REVIEW: An American Hymnal: Forgiving and Healing Through Music...
He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love…. - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Music provides humanity with many things: a universal language, a range of emotional responses, and, for many, a light in the dark. Terra Bruce Productions understands how music functions in our every day lives and how to channel it into not only a history lesson but a deeply personal story dealing with the importance of forgiveness as well.
The show introduces us, rather abruptly, to Father Paul Barry (in a captivating performance by Connor Lucas) who has left his home in Ireland to move to America, determined to help others. On the busy streets of Chicago he encounters Dinah, an unforgettable jazz singer (and a beautiful and layered performance by Ruth Acheampong), leaving Paul with a decades long lasting impression. We follow their journeys through melding various genres of music from gospel to rock and roll of the 50’s and 60’s, and face the injustices of society throughout, many of which still resonate strongly to this day.
Photography by: Dahlia Katz and Richie Pere
Director Courtney Brown and the creative team behind An American Hymnal showcase some of the best use of projections I have witnessed in ages. The projections set the scenes beautifully from the stained glass of a church to the devastating fires of the Chicago riots (which targeted black urban areas following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968). These projections do not detract from the efforts of this exceptionally talented cast who work fluidly to transition scenes and keep the story moving. At times, the stage at Theatre Aquarius almost feels too big for the more intimate moments between characters, but it also demonstrates how isolating and empty moments in life can be and the staging utilizes this well overall.
As we journey with Father Paul, we are introduced to several familiar songs like Morning Has Broken (best known by Yusuf/Cat Stevens), His Eye is On the Sparrow (a stunning gospel song recognizable from Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit), Only You by The Platters and the powerhouse performance of I Believe (a pop song from the late 60’s, envisioned here as a march and protest song). There are some standout moments from Steve Maloney as the rockabilly baritone Carter Johnson (who channels an entertaining heartthrob Elvis vibe) and the ensemble continuously shines in the aforementioned I Believe and The Three Bells, among others. There are no small parts within this show and the ensemble proves it throughout as they dance, sing, play multiple characters and change set pieces effortlessly. Bravo.
The leads Lucas and Acheampong are both exceptional in their own right. Lucas is gut-wrenching in his moments of despair. His soaring tenor was impressive in several songs (especially during His Eye is On the Sparrow which gave me chills) and Acheampong’s stubborn dreamer energy is authentic and inspiring with her incredible vocal prowess in I Believe and Wade in the Water.
The audience will connect with several of the themes here, the strongest being that of learning how to forgive and perhaps even more importantly, to be forgiven. There’s no escaping the religiosity of it all but forgiveness goes beyond monotheism and takes a very hard look at how to move on and learn from one’s mistakes, hardships and loss. The musical selections only hammer these themes home and are carefully reprised in the second act, taking on new and more profound meanings.
An American Hymnal is a deeply moving and impactful history lesson reflecting on moments that still resonate today. It also provides wonderful connections regarding how music shapes and changes throughout history. It reminds us that without gospel, we would never know rock and roll. Without mistakes, we would never know forgiveness. Without loss, we would never truly understand or appreciate love. All these things and more make this new musical a must-see. The only true criticism I have is that it isn’t playing in Hamilton, ON for more than 3 days. I highly recommend seeing this show. You will not be disappointed.
