“Wow! What an incredible showcase. I loved the storytelling and the music. Amy has a beautiful singing voice. True musical theatre pipes. She is truly a tour de force!
“And the historical component is well integrated and interesting. It was a joy watching Amy’s talented partner, Jim Hodgkinson, too. They are lovely together. An outstanding performance.”
Sarah Rodgers
Artistic Director, United Players, Vancouver
“I think everyone at the Sunset Theatre was as wowed as I was.
“Amy Newman is a versatile actor and singer, changing characters seamlessly with accents, mannerisms and costumes, which added tremendous impact to the simple staging. I was delighted by Jim Hodgkinson’s piano prowess and performance as Captain Arnott. His melancholy take on “O Canada” was very moving. Even with just bare bones scenery, props, etc. it works. Of course, the romantic in me wondered where the relationship progressed once they got to Paris…”
Linda Clark
Mission
“I have watched Amy and Jim perform together a lot over the years (always loved their chemistry, too) and this is their best work yet!
“We had the chance to see a new, original musical called Meadows of Stone at the Sunset Theatre last night. Written and performed by Amy Newman and Jim Hodgkinson, it was a unique and moving story about two Canadians “of a certain age” caught up in the chaos of the 1st world war. Jim is a consummate musician, both as a pianist and composer, writing soaring melodies, humorous lyrics and intricate rhythms that must be the devil to sing! But sing them, Amy did. Also no slouch as a theatre performer, she brought humanity – and humour – to the various roles she played: from Vallance (the lead), right down to the little French boy, Raynald, who always seemed to be there when Vallance needed him.”
Dave Jorgenson
Wells
“The music and minimal set allows the audience to travel back in time to the mid-1910s.
“It is a heartfelt tribute to the people who put themselves forward during turbulent times. I could watch this show many times over and enjoy it every time.”
Trina Chivilo
Prince George
“I just loved this show! The horror of war was surrounded with compassion and humour so the rawness felt true but not overwhelming.
“I will always remember one scene… Vallance drives the ambulance to rescue wounded soldiers then cleans it out afterwards. That detail went straight to my heart and I will never think about war in the same way again.”
Shelagh Davies
Vancouver
“Meadows of Stone transported me back over a hundred years.
“It helped me understand the sense of pain, loneliness – and feel the joy of coming together – for these two people meeting thousands of miles away from home, in a war zone. To think that faith and hope could work together against all odds, not leading where you expected, but where you connected — is inspiring. Meadows of Stone was poignant and uplifting, even through the sorrow that these characters experienced. Amy and Jim took me back into a period of the unknown and made it come alive.”