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A true-crime mystery set to the soundtrack of a mother’s heartache, Love Bomb is a musical that will challenge you to look closer at a subject often shrouded in silence.
The gripping play will be showcased on Tuesday, October 8 in Courtenay as part of the Blue Circle Series presented by the Sid Williams Theatre Society.
Love Bomb centres around a mother whose world shatters when her daughter Justine goes missing. The story unfolds as she stumbles upon a YouTube video she believes to be a crucial clue to Justine’s whereabouts.
“Basically, through the lyrics of the music, it unfolds where her daughter is,” explains director Renée Iaci.
Set in a dingy bar in Prince George, the narrative is driven by original songs written by Meghan Gardiner and composed by musical director Steve Charles. Blending genres from country western and folksy to punk, they’re all performed live on acoustic and electric guitars. “It's not your traditional sing-and-dance musical, but with 10 excellent songs…I’d describe it as a true-crime mystery with music.”
Since its debut at Vancouver’s Firehall Theatre in 2015, Love Bomb has garnered critical acclaim for not only its score but also its evocative storytelling and poignant exploration of sex trafficking.
The show’s title refers to a manipulative tactic where someone influences another by showering them with lavish gifts, attention and affection. The approach relies on flattery, verbal seduction and the promise of instant acceptance or companionship.
Love Bomb was inspired by a personal experience director Renée Iaci had years ago, while her production company, Shameless Hussy, was working on a high school project.
A young actress in the production was trafficked by someone she trusted as her boyfriend. This shocking event motivated the company to create a play that would confront the harsh realities of sex trafficking.
The production team – comprising Iaci and other co-founders and co-artistic directors Deb Pickman and Daune Campbell – commissioned writer Meghan Gardiner to come up with a musical. Together they did research, drawing insights from a high-profile Vancouver court case going on at the time. “It was the first time in BC history someone was convicted of trafficking, which boggles the mind,” says Iaci.
She notes that the gravity of the crime, coupled with a lack of recognition within the Canadian legal system and society at large, is what motivated them to tackle it. In that sense, Love Bomb is not just a play – it’s a movement toward greater understanding and prevention.
“We want it to be an entertaining play, but hopefully through that, you’ll learn something.”
She’s quick to clarify, though, “It’s not a safety lesson or a lecture, but an entertaining piece of theatre.”
This unique blend of entertainment and powerful messaging has earned Love Bomb widespread recognition. Touring across Canada, the show has received multiple accolades, including two Ovation Awards – one for Best Musical – a testament to how deeply it resonates with diverse audiences.
Despite its success, the show has continuously evolved. A unique opportunity with the RCMP during the COVID touring pause led to a film adaptation for training, prompting revisions in scenes and dialogue. Drawing from this, Gardiner refined and tightened the play in 2021, resulting in a more impactful production.
The latest version also introduces video elements to enhance the storytelling. “We’re adding some video into this for the first time, which is exciting,” says Iaci.
The cast, too, has seen changes over the years, with new actors bringing fresh perspectives to their roles.
Melissa Kahan plays Justine and Sarah Holt will be making her debut this tour as Lillian – the first time the mother role will be played by someone who is one in real life. “Sarah is offering a different take on it and a deeper understanding of what it is to be a mom."
Throughout its iterations, the play’s impact extends beyond the stage, whether by fostering important discussions through post-performance Q&As or through collaborations with local organizations for educational purposes. “We’ve worked with numerous organizations over the years, including working really closely with both Salal [Formerly Women Against Violence Against Women] in Vancouver and Violence BC.”
And it continues to leave an impression on audiences, particularly in smaller towns where the play’s message hits close to home.
“Some people don’t believe that this kind of thing is happening in small towns, but often that's exactly where they go to poach the girls and then lure them away to the big city,” says Iaci. “In terms of audience response, I’d say smaller towns are even more appreciative of the show... They’re more engaged.
“It's funny, I'm not sure if this show warrants it, but I feel I've been successful with a show when four people have been offended and walked out and we get a standing ovation…that's a sign of a success. But with this show, I really do hope people get swept away in the story and go for the ride.”
Iaci notes that the production will continue to reach new audiences, including upcoming performances in Haida Gwaii and northern Alberta. “We just keep planning to expand the play’s reach and impact.”
Don’t miss your chance to witness a show that extends beyond the traditional boundaries of musical theatre.
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