Donna takes audience on journey of a lifetime
What do the voices in our head tell us? What happens when people run away from grief? Can you clean a floor with a piece of meat?
All these questions, and more, are answered in the Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society’s latest production, Donna Orbits the Moon.
I had no idea what to expect when I sat down to watch the one-woman show written by Ian August and directed by Nicola Flood.
However, as soon as Donna, outstandingly portrayed by Deborah Pharoah-Williams, stepped onto the stage, I knew the audience and I were in for an unforgettable evening.
Donna is a Minnesota mother who loves baking and her family and hears a strange voice after an episode at church.
The voice, provided by the talented Gregg Smith, continues talking to Donna until she finally confronts her grief in the show’s final minutes.
It is quite difficult for a single actor to keep an audience engaged throughout a 90-minute play, but Ms Pharoah-Williams does just that through her stellar performance, taking them through Donna’s present, memories and dream life.
Her mixture of humour, suspense and humanity earned a standing ovation on opening night.
Ms Pharoah-Williams uses the entire stage and set, comprising a couch, two chairs, a dresser and a coffee table during the production.
She is not the only thing to love about the show — the technical team provided lighting and projections that ranged from a church background to a library to floating around space with an astronaut, who appeared to reach his hand to the audience.
These graphics, while some of the best of any show I’ve seen at Daylesford Theatre, enhanced the show rather than distracted from it and the focus remained where it should be; on Donna’s internal and external struggles.
Donna Orbits the Moon has a great script, memorable effects and an unforgettable actress who keeps people on the edge of their seats, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and truly out of this world experience.
• Donna Orbits the Moon, written by Ian August, runs until February 28 at Daylesford Theatre starting at 8pm
