Theatres have been dark since March of 2020. It’s been difficult not only for patrons who miss the theatre, but the industry was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. Everyone from actors to light operators to door staff suddenly found themselves without a job they love. It is obvious when returning to Stage West that everyone is ecstatic to be back with not one but two musical revues – Feeling Groovy – The Best of Folk Rock and Canadian Superstars: From the 90’s to Now. The two shows run alternating weeks until November 14th.

Usually the musical revues – a popular staple of the Stage West Lineup for decades – have close to 20 cast. With relaunching it’s understandable that cost saving likely influenced the shows, and it is up to just 4 men and 4 women to carry two productions. Including lyrics, choreography, and costume changes. It’s a huge task, but the talented cast (Mark Allan, Gaelan Beatty, April Cook, Merrit Crews, Tristan Hernandez, Sarah Horseman, Matthew Joseph, and Jade J. Macleod), many of which are Stage West Veterans, deliver. They are backed as always by musical director Konrad Pluta on the keyboard, Jeremy Coates on Bass, Carl Janzen on Guitar and Jeff Fafard on drums.

The guys have to do most of the heavy lifting in Feeling Groovy. The era was known primarily for groups like Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Simon and Garfunkle, while solo artists like Bob Dylan and Gordon Lightfoot also get representation. The women do get the spotlight on songs by artists like Janis Ian and Joni Mitchell, and group numbers for The Mama’s and The Papa’s and Peter, Paul and Mary.

Of the two shows, Feeling Groovy is a mellow, laid-back show. While younger patrons may be familiar with songs like Puff The Magic Dragon, Like A Rolling Stone, and Mrs. Robinson it’s definitely a show that will resonate with fans of the era. There is a sprinkle of more modern songs like Sheryl Crow’s Soak up the Sun and the rousing show ender I Will Wait by Mumford and Sons to round out the show.

While I enjoyed Feeling Groovy I was extremely excited for Canadian Superstars: From the 90’s to Now. Anyone who loves the 90’s and/or Canadian artists is in for a treat watching this show. It’s a laundry list of great songs like The Power of Love by Celine Dion, I’m Like A Bird by Nelly Furtado, and How You Remind Me by Nickelback. The Tragically Hip are given a loving tribute with 3 songs, while the first act is wrapped up with a trio of Alanis Morissette Classics.

If there is one criticism, it’s that the sets are shorter. A single song by Sarah Mclachlan had me wanting to hear more. There’s some notable heavy hitters in Canadian Music from the 90’s missing like Bryan Adams, Shania Twain, and Tom Cochrane to name a few. They have been done in previous reviews, so the number of first-time artists was refreshing. Someday we may see more alternative acts like Our Lady Peace or Moist in a Stage West review. That day is not today.

What today does bring to the show is some of the biggest stars on the planet right now. I was both impressed with the fact that the show featured Drake and the Weeknd, and even more impressed with the fantastic job done in presenting them. Our biggest teen heartthrobs from the country in the last decade, Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes are also featured. The show wraps up with a rousing Great Big Sea set to bookend the 90’s and now.

Your personal musical preference may determine which show you want to see, but I’d encourage checking both out. They are drastically different – which again speaks to the versatility and skill of the talent both on stage and backstage – and you’re supporting one of Calgary’s best theatrical institutions, which has entertained and fed us for decades.

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Contributor Jason Clevett |

Locale Calgary |

Topic Stagewest | Theatre |