The Spotlight's Shadow

The Spotlight’s Shadow was absolutely captivating. The singing was beautiful, and the performers’ voices blended together so perfectly it felt like pure magic. Their earnest portrayal of queer love in the 1920s carried so much weight, and the parallels to today made it feel both timeless and urgent.

I could have watched these characters for hours. Their story felt so rich and alive that I would be thrilled to see a full length version of their lives, with even more time to explore their world and watch their love unfold.

This show is heartfelt, gorgeous, and so important.

I cried so much. This show was incredibly beautiful and spoke to me as queer woman in the arts. I felt seen, loved, and hopeful while simultaneously feeling the weight of the world through their voices and chemistry. Worth every second. ♥️

One of my top shows for sure! I say this coming from many aspects. Seeing a community I am part of represented on stage felt so good and refreshing, and I truly loved the acting, the plot progression, and seeing real issues brought to light while still focusing on the romance. As well, the vocals were outstanding as was the mic quality, things that made my theatre heart flutter. Definitely seeing this again!

This production is so ambitious for Fringe and it pays off! The two performers are really stellar both in terms of their acting and their singing. It’s a moving and important story.

In a theatre festival chock-full of sketch, improv, comedy, etc., it is such a rare treat to see a genuine play/musical executed so well.

I genuinely loved this show.

"The Warm Afterglow of Backstage Love"

Review of The Spotlight's Shadow, published on the Edmonton Scene Web Magazine

"This ambitious new musical from Light in the Attic Productions getting its start at the Fringe chronicles a fraught love story: two Ziegfeld girls in love and up against it in a homophobic world...."

Firstly, the singing was fantastic and have no complaints with the performances. The costumes were absolutely gorgeous. I think there were parts of the script that felt almost cloying bc of how many times a queer character has had that exact conversation w their closeted lover in countless works, and I wish the script was a bit tighter. The story was pretty predictable in that regard. I also wish the lyrics were a bit more structured and less stream-of-consciousness, but that's a matter of preference.

Glorious voices, delicate subject matter balanced in this original work by talented father/daughter creative team. See my full review

https://lucyhainesca.wordpress.com/2025/08/18/fringe-review-love-in-a-dangerous-time-the-focus-of-the-spotlights-shadow/

A beautiful storytelling of a love story in every way. The set and costumes were gorgeous highlighting the 20’s era the play is set in. The vocals for the songs performed were the best I’ve heard at Fringe (and I’ve seemed to be hitting a lot of musicals so far). The heartbreak of seeing a queer love story in a time when it wasn’t accepted was felt through the actors. I’d encourage all to come support and enjoy the love shared between V and Nettie!!

Compelling story line, Awesome singing voices, get acting. It is a a very enjoyable professionally done production. I highly recommend seeing it.

Amazing singing and acting on a beautiful set. I feel like these two actor have amazing potential, and wouldn’t be surprised to see them on the big screen one day. From someone who has watched many early movies, I appreciate that the singing and voice acting was very authentic for the 1930s/40’s movies. I gave 4 stars only because of the storyline. It tended to be drawn out. It was evident early on that the characters were in love, but the majority of the play was them talking about it. There was so much potential that the playwright could have dived into. I appreciate the message and the ending gave me chills and deserved the standing O

Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to be queer and in love in the 1920’s? The Spotlight’s Shadow is a show that takes this premise and builds it into one of the most beautiful and heartwarming forbidden love stories. Expertly directed by Vanessa King and starring Grace Bokenfohr and Daphne Charrois, this new musical centres around the powerful message that love is love; “no matter where it begins, how deeply it grows, or how long it endures”.

The story, follows Vera (played by Charrois) and Nettie (played by Bokenfohr), New York Ziegfeld Follies who through their work together on stage fall helplessly in love backstage. Despite the struggles they face like blackmail and discrimination, their love endures because they believe in each other. It’s a tale that is still relevant and touching even in today’s day and age; 100 years after the setting of the show.

Bokenfohr and Charrois are absolute dynamite together. Their chemistry is undeniable on stage, making their romantic moments all the more genuine and intense. Nettie and Vera's differing personalities, one more outgoing and the other more determined, blend into this beautifully balanced relationship which is nothing but a treat to watch. Most of all, these two are show-stopping vocalists. Their voices sound simply perfect together and enhance every song; you can hear the emotion in their tone every time.

Something about the set being a dressing room, a private intimate space, brings an extra layer of vulnerability to every scene. But that's not the end of the praise for this show's set and props; as everything on stage was period-accurate which is always a win! The costumes especially were not only accurate to 1920's fashion - down to the T-strap heels - but beautiful and eye-catching. The deliberate choice to have Nettie dress in cool colours and Vera in warm ones so they'd visually contrast on stage was a genius move. So props to Jeannie Charrois, Krista Johnson & Karen Suchla for the costume designs! Additionally, all of the original songs (and the script itself might I add) were written by Daphne Charrois and composed by Dan Charrois. Every single song was heartfelt in the context of the show, but one rocked my world and brought me close to tears. "Nothing/Everything Has Changed" is an absolutely sweeping number about a love that feels hopeless and it hits deep.

Overall, The Spotlight's Shadow moved me. I left the theatre emotionally enthralled by the music and the romance. The show's gripping conflict about the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ couples is thought-provoking and still present 100 years later. I would recommend this show to anyone who believes in true love, regardless of who it's with or how it happens. No matter the time period, love is love.

The story has sooo much potential and the two actors had unique and powerful singing voices. The show needs more polish, less dead air, and the audio issues need to be fixed.