The Moonlight Sonata of Beethoven Blatz, written by Armin Wiebe, had surprisingly funny parts. Even though a few of the German Mennonite jokes were foreign to me, like the 1930s, the live piano in the play was quite enjoyable.
The acting was believable and sincere by the four characters. The best actor for their role was Tom Keenan, playing Obrum Kehler, who was the happy-go-lucky, sometimes dress-wearing, husband to Susch. The best actors or actresses sometimes have you wondering what they are like in real life. Or even better, they leave you wanting to meet their character on the street one day.
The plot was a bit predictable as soon as Beethoven Blatz was going to be staying over at the Kehler’s house – just to fix a piano. Blatz ends up having a graphic affair on stage with Susch. Couldn’t he have stayed in a motel instead? And how could Obrum let this happen – in his own house! Whatever happened to the implied method, where the lights go down, and we all know what happens… I like that way much better. They didn't have to show it.
Besides that one small thing, the setting for the play was very well thought out. It was the best way to get indoor, outdoor, and in the field all on one stage.
Overall, The Moonlight Sonata of Beethoven Blatz was an interesting piece of theatre on a great stage with fine actors and actresses. Despite one distasteful “love” scene, the play was enjoyable with great live music.
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