Review: CHELSEA HOTEL Hits all the Right Notes

CHELSEA HOTEL: THE SONGS OF LEONARD COHEN is a celebration of the powerful and iconic anthems from Canadian music legend, Leonard Cohen. The production premiered in 2012 at Vancouver's Firehall Arts Centre and has since made stops across the country to critical acclaim. The Theatre 20 production is now being mounted with Theatre Passe Muraille to Toronto audiences.

The production is set in the Chelsea Hotel and features a struggling writer (Jonathan Gould) who has locked himself in the room in a hope to find inspiration. Strong themes of love are explored; what he's learned through past relationships, all set to the background of Cohen's inspirational songs. Much of the narrative is told through stitching together song; everything from So Long, Marianne to Tonight Will Be Fine to the heartbreaking finale of Hallelujah.

Directed and conceived by Tracey Power, CHELSEA HOTEL is a moving and ambitious piece full of sexy seduction and subtle honesty. Steven Charles was the musical director who pieces together inventive and unique arrangements of these classic songs. Led by Jonathan Gould, CHELSEA HOTEL also features an ensemble of 5 actors, who together, play seventeen instruments on stage.

Leonard Cohen's diverse music library leads to variation in pace throughout the two-hour production. From high energy performances to beautifully subtle acoustic and a cappella numbers, the entire experience is an immersive and emotional ride. However, the fast-paced and energetic performance lacked some cohesion between scenes. Some parts felt like a high-energy number from Cabaret, while others felt like a scene right out of Once. For me, it was subtle and tender numbers that best showcased the impeccable talent of this tremendous cast; notably Gould's undeniable range. Their beautiful harmonies and fearless a cappella transitions were moving.

After touring across Canada, CHELSEA HOTEL sure to become a Canadian classic. The talented cast that showcase a diverse range of musicality paired with tight choreography and set to the beautiful backdrop of Leonard Cohen - CHELSEA HOTEL hits all the right notes.

CHELSEA HOTEL: THE SONGS OF LEONARD COHEN is playing at Theatre Pasee Muraille Mainstage until February 21. Tickets can be purchased by calling 416-504-7529 or by visting www.theatre20.com or in person at Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Avenue.

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