Show Review - Oak Floors – A New Musical

While my love for live music is undeniable, I also have a deep appreciation for other forms of performing arts, such as plays and musicals. Before I proceed, I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to On Cue Performance Hub for generously providing me with a complimentary ticket to attend this show.

This particular play, titled “Oak Floors,” was written by the talented Gerry Hill and skillfully directed by Mark Claxton. The captivating music that enriched the production was a collaborative effort between Gerry Hill and Carter Powley. The live musical accompaniment was skillfully delivered by The Oak Floor Boys, featuring Carter Powley on piano, Ted Crawford on drums, and Graham Purse on bass.

“Oak Floors” unfolds within the confines of a fictitious heritage apartment building, and the narrative is skillfully narrated by Gene, portrayed by Joseph Shane McLellan. Gene embodies the spectral presence of the building’s inaugural janitor and caretaker.

The ensemble of tenants includes Beck and Jo, portrayed by Claire Middleton and Katie Murphy, respectively—a married couple navigating the complexities of apartment life. Then there’s Pete, portrayed by Chancz Perry, who personifies the ever-dissatisfied resident constantly airing grievances. Evelyn, portrayed by Sarah Bergbusch, brings to life the cat-obsessed tenant, while Roman, portrayed by Aren Okemaysim, embodies the poetic dreamer among the residents. Finally, there’s Patty, brought to life by Amanda Trapp, a tenant perpetually torn between the decision to stay or leave.

I found immense delight in the minimalist stage design and the clever use of lighting and sound to establish the various settings. The musical compositions were imbued with playfulness, and the choreography was executed with impressive finesse. As a fellow renter, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the relatable humor and commentary, particularly in regard to the never-ending stream of memos and notices.

In sum, “Oak Floors” proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable production, leaving me eager to explore more of All-Terrain Theatre’s theatrical endeavors in the future.