Everyone loves a good plot twist in a play, but life has its own way of delivering course-altering plot twists when we least expect them. That’s certainly what happened to Carly Neis, the writer and performer of In My Own Little Corner, who went from needing care to being a caregiver seemingly in the blink of an eye. In a show that’s part game show, part musical, and all heart, In My Own Little Corner is an experience unlike anything you’ll see on stage.

I simply have to begin by talking about Holly Meyer-Dymny’s set design, because it is absolutely breathtaking. They have turned the Aki Studio Theatre into a massive blanket fort where everyone is encouraged to cozy up and enjoy Carly’s story. While there are a few rows of traditional theatre seating, the majority of the space is comprised of comfy chairs, couches, and tables to sit at. On each of the three tables there are sensory toys, tissues, and earplugs in case you need them. The set features chairs dangling from the ceiling adorned with beads and disco balls, and then best of all are the strips of blankets which create a tent-like feel to the playing space. A mix of quilts and crocheted pieces, these blankets immediately invoke a sense of security and comfort.

In In My Own Little Corner, Carly talks about her life in the theatre, how it first started as a way to make friends, but soon her friendship with her vocal coach Randy became the strongest friendship of all. Randy was happy to help her with more than just her singing, but also cut her food or wash her hands, the little things which made Carly feel cared for. Unfortunately, it wasn’t too long before the tables were turned and Carly had to become the caregiver for Randy as he faced terminal cancer. The story’s focus on this shift is awe-inspiring, as Carly’s intimate knowledge of the healthcare system becomes her superpower to help her friend. A story of kindness, compassion, and love in many forms, In My Own Little Corner is inspirational and moving beyond words.

Throughout the production, Carly does speak about the hurdles she’s consistently faced in her life, yet frames them in humorous ways, like making them into game shows! It’s wild to hear what people are willing to say to her or about her, simply because she requires a mobility aid to get around. Her tenacity in being able to turn this into art is admirable, and her positivity shines so brightly from the first to final moments of this production.

Greg Carruthers, who wears many hats including director, has infused his passion for accessibility into every aspect of this production. Staying true to the mandate of having EveryBODY being on stage, In My Own Little Corner features a beautiful cross-section of humanity which includes all shapes, sizes, and abilities, and makes the audience feel equally welcome in that space. Carly starts off the show by telling us to take up space; something that most of us are not used to hearing said aloud. Yet this invitation to move, stretch, fidget, go to the sensory room, whatever’s needed to feel at home creates a safe environment in which to experience this art. 

Carly is a fantastic story-teller, and it’s a joy to experience her story through her eyes. I also loved the moments where she’d sing some of the songs which she worked on with Randy, accompanied by Chris Tsujiuchi. Joining Carly on stage are also Davis Okey-Azunnah and Morganna Marie who both sing, dance, and act as game show hosts. And of course, we can’t forget Gilmore, Carly’s service pup who deserves every round of applause he receives. The whole cast works together seamlessly to tell this story; you can feel the care and understanding radiating from the everyone throughout the show. 

The only time over the course of the play when Carly got choked up was when she said to Randy that she hoped he was proud of her. After witnessing In My Own Little Corner I can confidently answer: he is darling, I know he is. 

In My Own Little Corner runs until September 1st at the Aki Studio Theatre. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.nativeearth.ca/akistudio/inmyownlittlecorner/

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Cover Photo: Carly Neis and Gilmore. Photo by Rafael Zoto Bonilla

*EveryBODY on Stage presents…

In My Own Little Corner

Executive Produced, Created and Performed by: Carly Neis 

Director/Choreographer, Executive and Managing Producer, Video & Costume Design: Greg Carruthers

Music Director: Chris Tsujiuchi

Cast: Davis Okey-Azunnah, Morganna Marie

Disability Dramaturg: Ophira Calof

Set + Props Design: Holly Meyer-Dymny

Head of Props + Set Assistant: Sarah Yuen

Lighting Design: Logan Raju Cracknell

Lighting Associate: Echo Zhou

Sound Design: Glen McCann

Technical Director: Carlos Varela

Line Producer: Alten Wilmot

Stage Manager: Frank/ie

Assistant Stage Manager/Projector : Laurie-Anne Rohaly

Social Media Manager: Isabella Stille

House Tech: Ryan Davy

Artistic Support Worker Co-ordination: Sierra Holder

Venue: Aki Studio, Native Earth

 📸 : Rafael Zoto Bonilla @_rafaelzoto

https://www.instagram.com/_rafaelzoto?igsh=MWRiMGh2Mml1N3I0OQ==

This project is generously supported by The Canada Council for the Arts and EveryBODY on Stage Kickstarter Producers.

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