Juno-nominated Reflections on Crooked Walking returns to the Firehall Arts Centre to December 22

Donna Spencer directs Ann Mortifee’s family musical

By Gail Johnson

Reflections on Crooked Walking. Photo by Jon Benjamin

Firehall Arts Centre and The McGrane-Pearson Endowment Fund present Reflections on Crooked Walking to December 22

ANN MORTIFEE’S REFLECTIONS on Crooked Walking is a Juno-nominated family musical that’s making a comeback to the Firehall Arts Centre this month in a copresentation with The McGrane-Pearson Endowment Fund.

Firehall Arts Centre artistic producer Donna Spencer directs the tale in which four unlikely friends go in search of a cure for a sleeping sickness that has overtaken their town. When they follow the clues left by a mystical man, the Doorman (Jesse Lipscombe), they encounter an enigmatic manipulator, Opia (Meghan Gardiner). As Opia tries to get them to sleep, Gabby (Paige Fraser), Reverend Blinkers (Anthony Ingram), Feathertoes (Marija Danyluk), and Sufferton (Frankie Cottrell) rise to the challenge, learning what true friendship looks like. Opia’s minions, Wayless (Jeffrey Follis) and Nimbleknees (Daune Campbell), join in the fun to confounding effect.

With a book and score by Mortifee, Reflections on Crooked Walking made its world premiere at the Arts Club Theatre Company more than four decades ago, when the cast album was nominated for a Juno Award.

This year’s version features musical direction by Bill Costin, choreography by Laura Ross, costumes by Barbara Clayden, and lighting design by Rebekah Johnson.

Stir’s 2023 review described the show as “whimsical” and “quirky”, noting that “this production keeps the messaging and charm of Mortifee’s work fresh and relevant”. 

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