The Jenny Revue

2023 Editorials

30th Year Special Features

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Midnight
by Meraki Theatre Meraki Theatre Productions - Winnipeg, MB
V.19 - CCFM - Antoine Gaborieau Hall
What happens when a classic fairy tale meets the iconic music of TSwift? You get the brand-new parody musical Midnight. In our version (Meraki's Version), this sparkly spin-off of Cinderella is a must-see for all ages. From the team that brought you the sold-out show D?j? Vu at the 2022 Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, we've written this show as a collective creation just for you.
PS: If you couldn't get tickets to the Era's tour and consider yourself a #Swiftie (or if you don't), don't worry, you can get tickets to THIS show.

Show Info:
45 Minutes
Genre:
Musical

Audience:
General

Thu July 20 6:00 PM
Fri July 21 7:30 PM
Sat July 22 6:00 PM
Sun July 23 9:15 PM
Tue July 25 7:45 PM
Wed July 26 9:15 PM
Thu July 27 6:00 PM
Fri July 28 7:30 PM
Sat July 29 9:15 PM
Sun July 30 5:00 PM

Midnight by Meraki Theatre	Meraki Theatre Productions - Winnipeg, MB	V.19 - CCFM - Antoine Gaborieau Hall
	What happens when a classic fairy tale meets the iconic music of TSwift? You get the brand-new parody musical Midnight. In our version (Meraki's Version), this sparkly spin-off of Cinderella is a must-see for all ages. From the team that brought you the sold-out show D?j? Vu at the 2022 Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, we've written this show as a collective creation just for you. PS: If you couldn't get tickets to the Era's tour and consider yourself a #Swiftie (or if you don't), don't worry, you can get tickets to THIS show.	Show Info: 45 Minutes Genre: Musical Audience: General	Thu July 20 6:00 PM Fri July 21 7:30 PM Sat July 22 6:00 PM Sun July 23 9:15 PM Tue July 25 7:45 PM Wed July 26 9:15 PM Thu July 27 6:00 PM Fri July 28 7:30 PM Sat July 29 9:15 PM Sun July 30 5:00 PM

Midnight

Meraki Theatre Productions—CCFM – Antoine Gaborieau Hall

Earlier in the day (Tuesday), I heard someone say that every seating for this show is already, completely sold out. Someone suggested it was because of the music of Taylor Swift. I certainly hope not. Don’t
get me wrong: I like Swift and a lot of her music (including the country stuff), but I don’t want to see a dozen shows next year feature her music because she’s so big right now, and everything she touches (or doesn’t even touch) turns to gold. I could hardly believe it when I picked up my ticket (a full one hour before showtime) and there’s a lineup a dozen people deep waiting to get in already. This could very well be the most highly anticipated show I’ve ever seen.

The preshow “show” is nice to have as people wedge themselves into this tight, table-setting theatre. The actual show is sometimes hard to hear. There’s a considerable sized cast, some with strong voices, and some where I have a lot of trouble hearing them (and I’m sitting in the front third of the theatre). They should seriously consider micing up the players.

The show only runs an actual 40 minutes, and it could easily run a full hour. There certainly is no
shortage of repertoire of Swift songs from which to choose. I’m certain the segue for I Knew You Were Trouble came, yet the song never followed. I suspect they cut it last minute.

For a couple of the songs, the pitch seems a lot faster than it should be. Watching the singers, it feels like they’re speed-singing, the way you would if you’re running out of time. The conclusion seems a tad rushed, and it would be great to see a bit more denouement than a simple, one-line closing from “the prince.”

I love the alternate ending. It would have felt very wrong to see the traditional ending, suggesting the only way a woman can get out of a rough situation is by the grace of a man.

Did the show deliver on its lofty expectations? Not quite for me, but my expectations before the show were likely unachievable. I didn’t realise this company has a mandate of providing opportunity and development for youth. I felt this show had a high school production feel. At first, that was in the negative lens, but now knowing the raison d’etre of Meraki, I think the cast did a wonderful job. I am very happy for their success and wish them only the best fortunes.

Ray Yuen