Growing Up Moni - Worth Seeing

Growing Up Moni is an entertaining coming-of-age comedy centering on the themes of family and race. Starring and written by Monica Mustelier, this one-woman show is told through a collection of semi-autobiographical stories charting Moni’s experiences from the age of eight through to her mid-thirties. We watch Moni, an only child and first generation Canadian born to Spanish and Cuban parents, as she navigates through life, a child of mixed race where English is not her parent’s first language. The play examines stereotypes and questions what is truly funny and socially acceptable in our multicultural society. Are we really a nation of polite racists it asks? 

Monica Mustelier gives an honest and nuanced performance. Clearly a talented performer she was having issues with her voice on the day I saw the production and she soldiered through like a champ.

Technically ambitious, the production relies heavily on multimedia. While not without its challenges, the sound is less than great, the video is used in a unique way. The scene between Moni’s high school councillor portrayed on the screen and Moni’s mother on stage works particularly well.  Directed by Emilio Merritt the show isn’t perfect and at times feels a bit awkward. The play is broken up into many short scenes and many costume changes, which at times get in the way and stymie the flow of the action. 

Director of the show, Emilio Merritt was quoted in the shows press release, “…as a Latin director, I think Monica’s one-woman show is very important to the Latin community. I believe we need to share the experiences of our cultures and immigration stories because this has now become part of our Canadian heritage.” I couldn’t agree with him more.

Mounted at the Havana Theatre the performance I saw was well attended and well received. The show could still use some development to get all the kinks out but Growing up Moni is an interesting and innovative work. I suggest you check it out.