“Chelsea Hotel: The Songs of Leonard Cohen” is a tribute like no other. In it, we witness an artist’s love for music. His journey as a composer shines through in a theatrical orchestration of musical talent and spectacle. “Chelsea Hotel” commemorates Leonard Cohen’s songs, both well-known and those that only true fans would know.
Abstract characters float around as Cohen’s imagination in his creative process. They recreate his struggle and resilience, and in doing so, resonating with any artist. Writer’s block to questioning love, the show captures the idiosyncrasies of Cohen’s life as he births the compositions we now love and cherish. His hardships with relationships, with others and with himself, create a bond not only between the performers but with the audience as we sway to each tune, never once feeling the time go by. The nearly 90-minute show feels like mere minutes. In essence, the production is a Leonard-Cohen fan’s dream!
The show is an homage, especially now since Cohen’s passing. But even if you aren’t familiar with his songs, you can expect to become a fan by the end of the show. Admittedly, there is little plot to the production, though, perhaps that is the point. “Chelsea Hotel” goes from song to song with, I am convinced, the most talented artists you can find on stage in Vancouver. The performers are all trained musicians and vocalists. They seamlessly transform into cellists, violinists, guitarists, drummers and accordion players.
“Chelsea Hotel” is a musical extravaganza! Though the show begins with writing on the wall that reads: “you go to heaven once you’ve been to hell”, rest assured that “Chelsea Hotel” is where you can expect to go to heaven, applauding to a standing ovation, and exclaiming…hallelujah!
The show will run until April 21 at the Firehall Centre and you can get your tickets here.
– Maira Hassan