While it may end with the gleeful exultation of the famous Hallelujah chorus, Theatre North West's production of Joyful Noise made quite a few unhappy sounds in the process.
It is a testament to the cast's vocal abilities that they are able to capably perform one of the season's trademark tunes after a show chock full of screaming matches.
Written by Tim Slover, Joyful Noise tells the not-so-sacred story behind the 1742 London debut of George Frederick Handel's celebrated oratorio, Messiah.
Much like the structure of the musical work itself, Joyful Noise also follows the birth, passion, death and resurrection of Messiah as well as the careers of Handel and his singer Susannah Cibber.
Frustrated by the tepid reception to his latest operas, the composer - played to a Napoleonic blustery perfection by Theatre Northwest veteran William Vickers - unleashes a tirade of vitriol upon his dwindling audience only to have his patron, Hal Kerbes's King George the second, withdraw his financial support for the upcoming season.
Meanwhile disgraced singer-actress Cibber, played by Prince George native Alana Hawley, desperately attempts to audition for the German master in a ploy to rebuild her reputation following a widely publicized sex scandal that resulted in her daughter being removed from her care.
The two are rounded out by a strong supporting cast that includes Peter Hall as Handel's long-suffering secretary John Christopher Smith, Kathryn Kerbes as the gin-swilling theatre enthusiast Mary Pendarves and scene-stealing Emmanuelle Zeesman who shines comedically as Cibber's stage rival Kitty Clive.
Clive - who Cibber stole roles from on her initial ascent to fame and Handel embarrassed by mocking her turn as Othello's tragic heroine - teams up with Tim Hildebrand's Bishop Egerton to persuade London audiences from attending Handel's newest show after its successful Dublin premiere.
Though ready to pack it all in and return to his home country, Handel is inspired by librettist Charles Jennens's (Kevin Rothery) manuscript, a collection of Bible verses telling the story of Jesus Christ.
The bishop, who has the king's ear, goes out of his way to prevent this blasphemy in a secular environment.
The story unfolds on an elegant set consisting of of majestic vaulted arches and rich 18th century period costumes designed by Jennifer Goodman. Though about a piece of music, the show is not a musical but features strong vocal performances from both Zeesman and Hawley.
Struck by the phrase "He was despised," Handel sets out to tell his own story of redemption in Messiah, but Joyful Noise ends up finding salvation for all involved.
Joyful Noise runs until Dec. 5 at the Parkhill Centre. Tickets are available at Books & Company.
