Those unfamiliar with Stephen Leacock and his work will find Theatre Orangeville’s latest production a great introduction to the man.
And those who know a lot about the renowned writer and humourist will find the world premiere a fascinating tribute to his life and career.
In that sense, the verbosely titled Sketching Sunshine: An Evening (and Morning) with Stephen Leacock should be considered a win-win for audiences.
The production is written by W. Joseph Matheson – also its one and only player – who was asked by the Leacock Museum in Orillia to create a show to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town, perhaps Leacock’s most famous work.
The original 50-minute piece was later transformed into a full-length play at the request of Theatre Orangeville artistic director David Nairn.
The final product, like much of Leacock’s work, is a witty, sharp and satirical piece that not only entertains but also informs. It is a fine combination of biographical accounts of the late author’s life and excerpts from his various literary works.
The books and columns penned by the English-born Canadian author, who was also a teacher, political scientist and economist, are over 70 years old (some have been around for upwards of a century).
Yet many of the stories remain fresh and current – particularly those about politicians and senators – which is as much a tribute to Leacock’s ingenuity as it is to the long standing apathy of the Canadian public and those holding political office (both are also topics covered by Leacock’s work).
That’s not to say the script is not without its weaknesses. In fact, one has to question the inclusion of a few of Leacock’s stories, which, judging by the response, were not that interesting or funny to most people in the audience (undeniably, in some cases what was funny 100 years ago simply does not resonate today).
There are also several lulls in the flow of the production – most noticeable during a slow start and also at several moments in the second half – during which audiences may find themselves making a concerted effort just to follow along with a particular account, whether Leacock’s or Matheson’s.
Perhaps the playwright’s original one-act production was the superior format, as a weak second half in the full-length production seems to indicate something was lost in the lengthening of the story.
Nonetheless, there is so much for audiences to enjoy in Sketching Sunshine.
The remarkable performance by Matheson is more than enough to overcome any shortcomings in the story, as well as the inherent difficulties in staging single-player productions. Transforming into Leacock on stage, Matheson has an incredible ability to blend scads of material, covering an inordinate amount of subjects and emotions, into one great tale. While some material is better suited for older audiences, most aspects of Matheson’s portrayal – including his subject’s propensity to consume alcohol and to harshly criticize the powers that be – will appeal to all ages.
The set design by Beckie Morris is great and Nairn likely did a fine job, though it’s likely Matheson needed very little direction, considering the role seemed to come so easily for him.
Overall, Sketching Sunshine is a fine theatrical production, a terrific historical account and a fitting commendation to a great Canadian.
Sketching Sunshine: An Evening (and Morning) with Stephen Leacock plays five shows a week until March 10. For tickets call 519-942-3423 or 1-800-424-1295 or visit www.theatreorangeville.ca.
