Review: GOLDA'S BALCONY at Segal Centre

The term "one-woman show" has a polarizing effect and can strike fear in the hearts and minds of almost any theatre-goer. With just a single performer onstage, you take a leap of faith when you purchase your ticket and say a silent prayer that the performer you're about to spend 90 minutes with has what it takes to tell you a story in an enthralling way. As its season closer, The Segal Centre for the Performing Arts cleverly takes the risk factor away by bringing in the acclaimed William Gibson play, Golda's Balcony, starring the award-winning American character-actress, Tovah Feldshuh.

Golda's Balcony explores the life journey of fourth Israeli Prime Minister, Golda Meir (Myerson), as a Zionist leader of her young and controversial country. Darting back and forth between landmark events in Golda's personal history, much of the play zeroes in on the impossible decisions she must make during 1973's Yom Kippur War. With the sword of Damocles over her head and the fate of the Jewish people at stake, Golda pushes forward with tongue-in-cheek chutzpah and the guilt of the working mother, with her end game being to keep peace in the Middle East.

Along with an incredible lesson on how Golda Meir was not one to stay home and make matzah balls, audiences are privileged to see powerhouse Tovah Feldshuh wrapped up in prosthetics and a frizzy wig, chain-smoking her way through this captivating piece of theatre. Feldshuh brought humanity, sincerity, and humour to the role, and made a personal connection with the audience the likes of which I have never seen in the Segal's 306-seat theatre. Known best for her on-screen roles in Law and Order, The Walking Dead, and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, among countless other credits, Tovah Feldshuh is an absolute dynamo onstage. Along with her portrayal of Meir, Feldshuh charismatically brings to life Golda's dialogues with political and military leaders Henry Kissinger, David Ben-Gurion, Moshe Dayan, and Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah, among others. Montrealers greeted Feldshuh with a standing ovation that lead to three well-deserved curtain calls. Also fitting was how Tovah signed her autograph for fans in the lobby, "with hope"; possibly a reference to Golda's dream of wanting her children to grow up in a safer world.

Golda's Balcony (90 minutes with no intermission) continues through June 10th at The Segal Centre, 5170 Côte-Ste-Catherine Rd. Tickets: $66; student and group discounts available. Call 514-739-7944 or visit segalcentre.org.