Review: DEFYING GRAVITY

Written by Jane Anderson in response to the 1986 space shuttle Challenger disaster, Defying Gravity looks at a cross section of people whose lives converge at that one fateful moment when they witness the events of January 28, 1986.  We view their stories through the eyes of French impressionist artist, Claude Monet.

Ryan Weeks plays Monet who begins with an informative explanation of art as altered by the viewer's personal experiences. This informs the rest of the play, because most of us will remember what we were doing when we heard the news.

George Cox and June O'Brien offer a compelling portrait of a middle-aged couple crossing the country by motor home hoping to recapture the lost magic in their marriage. Luisa Favaro is perfect as the world-weary waitress in a bar frequented by NASA staff, including a technician CB as played with an edge by Nigel Paul.

The play's main character is a Teacher, inspired by Christa McAuliffe. Her passion for teaching is pointed up in a series of classroom lectures, but in one of the most touching scenes she encourages the waitress to overcome her fear of heights.  Mary Pat McBride's performance weaves in so many subtle nuances that it is near impossible to take them all in at once.

As her daughter Elizabeth,  Holly Bateman has the most difficult assignment since she must frequently switch from playing a young adult to playing a six-year old. That she navigates the transitions seamlessly is a testament to both the performer and the director, Reid Mowat.

Mowat, who also did the lighting, sound and set design, weaves all of the elements into a rich tapestry, although the transitions from scene to scene could be tighter and faster. From the moment you walk into the theatre and see the unusual multi-media set and hear the spacey new-age music, you know you are in for a different type of theatrical experience. Enhanced by strong performances, it results in a series of character studies that soar.

Defying Gravity plays Thursday through Saturday evenings at 8 PM at the Library Theatre, 1350 Burnhamthorpe road until Saturday Feb 3. There will be a 2 PM matinee on Sunday January 28^th - the 21^st anniversary of the Challenger disaster. Tickets are $20 and available by calling the box office at 905-823-7100.