Dearest Gentle Reader...
Cambrian Players opened their 75th season Wednesday evening with the world premiere of Of Marriage Minded Misses directed by Julie MacCoy. This locally written, Bridgerton-esque show tells the story of Eugenia Bixby, a young miss whose mind is about as far away from marriage as it could be, much to the ire of her mama who’s goal in life is to see all of her children wedded by the end of the season.
The play is the first full-length show by Thunder Bay playwright Amanda Doig. Doig has previously had eight 10 minute plays performed in the local 10x10 Showcase, and another in the Newmarket 10 Minute Play Festival. Of Marriage Minded Misses is a witty comedy full of charm and one can't help but to hope to see more from Doig.
The cast threw their all into this performance and did a great job of bringing the story to life. With eight actors pouring their hearts and souls into the show, this author finds himself unable to go over each character while staying within a word limit. The entire cast did exceptionally well. In particular, some of the supporting cast members really stole the show.
Taylor Onski’s Camille Bixby is fidgety, anxious and always taking things a bit too seriously. This newly married missus brings a wonderful chaotic energy to the stage... just don’t stand to close! Onski truly embraced her character and had the audience on the edge of their seat whenever she graced the stage.
Lord Boynton is the love interest of the youngest Bixby sister. He was brought to life by Dan Morrison who is celebrating the show as his first full length play. Morrison’s portrayal of Lord Byron was excellent and he gave his all to the character... no matter where his intentions lay.
The only son of the Bixby family, Thomas, was played by the rakish Austin Campbell who’s quickly becoming a much-loved fixture of the Cambrian stage. Thomas is a charming young man who cares deeply for the happiness of his family and isn’t afraid to put his foot down when it matters most. The character seemed created specifically for Campbell, who encourages anyone who has the chance to see the show to take it.
“Don’t be afraid... embrace your inner Bridgerton fan and/or historical rom-com fan. You don’t have to know anything about history. Just come for fun,” said Campbell. “It’s a fun show. It’s got a little bit of something for everyone and I really think it speaks volumes to all audiences.”
The show’s set was simple but effective. It made great use of the Cambrian stage and was also designed by MacCoy. It was a nice touch to have stage hands in character as servants of the household as they changed the set between scenes. The set, coupled with Gayle Tuominen’s costumes, which are not entirely period accurate, did sell the story of a prominent family spending the season on the ton.
Overall the show was a wonderful time with a story that keeps the audience guessing throughout its approximate 90 minute runtime. But a word warning to those in the front row: you ARE in the splash zone.
Of Marriage Minded Misses is a great start to the newest Cambrian Players season and this author cant wait to see what else Thunder Bay’s longest running community theatre has to offer.
8/10
The production runs until Sunday, then returns to the stage from Nov. 27 to 30. Further information on the play can be found on the Cambrian Players website.
