Review: Mirvish's OUR COUNTRY'S GOOD is Brilliant and Imaginative

The play Our Country's Good had its opening night last night at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto. The play, which has been brought across the pond by presenter David Mirvish is about a colony of convicts who are cast in a play by an officer of the navy at the urging of his captain. Of course, not all members of the colony take kindly to the sentiment of using convicts as actors over laborers. Ultimately, the underdogs do triumph and the play is a hit.

The play is based upon a true series of events, outlined in the novel The Playmaker by Australian writer Thomas Keneally. In the novel, Lt. Ralph Clark and a group of convicts set about staging a production of The Recruiting Officer, a 1706 play by George Farquhar.

This isn't the first time Our Country's Good is being seen by Toronto audiences. The play was originally presented by Canadian Stage very early in their history. While not a recent play, it isn't at all dated - and audiences may find themselves drawing comparisons to recent events around the world.

While some heavy themes are explored, the show has a heartwarming message: the truth shall always triumph over all - and redemption is always possible. The performers are very self-aware, and the play references itself multiple times. You'll be laughing for a fair amount of the evening.

The performances are on point, and draw you into the story. Kathryn O'Reilly is gripping as Liz Morden, the first woman to be sentenced to hang in the colony. Jessica Tomchak is a pleasure to watch as the innocent Mary Brenham - even if her passion for her love interest (played by Nathan Ives-Moiba) falls a little flat.

Our Country's good is a brilliant, imaginative play and will be enjoyed by all. Now in Toronto you can see some not so wicked witches, bible-sharing Mormons, and a very touching play about a fascinating time in colonial history.

Our Country's Good is only in town for six weeks, and I urge fans of art and culture to see it while they can.

Tickets available via TicketKing, starting at just $49. Use promo code THEPLAY - valid for performances now through September 21.

STUDENT TICKETS

$25 student tickets available in Row V of the Orchestra. Limited seating based on availability. Valid for all performances. Use Promo code: STUDENT

Follow Alan Henry on twitter at @alanhenryTO.

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