No Love Songs (The Terris Theatre)

No Love Songs is a heartfelt exploration of modern romance and the trials of early parenthood. This captivating musical, born from the original idea of Kyle Falconer and Laura Wilde, takes audiences on a rollercoaster of emotions as they follow the journey of Jessie and Lana, two young lovers whose lives are pulled in two directions when they welcome a newborn into the world. As Jessie goes after his dreams and embarks on his tour, Lana grapples with the harsh realities of post-natal depression, alone, forcing both characters to confront the delicate balance between personal dreams and family responsibilities.

Photo by Diane Sobolewski

The blend of humor and heart is told beautifully through the indie rock score. The brilliant and lyrically-touching music in this show comes from the second solo album by The View’s lead singer, Kyle Falconer, which is titled No Love Songs for Laura. The music from this album was seamlessly integrated into the narrative, providing the characters with all the right notes to hit as they welcome young love, parenthood, and the challenges of life.

The music direction and arrangement is exquisitely executed by Gavin Whitworth. His presence onstage further elevates the performance, as he becomes a relatable character who interacts with and reacts to the actors, infusing the show with his delightful personality.

Anna Russell-Martin delivers a breathtaking performance as Lana, capturing the essence of a bright, young woman in love and hopeful for life, while also devastatingly portraying a woman navigating the complexities of depression. Russell-Martin effortlessly shows the struggle between the joys and struggles of motherhood. She is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Photo by Diane Sobolewski

Opposite her, John McLarnon brings Jessie to life as a charming and relatable singer/songwriter. McLarnon perfectly portrays Jessie as likable and charismatic. The palpable chemistry between the two leads elevates the musical even further. Both McLarnon and Russell-Martin possess phenomenal vocal talents that shine throughout, endearingly and masterfully bringing to life Falconer’s music. 

Photo by Diane Sobolewski

Photo by Diane Sobolewski

The minimalist and neutral set design effectively transports viewers to a variety of different locales, ​​such as lively bars, late-night concerts, a hopeful home welcoming a newborn, a somber hospital room, and a house touched by grief. The simplicity of the set allows for versatility in staging, making it an ideal production for touring. Grant Anderson’s standout lighting design plays a pivotal role in shaping the emotional landscape of the narrative, skillfully guiding the audience through the tumultuous highs and lows of Jessie and Lana’s journey.

Photo by Diane Sobolewski

 

With its sold-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2023, No Love Songs proves itself to be a heartwarming tale that strikes a chord with anyone who has faced the challenges of love, parenthood, or depression. The narrative’s exploration of the sacrifices parents make, coupled with the ambitions they chase, reflects a universal truth that resonates deeply.

 

Photo by Diane Sobolewski

This entertaining and thought-provoking musical, inspired by the true-life experiences of co-writer Laura Wilde and her partner Kyle Falconer, is not to be missed. Careful and tasteful direction is by Andrew Panton and Tashi Gore. Secure your tickets now at the Norma Terris Theatre for a chance to witness this memorable journey. The show runs until October 20, 2024, at goodspeed.org.

Whether you're a fan of indie rock, heartfelt storytelling, or simply looking for a night of entertainment that leaves you both laughing and teary-eyed, No Love Songs will not disappoint.

By Lauren Rosenay