Voulez-Zoom brings the Dance Party of Mamma Mia to Zoom
Throughout my reviews of Kingston productions, I constantly emphasize how theatre can serve as a vehicle for escapism, which frankly, seems like a necessity in 2020. However, I have yet to experience a production that feels as escapist as Blue Canoe’s Voulez-Zoom. Running just over an hour, this feel-good, dance party-esque show lured me into the fun and joy that is Mamma Mia.
What the production might have lacked in polish, it made up for in energy, enthusiasm and entertainment. However, in the midst of the karaoke and dance party that my (and likely other viewers) rooms had turned into, something incredible happened. A Star Was Born. Really. To say that Gwen Gorman delivered phenomenal vocals and mesmerizing acting would be a massive understatement. Every time she performed, it felt like she was using the camera as its own character, constantly interacting with it in fascinating ways through sight-lines, framing and even eye-contact at times. She seemed to have an advanced understanding of acting for the screen compared to the other performers. She specifically awed me in Winner Takes It All and Does Your Mother Know, with vocals that legitimately made my jaw drop more than once throughout the show. I missed her famous performance as The Chaperone last year in Drowsy Chaperone, but I legitimately could not be more excited to see her perform again. I also adored Mallory Brumm’s vocals in I Have A Dream.
The other highlight of the production was the ensemble vocals, specifically the harmonies between different cast members. Knowing Me, Knowing You, Winner Takes It All and Lay All Your Love On Me delivered some exceptional sounding harmonies that only amplified the already memorable music. As well, Pat Iun’s live piano accompaniment was absolutely stunning during Thank You For the Music.
As well, the production often used a Split-Screen effect when two or more characters were interacting with each other which I absolutely loved. I find this tactic works depending on the context of the production, but for Mamma Mia, it only amplified the light-heartedness and silliness of the show.
Overall, I absolutely loved Voulez-Zoom. It was pure entertainment at its best, and an unexpected dance party and sing-a-long. I look forward to more performances where the Dancing Queens of Voulez-Zoom can brace my Zoom screen in the future!
Further Note: If you are interested in auditioning for future Blue Canoe Productions, auditions are currently live for their next Cabaret of Wicked and Wizard of Oz Songs.
Information can be found at: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1rKABswCSfVdn2aUTL0RODn5tlEbvVt1ZeDFRzslQGYQ/edit?usp=sharing&fbclid=IwAR3BiM7R9zkCT51Or5qWc-n5inbUGfqKBga_Nf5bbfGcwHp-cNFriL0t45Y
