Supernatural Noir by Fugue Theatre (review) as experienced by @anabellebf

I’ve been really excited about Supernatural Noir (see our preview here) ever since I knew I would be reviewing it. An opera featuring a psychic detective, a snoopy journalist, a millionaire and a dirty politician? Gosh, am I totally in!

Photo by Angelina Cantada. Used with permission.

I’ve seen more theatre in the past three months than in my entire life (and I have two literature degrees). I’ve seen okay stuff, good stuff and really good stuff. Supernatural Noir was definitely a highlight of these past three months. (Is it over already? I didn’t see time pass!)

The musical followed all the conventions of the noir genre: a cynical private eye, impossible love, opportunistic sex and crooked politicians. But this one added an interesting and funny twist: this private eye (played by charismatic Matt Palmer) can talk to dead people. The musical team (excellent composition by the violinist Cameron Wilson and musical direction by Allen Stiles, accompanied by cellist Charles Inkman) is in fact a ghostly musical trio haunting Slim Diggins’ office. They play the music and discuss the case with Slim–but only him (and the audience) can see them.

The witty, funny writing redeemed a slightly thin story. There was an interesting play on time and space: Slim Diggins seems to still live in the 1940s with a rotary phone, no computer and a broken door buzzer; the other characters are all cell phone, bluetooth headsets and high tech gadgets. There was also a mention of all those feet that seem to turn up on the shores of Lower Mainland beaches…

The actors/singers were all excellent and were right into their roles. Melanie Adams as the millionaire pharmaceutical CEO Amelia was perfectly duplicitous but also touching as the detective’s spiritual soul mate; Laura Di Cicco was excellent as the rising reporter who uses all her… assets… to get to the stories; finally, Alexander McMorran was amazing as the dirty Communications Director of the BC government who has a lot to gain from the recovery of a certain formula.

I really enjoyed this original musical. It was mysterious, funny and cynical, just like a real film noir. These is no real redeeming for any of the characters; no “happy ending” as we know it.

Supernatural Noir is on until November 5th at the Waterfront Theatre on Granville Island. If you like film noir or musicals, you won’t be disappointed!

_____________________________________________________________________

Disclaimer: Anabelle attended the play on review tickets. She was not otherwise paid to write a review, nor was a positive one expected. Raul maintains editorial control at all times.

Be Sociable, Share!