Dartmouth artists channel Shakespeare for Valentine’s Day

By Jordan Parker

The Eastern Front Theatre will play host to a beautiful reunion this Valentine’s Day, with the re-teaming of Kim Harris and Stewart Legere.

On the tenth anniversary of a show they did at the Company House, they’ll revisit the soundtrack to Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 ‘Romeo + Juliet’ adaptation.

The candlelit cabaret will see them bring back to life the quintessential '90s hits from the time capsule film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.

“This is just truly going to be a fun event. I watched the movie with Stewart the other night, and I hadn’t seen it in years. It really stands up, and it’s so iconic,” said Eastern Front’s Artistic Director, Kat McCormack.

“It basically started puberty for me, and I couldn’t believe what I was watching at the time. It was incredible and the music was amazing.”

Now local artists Harris and Legere will re-team to put on “Young Hearts”, and re-visit the 13-song list that made their original performance so iconic.

“I saw this show 10 years ago when the two of them did it. It just stood out as one of my favourite Halifax experiences,” she said.

“I’m really happy to be able to put this on and bring people out. We’re sold out, and I now know I’m not the only person really excited to take this in again.”

The show falls right on a holiday meant to spread love and cheer, and McCormack was originally worried about the date.

“We’re offering it right on Valentine’s Day. Initially I thought there’d be too much going on, but I looked and there’s not much on Valentine’s proper,” she said.

“This will be a special experience. It’s cabaret-style, intimate and cozy. It’ll be really nice for folks.”

Luhrmann’s bombastic, bonkers film adaptation of the classic play was a huge hit when released, and McCormack says it still resonates today.

“It was such a phenomenon at the time. So many of us are nostalgic. Especially coming out of isolation during the pandemic, people want cozy and familiar,” she said.

“We are engaging people in all kinds of ways. It will hit the marks people want, and it won’t ask much of the audience. We’re excited for hearts to pitter-patter for the night.”

The event – which is the kick-off to the Early Stages Theatre Festival – will be a great union between Harris and Legere.

“I love seeing them together. Stewart is a friend and I’m constantly making him sing for Eastern Front. He can’t say no,” joked McCormack.

“Kim and I actually met at a performance Stewart was doing solo. We were sitting next to each other weeping, and she actually remembered. They’re both incredible performers.”

She can’t wait to see the two feed off each other and have an amazing time on-stage as a pair.

“They both just create musical magic. I’m so happy to bring them in. We believe in hyper-local at Eastern Front, and this was an amazing fit,” she said.

“There will be surprises and guests. People should be really excited. This show will be really nice.”

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