NEWS
Monday, February 23, 2015 19
Kendall: On Wednesday, I watched the glorious
Band Showcase from the second row; on Thursday, I
watched it from the balcony with the cast, and both
times the electric energy from the stage was palpable.
Based on the number of shout-outs from the crowd
(and the downright emptiness that would result from
the lack of a score), it is undeniable: MTB is one of the
core elements of a successful Mock Trial. Roger, Ira,
Maryam, Zorn, Jaimie, Jordan, Josh, Kwaku, and
Alvin: you performed your roles with flair, dexterity,
and humility. You’ll always know you’re the backbone
of this collaborative production.
K arolina: No one – and I mean no one – does psychotic devil-on-your-shoulder better than Jean-Paul
Bevilacqua and Allison Williams. Bad Idea Bears was
one of the most hilarious, riotous, rollicking parts of
the night, and my only complaint is that it was over
way too soon.
Kendall: I’ll take partial responsibility for that. I had
at least a few conversations with JP (one of the three
wonderfully talented producers of the show, as well as
one-half of the Bears) during which I assured him that
the 4+-hour version of Mock Trial from 1L was a bit
on the long side. He promised to be especially stubborn and put his foot down in the (figurative) cutting
room. In my view, the results speak for themselves.
A note to future producers: find another JP/Allison
pair (though I don’t envy your task), because Bad Idea
Bears should be a staple in Mock Trial shows for years
to come.
ê Photo credit: Thomas Ng.
this review). Choreographers Kate, Krista, Stephanie
M., and Stephanie O. put their skills on display as
the Mock Trial dancers got down. I mean really, who
doesn’t love a little ’80s funk? The energy was infectious, and the dance moves (did I spy a running man!?)
were rad. It was the perfect performance to tie up the
first half, and sent us off to the JCR in great spirits.
Kendall: And great spirits were in even greater
supply on Thursday night, where North York Funk lit
up the room for a second time, to rowdier applause.
It’s always a good call to end Acts I and II of a production with large-scale dance numbers; when the
calibre is so high, it’s the cherry on top of a delicious
creative sundae.
K arolina: By now, the Mock Trial Band is famous
for its members’ talent, musicality, and stamina. I
knew all of this, but was nonetheless stunned by the
sheer excellence of their performance. MTB brings
so much of the energy that Mock Trial is known for,
and though they don’t always take centre stage, Mock
Trial just wouldn’t be Mock Trial without them. The
musical segues between acts helped keep momentum going and ensured that there were no lags or
dull moments. Especially memorable were knockout covers of “All of the Lights,” as well as the Game
of Thrones theme. But most memorable of all was the
Band Showcase. Covering “Don’t Stop Believing,”
MTB was after my own heart; I was sold as soon as the
opening notes rang out into the au