The music was atmospheric and transported you from scene to scene: from the swamp, to the boat, to the plantation.
Aisha Lesley Bentham, Intermission Magazine
When John Hall is confronted by his ancestors, he is forced to revisit his entire life.
Worlds collide as he travels back through time rediscovering life as a husband, father, son, war scout and freedom fighter. As he relives his dangerous past, John must decide – continue life as the oldest man, abandon everything and serve those on the earthly plane or exist in the Unknown.
Based on true events, Come Home – The Legend of Daddy Hall is told through poetic text, music and song. A play about the afterlife, love, legacy and being legendary. Come Home asks where we come from, where we’re headed and what we may be asked to do when we get there.
Come Home – The Legend of Daddy Hall
Written by Audrey Dwyer
Music and Sound Design by Spy Dénommé-Welch, Catherine Magowan
2 hours
guitar
flute
kalimba
turkey call
wooden frog
Performance history:
May 22 – June 9, 2024: Tarragon Theatre, Toronto, ON
Written by Audrey Dwyer
Directed by Mike Payette
Sound Design & Music by Spy Dénommé-Welch, Catherine Magowan
Featuring Troy Adams, Helen Belay, Daren A. Herbert, Nicole Joy-Fraser, Brandon Oakes, Emerjade Simms
Monique Mojica – Dramaturge
Jawon Kang – Set Designer
Christine Ting-Huan 挺歡 Urquhart – Costume Designer
Michelle Ramsay – Lighting Designer
Louisa Zhu – Fight Director
Natasha Powell – Movement Consultant
Emilie Aubin – Stage Manager
Hazel L. Moore – Apprentice Stage Manager Props
Christina Hantos & Daniel Jakobi – Assistants
Daddy Hall in media:
A View from the Box: Tarragon Theatre’s “Come Home: The Legend of Daddy Hall” “Adding to this sensual experience is the sound design and composition by Unsettled Scores. Both Spy Dénommé-Welch and Catherine Magowan are on stage throughout the performance, playing music and making sound effects.“
Intermission Magazine: The Legend of Daddy Hall feels like coming home “The music was atmospheric and transported you from scene to scene: from the swamp, to the boat, to the plantation.“
Globe & Mail: Come Home – The Legend of Daddy Hall is a thrilling, true story of survival “The sound design and live music of Spy Dénommé-Welch and Catherine Magowan, along with the work of veteran lighting designer Michelle Ramsay, add mystical otherworldliness.”
Toronto Star: John ‘Daddy’ Hall was a 117-year-old Canadian you should know about but probably don’t. This play aims to change that “It’s an expansive play that takes big swings, melding prose, poetry and instrumental music.“
My Gay Toronto: Come Home – The Legend of Daddy Hall: getting through the swamp won’t necessarily get one home “Spanish moss hangs as a curtain, partially obscuring a crumbling dock jutting out amongst reeds and grasses, some scaffolding supporting a cello and keyboards, and an array of rocks and logs.“