock and horror. White Mills Theatre Co. certainly knows what it’s doing.
From my experience, White Mills Theatre Co. consistently sells out its October Hallowe’en-themed immersive productions at Toronto’s Campbell House, offering a fresh take on classic literature’s exploration of the human spirit and the distinct horror of confronting good and evil.
Tales of the Damned, the company’s production this year, thankfully moves beyond a clichéd understanding of Hallowe’en that’s promoted as early as late August. Instead, according to the show billing, ‘Tales’ brings some of literature’s most depraved characters to life…and death in various rooms of the Campbell House.
But we’re not at Campbell House. This time, we’re at Black-Mail House on a journey into the unknown. Upon entering, we’re given masks to wear. Divided into groups, we make our way upstairs to a masquerade already taking place in the ‘ballroom.’ We, the audience, become witnesses to the events taking place before breaking up into smaller groups to travel around the house.
Playwright Brandon White takes significant creative liberties and artistic licence in finely meshing three Gothic tales and their characters from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. It’s a literate, clever and, most important of all, an entertaining adaptation. A reminder for literary enthusiasts—don’t expect a precise retelling because the performance is not intended to be one.
Is it necessary to have read all three before seeing the show?
Absolutely not.
To avoid spoiling surprises, I’ll offer a brief overview from the White Mills Co. website:
A lady of the night is brutally murdered. A mad doctor strikes a pact with the Devil to raise her from the dead. But when he comes face-to-face with Moritz’s killer at a masquerade, all hell breaks loose. Descend into madness alongside Victor Frankenstein (Anthony Botelho), Henry Jekyll (Spencer Schunk), and Dorian Gray (Adrian Marchesano) as they discover the consequences of playing God—and the monstrous repercussions when the Devil comes to collect.
Visually, Brandon White makes some excellent choices to attract outside audiences as they wait for the performance to begin. White’s work as Production Designer in Victorian wardrobe selections is a strong recreation, from the tuxedos on the men to housekeeper Madame Enfield’s black dress. Chin Palipane also makes some smart choices to heighten the suspense and intensity. As the audience waits outside, blood-red lights flare from the windows. Two characters stand in the windows and gloomily look out at the crowd. Eerie yet captivating. Music Arranger Rob Carruthers and Music Director Shannon Mills incorporate songs and underscoring that again enhance the growing suspense of the scene. Instrumentalist Isaac Kuk plays with focus and purpose.
White and Mills co-direct with a keen eye on remaining as truthful as possible. They’re wise not to include Freddy Krueger or Jason Voorhees to make an appearance. This company and these actors are too savvy for that kind of shlock. True horror lies in the human soul, confronting good and evil at the same time.
The strongly motivated actor ensemble is the reason to see the production. The performers drive the story forward and skillfully tell a haunting story with finesse. They’re out to have a good time themselves and perform with bravado but never cross the line into melodrama. Just be attentive because a lot of exposition is provided initially in the ballroom. More exposition occurs as we move through the house, but understanding the basics early on is essential.
They also know when to slip in a momentary bit of unscripted humour.
At one point, I felt a sneeze coming on (damned allergies) in the ballroom and let it out when it hit. Actor Scott Garland was standing nearby. I won’t tell you what he was wearing because that’s part of the fun again. Garland glared at me for a few seconds. I turned my head away. With a long, drawn-out, ominous tone of voice, he growled:
“Gesundheitttttttttt.”
The production runs approximately two hours and 30 minutes, give or take. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes because there will be a great deal of standing around. Dress comfortably as well, and for the weather, as you will venture outdoors momentarily before you head back in again.
I hear the run is sold out, but sometimes there are last-minute cancellations. Keep checking the website and Facebook page if you are considering attending.
To learn more about White Mills Theatre Co., visit: whitemillstheatreco.com
To check and see if tickets become available, visit the Facebook page: White Mills Theatre Co.
WHITE MILLS THEATRE CO. presents
TALES OF THE DAMNED, adapted by Brandon White
Co-Directors and Producers: Shannon Mills and Brandon White
Assistant Director and Stage Manager: Iris Asserlind
Production Designer: Brandon White
Assistant Production Designer: Daniel Tofach
Music Arranger: Rob Carruthers
Lighting Designer: Chin Palipane
Instrumentalist and Brothel Performer: Isaac Kuk
Performers: Manon Ens-Lapointe, Anthony Botelho, Tara Baxendale, Adrian Marchesano, Spencer Schunk, Michelle Danese, Shelby Handley, Michelle Piller, Ella Mazur, Jonas Trottier, Scott Garland, Austin Larusson,
