The classic story of “Beauty and the Best” truly is a tale as old as time, but trust me, you’ve NEVER seen it like this! Taking the true story behind the fairy tale and giving it a bold and daring twist, Kat Sandler’s WILDWOMAN is just that: wild. Rich with dark humour, dazzling design, and a ‘wild’ly talented cast, WILDWOMAN is the show to see this fall.

I grew up watching the Disney version of “Beauty and the Best” and to this day consider Belle my favourite Disney Princess, so I thought I was pretty prepared for what I was going to be witnessing at WILDWOMAN; I am so pleased to report that any expectations I had about this production were blown away within minutes of the performance beginning. WILDWOMAN tells the story of King Henry of France, and his new wife Catherine de Medici (yes, from those Medici’s). For their wedding, Henry’s tutor/mistress/confidant gifts him a wild man who has washed up from a shipwreck. WILDWOMAN takes us through years of their lives, from happy marriages and babies to death and personal intrigue, all with the sensuality befitting a sixteenth century court.

A TALE AS OLD AS TIME: PETE THE WILDMAN PLAYED BY DAN MOUSSEAU AND CATHERINE DE MEDICI PLAYED BY ROSE NAPOLI SHARE A SLOW DANCE
PHOTO CREDIT: DAHLIA KATZ

The design of this production is sensational. Nick Blais’ set design is breathtaking; the giant antlers protruding from the middle of the stage a constant reminder that this is a show about beasts and monsters. The opulence of the gold draping and guided cages add to the courtly feel of the set, while the bust of Henry’s father, the King, looms over everything; a perfect representation of his contestant presence without being portrayed on stage. Michelle Tracey’s costumes for this production are glorious; a beautiful representation of the ages depicted throughout the play. I loved the little touches like the fact that Henry is initially wearing sneakers, a sign that he’s not accustomed fully to his Princely status at court. I also was delighted by the little nods to the Disney classic: at one point Catherine is in a yellow dress, while Pete (the wild man) has a blue ribbon to tie back his hair and is dressed very much like the Beast in the movie. Catherine’s costumes in particular not only showed the change in time period but also in her inner being, going from a pure white bride to a fur cloak and leather wear. Every detail in WILDWOMAN has been thought of, and adds beautiful layers of meaning to the play. Kimberly Purtell’s lighting and Maddie Bautista’s sound design complete the ambiance of the production; I’m still laughing at the Mel Brooks-style screams every time the dungeon was referenced.

HENRY THE II OF FRANCE PLAYED BY TONY OFORI AND CATHERINE DE MEDICI PLAYED BY ROSE NAPOLI AS 14 YEAR OLD NEWLYWEDS
PHOTO CREDIT: DAHLIA KATZ

WILDWOMAN is brought to life by an extremely talented cast; I had high hopes when I saw the casting announcement, and once again my expectations were greatly exceeded. Rose Napoli stars as Catherine, and she vibrantly inhabits her role. Her command of the stage grows as Catherine’s power does and she is impossible to take your eyes off of. The legendary Rosemary Dunsmore portrays Didi, Henry’s elder mistress, and she oozes the sensuality and wisdom befitting of her character. Dunsmore brings out the complicated nature of Didi and her place in court with elegance and ferocity, making her a most memorable character. Finishing Sandler’s trifecta of powerful women in WILDWOMAN is Gabriella Sundar Singh as Kitty. Sundar Singh’s performance is feisty and delightful as we watch Kitty climb the ladders of court along with Catherine. These three women have such incredible chemistry and bring the powerful message of this play to life. Tony Ofori’s regal performance as Henry II was fantastic; his confidence and swagger comes through in every moment of the play, only to be matched by his childlike behaviour when it comes to Didi. Finally, Dan Mousseau expertly portrays Pete, the wild man. Mousseau consistently delivers on stage, his energy and vitality make him a delight to watch, and this role is no exception. This play could not have been cast any better; each actor brought their own unique energy and expertise to the piece and made it the thrilling experience it is.

Honestly, I haven’t jumped up for a standing ovation that quickly after a show was finished in quite some time. I couldn’t help myself, I was totally blown away by every aspect of this production, and I think you will be too. Make sure to get your tickets to WILDWOMAN ASAP! You’ll definitely want to sink your teeth into this bold and daring work. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.soulpepper.ca/performances/wildwoman

Cover photo:

PETE THE CAGED WILDMAN PLAYED BY DAN MOUSSEAU AND CATHERINE DE MEDICI PLAYED BY ROSE NAPOLI

PHOTO CREDIT: DAHLIA KATZ

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