The Cape Breton Regional Municipality is fortunate to have U.N.I.T Productions’ Morro and Jasp: Save the Date at the Highland Arts Theatre in Sydney this weekend.
Morro and Jasp are clown sisters played by Heather Marie Annis and Amy Lee, whose adventures have been chronicled in a series of Dora and Canadian Comedy Award winning plays that have been performed at the Factory Theatre in Toronto, the Manitoba Theatre for Young People in Winnipeg, and at Festivals across Canada, and in New York, Edinburgh, Helsinki and Vienna. In this chapter of the continuing saga Morro and Jasp stand on the precipice of the biggest change to their lives as they prepare for Jasp’s wedding. Jasp has high expectations for her big day. She has been meticulous in her plans and clear in her objectives, but she worries that Morro, always exuberant and spontaneous, will accidentally grand marshal chaos wherever she goes. Her fears are not unfounded. With over the top clown wedding Anxiety Morro and Jasp push all of each other’s buttons to both hilarious and heartrending effect.
This seventy-five minute joy-romp is adeptly written and well-paced. Each milestone from picking out the dress and wedding cake, to the wedding rehearsal and bachelorette party is mined for every absurd and hilarious opportunity for shenanigans, laughter, and fun… usually to Jasp’s chagrin. Most of these shenanigans spring organically from Morro’s big heart and the very best of her intentions. She is not enthralled by the glamour or the prestige of a wedding, but Morro loves her sister and she goes to great lengths to try to support Jasp’s specific vision, while also trying to connect to the event in her own creative way.
Amy Lee (Jasp) and Heather Marie Annis (Morro) have created and honed two beautifully nuanced, but also hysterically silly, clown characters who are able to win hearts with their physical comedy and slapstick prowess, and also seamlessly root Jasp and Morro in poignant and sincere storytelling in a way that is both cathartic and satisfying. Lee and Annis are clowning masters, their hard work is invisible; they make everything look seamless and simple. Save the Date is directed by Byron Laviolette and Kat Sandler who help ensure that the timing is sharp and the pacing compact, providing Jasp and Morro with a strong foundation out of which to play and at times improvise, which gives the show its electric energy.
Save the Date is sure to appeal to anyone who loves to laugh and isn’t squeamish of stage-vomit or spit takes, but if you have ever been a perfectionistic bride, or known one, or have ever been the awkward-feeling younger sister (or older cousin) of the bride, there is a lot in this show that is especially resonant. Nearly all wedding stories centre on the bride and the groom, but it is not just their relationship that profoundly changes. It is refreshing to see the bond of sisters explored in this context, and in such a playful and unique way.
Save the Date is the third Morro and Jasp show I have seen and my first in Nova Scotia. I will jump at any opportunity to see Annis and Lee perform, even if I have to jump through some hoops to get there. I always know I will leave the theatre with a full heart. If you have the opportunity to see the show tomorrow at the Highland Arts Theatre I highly recommend you save the date and get your tickets now!
Morro and Jasp: Save the Date plays at the Highland Arts Theatre (40 Bentinck Street, Sydney) until February 23rd, 2020. There are two shows, one at 2:00pm and one at 8:00pm. Tickets are $27.00 (plus tax) and are available at the Box Office on Bentinck Street, by phone at 902.565.3637 or online here.
You can find Morro and Jasp on Social Media: Facebook. Twitter. Instagram (@morroandjasp). Also check out their awesome cookbooks in their store!
You can follow The Highland Arts Theatre on Facebook. Twitter and Instagram (@highlandartstheatreofficial).
