Looking back, the 1982 Academy Award nominated film Victor Victoria was rather groundbreaking with its cross-dressing and gay themes. Starring Julie Andrews as a woman pretending to be a female impersonator, now 24 years later, the stage version is not so shocking. Instead the audience at the opening night performance was simply entertained by a marvelous production.
Set in 1930s Gay Paris, Victor Victoria tells the story of gay cabaret singer Caroll “Toddy” Todd, played by Keith Savage. He meets a young homeless singer named Victoria at the club and takes her in. When at Toddy’s house, Victoria, played by Monique Lund, is mistaken for a man by his ex boyfriend giving Toddy a brilliant idea. Victoria becomes Count Victor, a female impersonator whose act quickly elevates her to stardom. In the meantime, Victor also meets Chicago “businessman” King Marchan and the two fall in love. During the show many whacky moments, outings, and conflicts unfold with hilarious results.
Lund spoke to GayCalgary before a performance about the challenges of playing a multi-gendered role, as well as filling the shoes of the legendary Julie Andrews.
”It’s not daunting at all,” she laughed. “I try not to think about it. This is a star vehicle, it was written for Julie Andrews and she is a huge star. So it is challenging to be an unknown in this famous role, but it’s a great role to play. [Pretending to be a man] is definitely challenging. The thing I have to remember is that my character has never played a man either. So if I am feeling a little uncomfortable and wondering how does a man put his hand in his pocket, or how does a man sit down, that is what she would be doing as well. This is all new to her and she wouldn’t be an expert at it. It’s a neat role to play because I try to be a little less comfortable as the man, and as the show goes on and I am still putting on the façade I am more comfortable. The thing I have discovered is don’t try to be a man, just be. You can’t fake it, just be yourself and solid and strong and that will read as masculine.”
The show is directed and choreographed by Tracey Flye, who also directed Forever Plaid earlier this year. She is obviously very gifted in both choosing and directing her cast. Both Forever Plaid and Victor Victoria with the wrong casting could be disasterous; however not only has Flye once again put the right people into the roles, she has selected a cast that adds legitimate depth, personality and human emotion to these characters. Roman Pfob’s part of King Marchand is gruff and justifiably torn between his feelings for Victor and how he thinks he should feel toward another “man”. His bodyguard Squash, played by Grant Linneberg, is instantly loveable. When present, Naomi Costain’s dim-witted Norma Cassidy absolutely steals in the scene. Some of the biggest laughs come from Cassidy, who backs up her acting with a great voice.
While very much an ensemble piece, the show’s main strengths are its leads. Keith Savage’s Toddy is charming and sweet, and Lund has a set of pipes that are awe-inspiring. Add in a great story and astounding choreography and you truly have the full package.
“Gay is just a moniker, a name and what people think Toddy is,” Savage said regarding his character. “He is a wonderful human being who has been through all kinds of things in his life and understands life’s trials and tribulations. He is a humanitarian, very giving and gentle and a character that the audience can fall in love with because he is so warm. He is just a lovely person I think, who just happens to be gay. It is great fun to play [this role] because he gets to be every man, sing, dance, be charming and drive the show. It’s a lovely character and I can’t be any happier doing it.”
Victor Victoria has obvious appeal to the gay audience with its array of gay characters and the issues that they deal with. However, rather than coming just because of the gay theme, come because you want an evening of splendid entertainment, characters that you will identify with and feel an emotional connection to. Victor Victoria is one of the best Stage West productions I have ever seen. If that’s not enough to convince you, I’ll leave the final words to Monique Lund, Victor(ia) herself.
”There are so many fabulous gay characters. Toddy is so funny, it is such a great role for Keith and he is so brilliant. It is that wonderful mixture of being really funny, camp and over-the-top but also incredibly real, human and warm. That mixture is really what makes it work. …It’s not your average musical comedy at all!”
Victor Victoria
Sept 23rd, 2007 to Feb 11th, 2007
Stage West Theatre Restaurants
727 42 Ave SE
(403) 243-6642
www.stagewestcalgary.com
