By: Yorg
Once again, I found myself racing against time, trying to make it to a review in Montreal—inevitably, running a bit late. This Wednesday evening was no exception. The wind whipped around my truck, nudging it side to side as I trudged my way through traffic, trying to make it to my favorite Montreal theater. Thankfully, good luck smiled upon me with the perfect parking spot directly across from the venue, offering a glimmer of relief in the chaos.
And what a night it turned out to be. The Secret Chord, originally presented by Toronto’s Soulpepper Theatre, is not your typical tribute show. Directed and co-created by Frank Cox-O’Connell, alongside Marni Jackson and Mike Ross, this production is a deeply moving homage to Leonard Cohen’s life, music, and poetic legacy. But it doesn’t stop at merely recounting his story—The Secret Chord becomes a living, breathing tribute to Cohen’s profound artistic evolution.
Through a blend of music, storytelling, and striking visual elements, the show invites the audience into the very soul of Cohen’s work. It’s an immersive experience that explores his philosophical reflections on love, loss, and the complexities of the human condition. The cast is exceptional, with powerhouse singers like Divine Brown, Evan Buliung, Andrew Penner, Travis Knights, and Emily Schultz bringing Cohen’s spirit to life with their emotive performances and soul-stirring renditions of his iconic songs. The audience responded in kind, showering the performers with standing ovations throughout the evening.
The show’s musical highlights include timeless Cohen classics such as Hallelujah, Bird on the Wire, In My Secret Life, and So Long Marianne. The latter, of course, refers to Marianne Ihlen, Cohen’s beloved muse, whose name echoed through the performance. Each song was given a fresh arrangement, reinterpreted in dynamic and inventive ways. The musical ensemble, led by David Terriault on piano and as bandleader, masterfully blended Cohen’s haunting melodies with rich, intricate instrumentation. The musicians included: Frédéric Bourgeault on trumpet, Jacob Gorzhaltsan on reeds, Jonah Baetz on drums, and Tyler Parent on upright bass. The band was fabulous and further elevated the production’s sound, creating a lush, immersive experience.
And as for the venue? The Segal Centre’s Sylvan Adams Theatre offers fantastic acoustics—there truly isn’t a bad seat in the house. Whether you’re sitting front and center or in the back row, the sound is clear and immersive, thanks in part to the theatre’s newly upgraded sound system. The tonal quality was perfect, rich, inviting, and distortion-free, creating a captivating auditory experience.
In the end, The Secret Chord does more than honor Leonard Cohen’s genius, it brings his music to life in a way that’s both familiar and new. It’s a celebration of his enduring influence, offering audiences fresh perspectives on his iconic songs. Whether you’re a lifelong Cohen fan or a newcomer to his work, this production is must-see. Montrealers are sure to be talking about it for a long time, don’t miss your chance to experience this unforgettable tribute.
FROM DECEMBER 8th TILL JANUARY 12th, 2025
FOR RESERVATIONS / TICKETS: SEGALCENTRE.ORG OR 514-739-7944.
SEGAL CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
5170 COTE-STE-CATHERINE ROAD
MONTREAL, QC
H3W 1M7, CANADA
METRO: CÔTE-STE-CATHERINE, SNOWDON BUS: 129, 51, 17
