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All aboard for Jasper Station

April 25, 2013   ·   0 Comments

What a wonderful evening will be had at author Norm Foster’s tremendously musical “Jasper Station”, now playing at the South Simcoe Theatre!  Accompanied by Steve Thomas’s rollicking musical score, the audience is scheduled for a highly entertaining evening.

A gentle stationmaster, Bert Calivetti (Tom Mercer) welcomes the travelers, finding a touch of humor in every line.  His dry wit and quick comebacks slip into each scene effortlessly, though we will discover there’s a lifelong sadness that hides behind that sweet smile. Mercer’s multiple talents enhance the entire play, as he slips into a medley of characters that meet their match on the outbound train.

As the passengers prepare for an unforgettable journey, they are swept into song by Rebecca Townshend (Jocelyn Tucker), a cub reporter champing at the bit to win the Pulitzer Prize. Tucker embraces the role with enthusiasm, managing not only to gather the stories but to arrange a reunion five years hence. Her excitement is contagious, and the audience sits back to enjoy the trip.

Accountant Sterling Mimms (Walter Stewart) embarks as well..though maybe not, as he would say. Mimms wants to be a country western star and though “Hold Mom’s Drink, She’s Driving” will never hit the top, we cannot say the same for Walter Stewart. His character’s indecisive loss of words is hilarious, and the audience is smiling even before he stumbles. Never have fewer words been so well said.

As hockey wannabe star Henry Keegan, Mark Howard scores applause not only for the portrayal, but for the best song in the play. He may not be the “sonofabitch Mahovalich” of which he sings, but his energy, talent, and winning smile carry him to a surprise finish.

Though the journey means success for some, for others, the train whistle calls more wistfully, tugging at the heartstrings. To Emmeline White (Kristy Jenkins), it’s a mournful call of what might have been, wondering what will be. Hutchens manages a delicate role sensitively, giving a memorable performance.

Then there’s Nikki Dunn (Kristine Jenkins) whose train whistle is the call of the wild. Her biting wit is felt by all the passengers in turn and her talents balance both sarcasm and sweetness in an energetic and passionate role.

Director Bob Buckley steers production into a fantastic evening, and along with musical director Michael Leach, producer Bernetta Starkey and an energetic cast and crew, brings success to Jasper Station. Kudos also go to the musician Renee Cingolani, who in a moment’s notice joined the cast and stepped up to the piano, making Jasper Station a surefire success.

The train departs Thursday to Sunday, April 11–28; call 705-458-4432 for tickets.

By Anne Ritchie

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