Awake and Dreaming
Reviewed by Bryan Boodhoo
The Vibe of Awake and Dreaming is ambitious.
Awake and Dreaming is a musical adaptation of the Children’s Novel of the same name. This is an ambitious project that deals with a lot of issues, dealing with child abuse, homelessness, poverty and the power of imagination.
The cast is large, and accompanied by live music. It’s a rich tapestry, that runs on the longer side. It’s 90 minutes. There is a lot packed into the play. Theo, is the child of abusive mother Rae. She leaves Theo to pursue a man. Theo is forced to leave her home in Vancouver to live with her aunt in Victoria. Theo then meets the Kaldors, who are an ideal family, who initially takes in Theo, almost as one of their own. It all seems too good to be true, and after a while, Theo starts to feel invisible. This is the precursor to reality setting in.
The music is original, and many of the songs are catchy and well performed. The actors do a good job, both singing and during the moments of acting. Theo in particular carries the show. I saw a number of very young children in the audience, and the longer run-time seemed to be too much for them. Still, I’m sure this show is sure to resonate with young adults.
Age Suitability: All Ages (everyone - including young children and sensitive viewers)
Warnings: Other Warnings
Other: Depictions of family conflict
Venue: The Westdale
Special Performances: Relaxed Performance
Genre: Musical/Concert/Opera
Creative/Prod Team
Jessica Wang, Judy Wang, Erin Yip, Shreya Jha, Casey Belland, Alaina Chen, Nour Gatti
Cast
Diya Tirone, Maggie Tavares, Lalaine Upgo, Nam Nguyen, Joanna Radecki, Bellamy Seals, Andrew Lowe, Mia Aubuchon, Amy Lee, Vivian Yin, Katherine Davies, Mia Downing
Band
Jasmine Chu, Riley Maguire, Julie Seeger, Colton Mowbray
