The Firehall Arts Centre will present Ann Mortifee’s Reflections on Crooked Walking, a whimsical family musical with a song for every audience member from Nov. 30 to Dec. 22. The musical’s main characters– the four heroes– embark on a quest to find a cure for a mysterious sleeping illness plaguing their town, only to discover something far greater hidden along the journey: the unbreakable bond of friendship.

“In Reflections on Crooked Walking, the four seekers go on a journey for a cure but also learn to care for and understand each other,” reflects Donna Spencer, director of the production. “They confront a lot of painful things but also realize how the friendship between them continues to grow.”

Reflections on reprise

By following the trail of clues left by the magical Doorman, the gatekeeper between worlds, the four seekers soon realize that their journey may have more challenges than they anticipated. Now the manipulative Madame Opia stands in their way, determined to stop them from uncovering the truth, and the four heroes must come together to triumph and save the town.

Spencer finds the way the four protagonists bond through adversity and embrace their differences to be one of the most touching layers of the piece.

“[They] understand that even though they’re different, they can still bond, and that’s what gives me joy,” she says, noting their differences in age, culture and personality.

As the director, Spencer is primarily inspired by the world around her, and scripts that capture joy, glory or tragedy. In Reflections on Crooked Walking, themes of friendship and creativity are presented to audiences in the form of sparkling musical numbers, all of which moved Spencer to direct the production.

“I recognize something that I feel should be conveyed and that audiences should have an opportunity to see, and that is what drives my work,” she says, noting how she often finds herself humming the uplifting melodies from the musical.

One number Spencer is particularly excited to share with the audience is “Every Door is a Magic Door.” For her, this song reflects the musical’s theme of unexpected joys, emphasizing how opening a new door is akin to taking a leap into the unknown and how the unknown may surprise in the most delightful way.

“It’s very bright, cleverly done music,” she reflects. “You come out of the room feeling like life is pretty good.”

This cheerful song is contrasted with another musical number, “Work, Work, Work,” which is about how life can settle into a routine and become boringly mundane. The diversity of the music and how it resonates with audiences in different ways is an aspect of Reflections on Crooked Walking Spencer most adores.

“The music is not all light-hearted, but it’s very memorable,” she says.

Cue the creativity

Every production comes with its challenges, both onstage and behind the scenes. For this musical, Spencer found that transitioning between scenes and locations posed a unique obstacle, because it happens in full view of the audience. However, through thoughtful planning and creative resolutions like lighting and costume changes, audiences are effortlessly drawn into the world.

“How things transition is a magical part of the theatre world,” she adds.

To Spencer, Reflections on Crooked Walking is not only about friendship, but the importance of creativity. In a world with violence and insecurity, she finds that art, along with other expressions of creativity, is often dismissed.

“I feel that people are carrying a lot of weight on their shoulders,” she says. “So, I think going to a live performance and having the opportunity to enjoy something outside of your everyday life is a really positive thing.”

She is eager to direct future productions that embody the values of the Firehall Arts Centre and to collaborate with artists across Greater Vancouver. Her goal is to produce artwork that not only sparks joy but also introduces new perspectives.

“The Firehall Arts Centre’s mandate is to open doors and provoke people’s thinking, and I hope we can continue with the support of our audiences,” she says.

For more information, please visit: www.firehallartscentre.ca/event/reflections-on-crooked-walking-2