Danielle Wertz and Robbie Schaefer in "Both Sides Now: The Music and Lives of Joni Mitchell." (Photo by Magnus Stark)
During their years of “deep diving” into the music and lives of legendary artists Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen, Danielle Wertz and Robbie Schaefer discovered “bits and pieces” of themselves.
“I mean, isn’t that what great artists do? They show us ourselves,” Schaefer says.
More specifically, he is speaking to the audience during an intimate, graceful, and moving cabaret-style show. Its title is “Both Sides Now: The Music and Lives of Joni Mitchell & Leonard Cohen.”
Musical artists Schaefer and Wertz created and star in the 75-minute intermission-less show. It is running at GableStage Theatre Company through Sunday, Jan. 5 as part of the piece’s tour of venues.
Danielle Wertz and Robbie Schaefer set aside time for audiences to sing along with them. Specifically for “Circle Game,” the show's last song. (Photo by Magnus Stark)
“Both Sides Now” offers at least a glimpse if not quite a “deep dive” into the compositions and lives of Mitchell and Cohen.
They are two celebrated and gifted Canadian singer-songwriters who were briefly lovers and long-time friends. Also, they influenced each other’s work.
You may recall Cohen (1934-2016) from hits such as his 1984 composition “Hallelujah” and Mitchell (born 1943) from her 1966 piece, “Circle Game” as well as the title song from 1967 by Mitchell.
These songs, as well as 13 others by either Cohen or Mitchell, make up the afternoon or evening.
Schaefer and Wertz have arranged the songs so that they fit in thematically with their piece. They sing the numbers, accompany themselves on guitar and piano, and narrate.
The setting by scenic designer Frank J. Oliva is simple yet effective in its elegance. In particular, the stage includes a piano, a guitar, two chairs, a free-standing coat rack, a side table, flowers, and a lit candle.
Tony Galaska’s lighting is dim, which reinforces an intimate and elegant ambience. In addition, a dark backdrop enhances that setting. A lighting effect that produces what resembles a starry night sky provides the perfect atmosphere for at least one of the compositions.
A lighting effect that produces what resembles a starry night sky provides the perfect atmosphere for at least one of the compositions. (Photo by Magnus Stark)
The sound emanating from the stage is clear, thanks in part to sound engineer Hector Martinez’s solid work.
While the program does not mention a costume designer, the dark clothing the performers wear is appropriate; it is tasteful and enhances the elegant mood.
Schaefer and Wertz possess calming and expressive singing voices and they emote well. When they sing, their voices grow stronger when necessary but never become even close to harsh. In fact, the entire show is soothing and stirring.
Throughout the piece, we learn about how Cohen and Mitchell met, their three-week long affair (which inspired one of Mitchell’s compositions), as well as some emotionally-charged moments in their lives. For instance, Mitchell became pregnant during her first year of art school (in addition to her musical endeavors, she is a painter). Afterwards, she dropped out of art school and “withdrew from society” before having the baby and giving it up for adoption.
Mitchell wrote “Little Green” in 1966, shortly after she signed papers to place her daughter up for adoption. Schaefer and Wertz have included the song in the line-up.
Mitchel and her biological daughter, Kilauren Gibb, were reunited when her daughter was an adult. Lyrically, she is known as “Little Green.”
Danielle Wertz and Robbie Schaefer is speak to the audience during an intimate, graceful, and moving cabaret-style show at GableStage in “Both Sides Now: The Music and Lives of Joni Mitchell & Leonard Cohen.” (Photo by Magnus Stark)
Cohen wrote and composed songs such as “Who By Fire,” (which is included in the show’s lineup) after experiencing the Yom Kippur War in Israel in 1973. More specifically, on Oct. 6 of that year, Egypt and Syria attacked Israel's forces in the Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights. Basically, the song is a meditation on death and life’s uncertainties in the face of conflict.
For “Who By Fire,” Cohen drew inspiration from the “Unetaneh Tokef” Hebrew prayer. Jewish people recite it during Yom Kippur, their Day of Atonement and one of Judaism’s holiest days.
While Cohen wrote the lyrics and composed the music for “Who By Fire,” Schaefer provided arrangement for the song. A song’s arrangement is the process of reimagining a song’s structure by combining elements such as melody, harmony, and rhythm. Ultimately, the goal is to create a unique version of the original song.
Cohen reportedly created “Hallelujah” to affirm his faith in life with enthusiasm and emotion. The song’s meaning is complex and some say it is ambiguous. Still, many consider it one of the best songs ever written, with relatable themes such as love, loss, and human. Also, the melody is beautiful and stirring. The song is so moving you may find it hard not to sing along, especially if, like so many others, you know it well.
Wertz and Schaefer have set aside a time for audiences to sing along with them. Specifically, they ask you to join them for “Circle Game,” the show’s last song. Mitchell reportedly created the song in response to Neil Young’s song, “Sugar Mountain,” which laments the end of his teenager years. “The Circle Game” is about youth, nostalgia, regret, hope, and time’s passage. The tone and mood fluctuate between nostalgia, regret, and hope. In fact, we leave the cabaret-style show on a hopeful note – and a reminder to connect with others.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Both Sides Now: The Music and Lives of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen.”
WHEN: Sunday, Through Jan. 5
WHERE: GableStage, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables.
TICKETS: Ticket prices vary.
INFORMATION: (305) 445-1119 or www.gablestage.org.
