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.