Shaw Fest Delights with Gypsy, You Never Can Tell, and Something on the Side

Nestled just above the border of New York State where Lake/> Ontario/> meets the Niagara River/> is the charming town known as Niagara-on-the-Lake. This beautiful historical hot-spot is the home base for one of North America/>'s finest theatre companies, The Shaw Festival. Since its founding in 1962, the Shaw Festival has been devoted to mounting productions of the master scribe, kindred spirits, and contemporaries. From April to November, the festival's three theatres are host to 10 spectacular performances in repertory.

Among the fine productions in this year's lineup is an incredible revival of Gypsy. Mama Rose is at it again north of the border, in a wonderful staging of Styne and Sondheim's great work. Directed by Festival Artistic Director Jackie Maxwell, this show is a finely tuned showcase for its leading lady, Nora McClellan. Ms. McClellan is resplendent as Mama Rose. One can't help but think that this masterful performance is reminiscent of the woman that this role was created for, Ethel Merman. McClellan's powerful voice and splendid characterization make this production one to remember.

Equally charming is Julie Martell as Louise. Her journey from underappreciated trouper to burlesque queen is rife with pathos. The audience can't help but feel her energy as we let her entertain us. This production should not be missed, and there is no excuse, because it runs through the end of October.

Sharing the beautiful Festival Theatre with Gypsy is a one of Shaw's most enjoyable works, You Never Can Tell. This production celebrates the wit and charm of Master Shaw and shines an amazingly relevant light on the quirkiness of the family unit and the rough road to love . This ensemble is incredibly strong and the staging of this show, helmed by Morris Panych, is flawless. 

Nicole Underhay and Harry Judge steal the show as the giddy siblings Dolly and Philip. Their performances are full of energy and wide-eyed flair. The show opens with Ms. Underhay's effervescent Dolly questioning her newly acquired 5 shilling dentist Valentine, portrayed by Mike Shara. Mr. Shara's performance is without flaw. He gives a fluid and physically comedic performance that is truly excellent.

Shaw Festival veteran Guy Bannerman is this wacky clan's solicitor and straight-man Finch M'Comas. Mr. Bannerman turns in yet another powerful performance, his strength as a performer allows this role to standout in a subtle, yet memorable way. Another scene stealer is the beautiful seashell inspired set, designed by Ken MacDonald.

If you are the type of person who likes their laughs to come in a tight package, then the Festival's 50 minute lunchtime one-act, Something on the Side is for you.  Feydeau's rollicking farce puts two cheating couples into the dining room of a Maitre d' with a questionable past. Simon Bradbury leads the dining room and this cast like Max Bialystock in tails. Trish Lindstrom is adorable as Jen, the waitress and third wife of the Maitre d'. Standard conventions of farce, including slamming doors and improbable coincidences only add to the saccharine charm of this compact comedy.

In addition to these fine performances, the Shaw Festival's company is also performing Major Barbara, Belle Moral: A Natural History, The Autumn/> Garden/>/>, Journey's End, Bus Stop, The Constant Wife, and Happy Ending. Drive up for the day or the weekend, you won't regret a visit to the Shaw.

For more information you can visit the Shaw's website at http://www.shawfest.com.