What Did You Do? Heist at the Grand Theatre in London, ON

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But really, who did it? I was on the edge of my seat until the end. I guessed one person, then the other, in the end, it was not who I expected. “Did you guess who it was?” asked Heist playwright, Calgary-based breakthrough writer (and ophthalmologist by day) Arun Lakra. I was fooled and that does not happen often I admitted to him.

New York Skyline Heist Photo Credit Margarita Ibbott via DownshiftingPRO.jpg

Opening night was packed (as usual for a Grand Theater production). Entering the theatre you will the multimedia set up with panoramic views of the New York skyline and the multiple screens running on each side of the stage.

I appreciate that Beyata Hackborn‘s elaborate set design was part of the story. With lasers, drones, climbable shelves, hidden compartments, and a sweeping staircase, it painted a wonderful picture. “The set design, is more ambitious, incorporating moving pieces and intricate lighting effects that amplify the suspense and spectacle of the story.” said Calgary-based director Haysam Kadri, who is directing Heist for the second time and directing at the Grand Theatre for the third time (A Thousand Splendid Suns and Homes: A Refugee Story).

Cast Heist Photo Credit Dahlia Katz via Grand Theatre
Cast_ Heist Photo Credit: Dahlia Katz via Grand Theatre

This is a production that would have much appeal to younger audiences because it is visually interesting. The images are constantly changing and the lighting set a mood immediately Lighting Designer, Siobhán Sleath, was instrumental in showcasing characters as they descended on a pully, the staircase or spoke to the audience.

Cast Heist Photo Credit Dahlia Katz via Grand Theatre
Cast – Heist Photo Credit Dahlia Katz via Grand Theatre

We enjoyed the dialogues and the pacing of the production, with flashback scenes weaving throughout the play. This is an effect I haven’t seen done often, but it was very well done and did not confuse the audience.

Another novel part was having Gillian Moon (Angie) suspended from a harness above the state. An athlete, she skims across the stage, evading lasers and flying through the air. It adds a convincing part to the heist. I’m sure she enjoyed combining acting with her acrobatic skills.

Angie and Kruger Heist Photo Credit Dahlia Katz via Grand Theatre
Angie and Kruger – Heist Photo Credit Dahlia Katz via Grand Theatre

Playwright Arun Lakra was approached to write this Oceans 11-inspired caper a few years back but didn’t feel the transition from action and movie storytelling could translate onto a theatre stage. “Audiences are so sophisticated with movies like Momento, Sixth Sense, and the Oceans franchise. On stage, you need to focus the eyeballs right where the action is.” Because the stage is larger at the Grand Theatre, both the director and the playwright were able to take advantage of the stage to produce a highly visual experience.”

The First Job Heist Photo Credit Margarita Ibbott via DownshiftingPRO.jpg 1
The First Job – Heist Photo Credit Margarita Ibbott via DownshiftingPRO

L-R: Priya Narine (Fiona), Devin MacKinnon (Marvin), Gillian Moon (Angie), Belinda Cornish (The Spider), Emilio Vieira (Kruger), and Callan McKenna Potter (Ryan).

The cast is primarily composed of actors in the first production of Heist produced. Grand audiences will be in the company of exceptional talent from across Canada. The cast and creative team feature nine Grand Theatre debuts, which include five of the six cast members. The Grand Theatre is also thrilled to welcome back the talented Belinda Cornish (who plays The Spider), last seen at the Grand Theatre in An Undiscovered Shakespeare.
Speaking of Shakespeare, I was pleased to see Emilio Vieira (Kruger), as we have seen him in numerous Stratford Festival productions. Seemed to be in his element in Twelfth Night, Richard III, and Love’s Labours Lost.

The First Job Heist Photo Credit Margarita Ibbott via DownshiftingPRO 1.jpg 2 1

Overall, I found this production excellent. It was fast-paced and visually appealing. The constant motion and additional multimedia elements made it contemporary and fun. I would highly recommend you see Heist at the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario.

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Margarita Ibbott is a travel and lifestyle blogger. She blogs about travel in Canada, the United States and Europe giving practical advice through restaurant, hotel and attraction reviews. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and other online media outlets.

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