A musical about truckers? Could there be a more difficult gap to bridge between genre and subject matter?
Going into 18 Wheels, Theatre Orangeville’s latest production, audience members may have all sorts of misgivings, but coming out, most of them are erased.
Starring Cory O’Brien, Bobby Prochaska and Leisa Way, this unique production incorporates several musical genres – the most prominent being country – to tell various stories about life on the road.
The musical numbers range from hysterical to heart wrenching, taking the audience on an emotional roller coaster of sorts, which mirrors the ups and downs of those who spend much of their life behind the wheel.
Like a big rig, the show’s a bit slow to get going – the number of songs at the outset may have audiences wondering when the story will actually begin – but it gradually builds momentum, reaching its climax with an hilarious tale in the second half about a couple struggling to deal with the difficulties that often accompany the trucking lifestyle.
All three players are great talents. Prochaska is by far the most believable as a trucker, but the real singing talent is provided by Way and O’Brien. Audiences will be blown away by the emotional and vocal range of both, who also seem to have remarkable chemistry together.
The production tends to run a bit helter-skelter in spots, but as long as audiences aren’t looking for one unifying theme or story line, culminating in a neat ending in which all the loose ends are tied in an affirming bow, they’ll enjoy the script by John Gray.
It’s the musical numbers, which are aided by the direction of David Nairn and the choreography by Pamela Scott (which perfectly suits the songs and subject matter), that will truly resonate with audiences. They will also be drawn to the mannerisms and vernacular of the blue-collar characters.
And references to a fictional Mount Forest truck stop add to the connection local theatre goers may feel with the trio of every-day characters.
The live music by Bruce Ley, Bob Hewus and Eric Mahar is remarkable and carries the production from start to finish. And the set design by Sarah Scroggie is also a great addition to the play.
It may not be one of Theatre Orangeville’s best, but 18 Wheels is a fine production featuring great music, singing and acting. Yes, it’s a musical about truckers. But it’s more about the stories, which offer a little something for everyone.
18?Wheels plays six shows a week until April 25. For tickets call 519-942-3423 or 1-800-424-1295 or visit theatreorangeville.ca.
