Review: Outrageously Fun, Soulpepper's JITTERS is a Chaotic Comedic Classic

Ted Dykstra's Soulpepper production of the David French comedy JITTERS first premiered in 2010, and is now thriving with a new revival currently playing at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. Featuring many of the same members of Dykstra's original production, JITTERS is a crisp and refreshing comedy that is so tightly knit it's bursting with confidence. Kevin Bundy, Diane D'Aquila, Geordie Johnson and Oliver Dennis lead this ensemble cast who elevate French's material into a near perfect evening.

The hilarious play-within-a-play showcases everything that can and will go wrong in the days leading up to opening night. Last minute changes, impromptu cast meetings and the looming disapproval of theatre critics all add to the pre-show jitters and disorder. Within seconds, the cast was introduced to this play-within-a-play setting by the breaking of the fourth wall; a tool that works surprisingly well. The immersive production uses the actual physical theatre as its stage - with the director, stage manager and cast members entering and interacting in the seats of the theatre and the upper balconies.

Over the three acts, the audience is faced with the chaos and drama of theatre with the stage being flipped in the second act to get a glimpse of the dressing room shenanigans. This marathon of comedy is fast-paced, snappy and keeps audiences gawking at the over-the-top hilarity. From late actors to backstage drinking to ongoing tension between the cast and management, JITTERS provides a laugh out loud look at the workings of a (dis)functional production.

Mike Ross shines as the perfectly nerdy and dorkishly charming playwright Robert. What starts off as a minor supporting role elevates into an underdog role as he finds his footing - the audience felt for him as his masterpiece of a play was at risk of being a total train wreck.

Ross is joined by an outstanding ensemble of actors who all play their role with such mesmerizing confidence. Diane D'Aquila, Geordie Johnson and Oliver Dennis add a level of exaggeration to the role; which in some cases may be overacting, but in this case, fit the tone and the play-within-a-play formula. The entire cast was sharp, with their comedic timing, chemistry and presence bringing audiences to hysteric laughs.

Unfortunately, charming and hilarious Sarah Wilson is underused in the production. Her comedic timing and subtle presence are a refreshing shift in tone in comparison to the big and bold characters in the play. Wilson and fellow supporting actor Sophia Walker are lost in the perfectly messy plotline.

The outstanding set, detailed retro costumes and lighting are on par with Soulpepper's consistently high quality productions. The amount of precise detail put into every aspect of the production is no wonder why Dykstra's production is still a hit today.

On stage through April 15 at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. Visit soulpepper.ca for more information.

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