John Hall is older than he can remember, but what he does remember is a life full of love, and hardship, kindness, and pain. Audrey Dwyer’s Come Home: The Legend of Daddy Hall, directed by Tarragon’s Artistic Director Mike Payette, is a glorious way to close the season. Examining the struggles and triumphs of colonized people through the lens of Hall’s life, we explore the past, present, and eternal lives of John “Daddy” Hall. A superb cast, live music, and eye-popping design make Come Home: The Legend of Daddy Hall a truly unforgettable theatrical experience.

John Hall is on his death bed; he’s developed a nasty cough and knows he doesn’t have much longer to go. As he enters the ancestral plane, his mind is flooded with memories of his young life, all of the hardship which has lead him to this moment. As we witness the pivotal people and moments in Hall’s life, likely only covering the first 40 or so of his 117 years, patterns and cycles begin to emerge for both the audience and Hall himself. All the while, we hear from Billie, a descendant of Hall’s, who is struggling with how to navigate modern life, particularly in regards to how to help his young children do so as well.

Dwyer’s text is fantastic; it’s an intricately woven story spanning generations and cultures. You can feel the passion and dedication which radiates from this piece not only in its writing, but in all aspects of its production. Infused with the teachings of both Black and Indigenous histories, Come Home: The Legend of Daddy Hall encapsulates the realities of the times Hall experienced. While I had known about rice or beans being braided into people’s hair, I didn’t know that the braids could also act as maps to help get people to safety. Details like this soundly ground the story in reality while also passing along the knowledge, helping to keep it alive. Dwyer, Payette, and dramaturge Monique Mojica’s brilliant work is evident in every moment of this play.

Jawon Kang’s set design is spectacular; from the moment I walked in the theatre I could practically smell the swamp water and Spanish moss evoked by the design. The levels she’s created as well as the moving set pieces allow for a dynamic and ever-changing set, perfect for a story which spans continental North America. Michelle Ramsay’s lighting design is essential to tell this story, indicating when in time and space we are. Christine Ting-Huan Urquhart’s costumes are simple and functional yet still dazzling, incorporating elements of so many cultures into each design. Adding to this sensual experience is the sound design and composition by Unsettled Scores. Both Spy Dénommé-Welch and Catherine Magowan are on stage throughout the performance, playing music and making sound effects. Everything about the design of this production makes it feel elevated and cohesive, truly making it an experience.

The cast of Come Home: The Legend of Daddy Hall is full of powerhouse performers. Like with the writing and design, you can feel their energy on stage and the love they’re pouring into this work. Daren A. Herbert delivers a nuanced and emotional performance as John “Daddy” Hall. Herbert has a captivating charisma which he brings to the role and he truly anchors the cast. Emerjade Simms is a fierce and loving Ma and Mama Tee, with an entrancing command of the stage. Helen Belay’s Mary is a fascinating mix of calm and sweet in life and pure fury in the afterlife, both sides of which Belay plays beautifully. Brandon Oakes plays Pa and Henry, and in both roles his composure and wisdom shine through, as well as getting several good laughs from the audience. Nicole Joy-Fraser’s Elizabeth and Ida are both kind and tender women who Joy-Fraser embodies with grace. Troy Adams’ Billie feels familiar, an exhausted father looking for answers, as we all search for answers; his presence throughout the play is a grounding force for audience and character alike.

You won’t want to miss Come Home: The Legend of Daddy Hall; it’ll leave you hopeful, teary-eyed, and desperate to learn more about the astonishing man the play is based on. Running at Tarragon Theatre until June 9th, you’re definitely going to want to get your tickets soon, I imagine this will be a hot ticket this summer! For more information and tickets, visit: https://tarragontheatre.com/plays/current-season/come-home-the-legend-of-daddy-hall/

---

Cover photo: Daren A. Herbert, Helen Belay, Nicole Joy-Fraser & Brandon Oakes. Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann

---

Thank you to my Patrons:

B. Kinnon, D. Moyes

And to my supporters who’ve bought me a coffee:

Angelica and Paul, Anonymous, and Adrianna

Would you like to become a Patron? Check out my Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox

Or, you can buy me a coffee at: buymeacoffee.com/aviewfromthebox