Leaving Home A Canadian Gem
David French's tale of the Mercer family gets revival by Soulpepper
Theatre simply can't get any better this. Canadian theatre can't get better than this. A play with clever, quick and slick writing combined with a firm hand from a director and some of the finest performances on stage this season. Put everything together, and you have Soulpepper's production of David French's Leaving Home.
Leaving Home focuses on the Mercer family, and is part of French's series of plays that revolve around that family, including Salt Water Moon, 1949, Of The Fields, Lately, and Soldier's Heart. In Leaving Home, the Mercer family is in the throws of preparations for their youngest sons (Bill) wedding to a young lady (Kathy) he has gotten pregnant. As they sit down to dinner the night of the wedding rehearsal, things erupt when Ben, the elder son, reveals he is moving out as well. Minnie, Kathy's mother, arrives and throws a wrench into the proceedings, bringing up the relationship she once shared with Jacob. When it's revealed that Kathy has had a miscarriage, the teens are left to choose whether or not they will continue with their wedding plans.
The cast is stellar from top to bottom. Diane D'Aquila, known for her work at the Stratford Festival, plays Mary with such strength and passion that you can't help but feel for her as she witnesses her family implode. Kenneth Walsh matches her in every way as Jacob Mercer, playing his comedic moments with flair, and his tender moments with such passion, it will move you to tears. Jeff Lillico and Anthony Johnson each turn in strong performances as Bill and Ben, the brothers dealing with their abrasive father. Martha MacIssac gives a stirring portrayal of Kathy, the young lady caught in the crossfire as she deals with losing her baby. Jane Spidell is fantastic as Minnie, bringing a delightful comedic role to the forefront, and she gives the audience some of the best laughs in the play, but, having said that, she also is incredibly moving during the tense, serious moments of the piece. The role of Harold is played by Oliver Dennis, and this role cements his status as one of Toronto's finest actors. While the role is non-speaking, Dennis steals moments but doesn't take anything away from his fellow actors by upstaging them. It's fair to say that this is one of the finest acting ensembles assembled in Toronto in a long, long time.
Ted Dykstra has to be commended for his stage direction. His work is almost non-existent, which allows the action to flow naturally. This piece needs that type of direction to work.
The evening flies by, and when it all ends, you wish you could go back and re-live it all over again.
Having seen several productions of Salt Water Moon previously, it was fascinating to see how the relationship between Jacob and Mary Mercer has evolved from young, passionate love, to middle age and dealing with their two sons. Leaving Home is a piece of Canadian art that should be commended and seen by all, so catch it while you can.
Leaving Home
by David French
Produced by Soulpepper Theatre Company
Directed by Ted Dykstra
Featuring Kenneth Welsh and Diane D'Aquila
***** (out of five)
Now until June 16th, 2007 at the Young Centre For The Performing Arts
For ticket and show information, click here.
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