Inspired by the golden age of the MGM movies and classic Cole Porter musicals, The White Light Follies followed Peggy, an aspiring theatre actress looking to make it on Broadway in the 1940s. She sets out to audition for acclaimed theatre producer Theodore Stanley. After failing to impress Ellie, his wife and head choreographer, Peggy is offered a janitorial job at the theatre, where she meets the producer's young assistant Jimmy. The theatre is currently under financial stress. In an attempt to recoup costs, Theo hires his two friends and well respected stage actors, Warren and Beverley. The two are recently and bitterly divorced, and have each been hired by Theo unbeknownst to the other.
While Peggy daydreams of a life as a successful stage star and a romance with Jimmy, Theo tries to get Warren and Beverley to work together amicably, while ignoring Ellie's pleas for her husband's attention. After a rehearsal gone terribly wrong, Warren and Beverly both pull out of the production. In an act of faith, Ellie presents Peggy forward as a new leading lady of the stage, and Peggy makes her grand debut as a lady of song, saving the theatre!
While Peggy daydreams of a life as a successful stage star and a romance with Jimmy, Theo tries to get Warren and Beverley to work together amicably, while ignoring Ellie's pleas for her husband's attention. After a rehearsal gone terribly wrong, Warren and Beverly both pull out of the production. In an act of faith, Ellie presents Peggy forward as a new leading lady of the stage, and Peggy makes her grand debut as a lady of song, saving the theatre!
November 2016
Photos by Chris Hutcheson and Matthew Haskil
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White Light Follies would be High Society Cabaret’s inaugural show at their new home venue, Revival Bar in Little Italy. It would also be Knox Harter’s first attempts as a writer and director. Having come from a diverse and traditional theatre background, Knox felt sure of her vision and her methods of executing her ideas. As the show demanded a much bigger cast than High Society had previously worked with, she sought out new talent interested in bringing this production to life, and began working not only with new artists, but old peers in new roles. In the initial production meeting with the cast, everyone seemed excited at the idea of a full length theatre show incorporating elements of burlesque. Knox did her best to stick to previous rehearsal structures as she had with the cabaret shows, but quickly saw that those methods were now out of date and insufficient to the needs of the production. Moreover, the excited cast became quickly weary of the production and seemed to lose faith in Knox as a leader.
“I remember after one very trying rehearsal where I felt like I was just constantly being combatted on choreography, the ensemble simply walked out 30 minutes before rehearsal was supposed to end and I just sat on my knees in the middle of Revival and cried.” - Knox Harter Unbeknownst to Knox, the ensemble had taken it upon themselves to change choreography and take on roles without consent or authorization, adding tensions in rehearsals. Knox also struggled with the logistical and technical demand of the production, underestimating tasks and timelines. Many small details were left to the last minute, such as proper promotion and details in costuming. The show barely made it to opening night. While a bigger audience compared to the shows at Parlour attended, the numbers looked lacklustre in the expensive main floor of Revival. Much to Knox’s heartbreak and disappointment, the show did not meet expectations.
Show Times:
Thursday November 24th, 2016; 8pm Sunday November 27th, 2016; 2pm, 7pm Location: Revival Bar, 783 College Street, Toronto Script: Knox Harter
Group Choreography: Knox Harter Director: Knox Harter Producer: Knox Harter Costumes: Knox Harter Props and Set: Knox Harter Promotional Art: Adam Tupper Media and Marketing: Knox Harter Video: Charlie Quinn Video Editing: Knox Harter Ticket Price: $25 in advance, $35 at the door, group of 4 tickets $75 |
September 2017
Photos by Chris Hutcheson and Sly Pereira
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Looking for redemption and after the success of Portrait of a Scandal, Knox decided to take a second attempt at The White Light Follies. Equipped with a better rehearsal and creation structure, Knox recast nearly 75% of the show, including an ensemble with a more formalized dance training. This allowed Knox to deeply analyze the past content and make major adjustments to the choreography, from group numbers, to duets, to the opening second act ballet.
“Suddenly I wasn’t choreographing to the abilities of my ensemble and instead was starting to really challenge my own choreographic skills. I wanted to bring out the most show-stopping show girl choreography I could at every opportunity. I think I fulfilled that dream. I’m really proud of those adjustments.” - Knox Harter The recasts to the lead roles also brought a very different energy to the show, and gave space for Knox to play more as a director. Rehearsals with the actors were more of a structured improvisation based on the script. Each ensemble member also challenged themselves with individual solos, adding an added element of creating a dual environment of a show within a show: the showy performances and the storyline that happens backstage.
Having found her stride, the production went smoothly, sold well and was well received by audiences. Show Times:
Wednesday September 6th, 2017; 8pm Thursday September 7th, 2017; 8pm Location: Revival Bar, 783 College Street, Toronto Script: Knox Harter
Group Choreography: Knox Harter Director: Knox Harter Assistant Director: Dana Thody Producer: Knox Harter Costumes: Knox Harter Props and Set: Knox Harter Promotional Art: Adam Tupper Media and Marketing: Knox Harter Video: Charlie Quinn Video Editing: Knox Harter Ticket Price: Early Bird $20; Advance Standing $15, Advance Seating $25, Group of 4 tickets $75, Admission at the door $35 |
