Both Fun & Feeling with “A Craigslist Cantata”

If you’re looking for an entertaining evening, “Do You Want What I Have Got? A Craigslist Cantata” currently running in the NAC Studio certainly fills the bill. Written by Bill Richardson and Amiel Gladstone with music by Veda Hille, the 80 minute chamber musical is quirky, tuneful, wistful and funny. Entirely sung, the lyrics are taken from or inspired by ads on Craigslist – some bizarre, some outrageous and some surprisingly touching. Not everyone needs a potato cannon or headless dolls, but we can understand the longing to make some kind of connection.

Robin Fisher’s simple set of a light-colored wood floor with a grand piano up left and percussion equipment up right is backed by a flat jungle gym of black piping. Her costumes are good, allowing for just enough minimal changes of costume pieces. Kimberly Purtell’s lighting is excellent, often providing a soft pervasive glow. I especially liked the hanging work lights.

The four cast members are very strong – versatile with strong voices and excellent diction, so we don’t miss a word. Selina Martin is effective as the woman selling hats for cats, especially when it becomes evident that her beloved Snowman is gone. Qasim Khan is oddly poignant as a man who offers $30 for someone to watch over him as he sleeps.

Dmitry Chepovetsky made me giggle as a con man offering care for pets left behind after the Rapture. He’s also very good with perhaps the oddest ad: “I will pay you one dollar to sit in my bathtub full of noodles.” Bree Grieg is both funny and touching as a college graduate back living at home with her parents and trying to get rid of 300 stuffed penguins. She’s also very good as someone looking for a roommate.

Accompaniment is provided by pianist Marguerite Witvoet who, although she’s an excellent pianist and singer, she’s very difficult to hear on her solos. The same applies to percussionist Barry Mirochnick. Perhaps the most haunting piece is “Did Someone See Me Today?” Although they’re all singing together they’re separate and alone, each trying to find a connection.

Monica Dottor has come up with some clever choreography, particularly on the jungle gym. Director Amiel Gladstone has done a fine job of staging and directing. These brief snapshots of characters are oddly real.

“Do You Want What I Have Got? A Craigslist Cantata” has very clever lyrics and the music has lots of variety, always suited to the subject matter. The show is a great start for the holiday season.

Continues until Nov. 22. Tickets: NAC box office and Ticketmaster outlets, 1-888-991-2787, nac-cna.ca