Dear Rita, the musical celebration of Rita MacNeil, the Cape Breton singer-songwriter who defied easy classification, covers a lot of ground in its 90 minutes.
Based on the reaction of obvious fans on opening night at Halifax’s Neptune Theatre, the show hits all the right notes. For those less familiar, like myself, it has little time to explore with much depth what we assume are the pivotal moments in MacNeil’s life.
Co-created by Cape Breton playwright and actor Lindsay Kyte, who also appears in the show, Kyte was chosen by Rita’s son Wade Langham to develop Dear Rita. Using MacNeil’s 1998 memoir, On a Personal Note, as inspiration for the play’s book, Kyte takes us on a whirlwind trip through MacNeil’s life from birth to death. Bound by its short run time, these are often only cursory explorations of some of MacNeil’s life, including her rise to fame and personal and professional struggles.
While it took a moment for it to sink in, Kyte has written her script so that each of the five actors, including the sole male in the cast, plays the role of MacNeil at various moments, sometimes even jumping between actors in a single scene. The use of the quintet in this manner speaks volumes to the universality of MacNeil’s music.
Not a traditional musical, Dear Rita intersperses MacNeil’s life story with her music, rearranged for multiple voices by Kyte’s co-creator, composer Mike Ross. Although the songs chosen emphasize a particular story and have some resonance, they do little to drive the story forward. This observation is not a criticism of the show but about setting expectations.
Sung by this capable cast of five: Julie Martell, Kyte, Ian Sherwood, Michelle Yu and Lisa Nasson, the harmonies the five create are exquisite and are the show’s strongest musical moments.
Stage director Samantha Wilson and movement director Rebecca Wolfe keep the staging simple, allowing the actors to focus on each scene and the music. Scenic designer Lucas Arab has also emphasized the action, with a dozen or so shaded lamps suspended from the ceilings that float up and down. It is all lit with a warm glow by Leigh Ann Vardy.
Musical director Avery-Jean Brennan leads her trio on keyboards, including Brad Reid and Stephane McKeown, with skill. Cast members also occasionally take up instruments, adding depth to some songs.
While Dear Rita provides only a glimpse into MacNeil’s life and music, it did spark a desire for those of us who know little about her to learn more.
Dear Rita, created by Lindsay Kyte and Mike Ross. Arrangements by Mike Ross. A Neptune Theatre presentation on stage at Neptune Theatre’s Fountain Hall Stage (1593 Argyle St, Halifax) until August 25. For tickets and information, visit neptunetheatre.com.