Dust, nostalgia and the faint crackle of vinyl fills the air as High Fidelity hits the stage, bringing Nick Hornby’s beloved story to life through music, humor and the messy realities of modern romance. Performed from Nov. 20 to 23 by TheatreMcLean, the production follows Rob, a record store owner obsessed with top-five lists and the soundtrack of his own life—as he navigates heartbreak and the bittersweet process of growing up.
Senior Alex Valencic plays Rob, embodying his personality with an infectious energy when he shifts between sarcastic wit and sincere vulnerability. His comedic timing keeps audiences laughing, while quieter moments reveal the depth of Rob’s self reflection. Micah Chlan as Laura provides a grounded contrast, portraying the maturity and warmth that Rob initially fails to recognize.
Julian Hassi as Barry and Liam Englehart as Dick bring much of the show’s chaotic charm to life. Their scenes in the record store are frenetic—filled with playful banter, sharp comedic beats and tightly timed ensemble numbers. Each supporting performance highlights the contrast between Rob’s emotional stagnation and the lives of those around him.
While singing, Chlan’s voice cuts through the humor of the song title “I Got With Someone Who Handled Kurt,” revealing her inner conflict about the pain of loving someone who cannot meet her halfway. The staging emphasizes her isolation, contrasting with Rob’s chaotic world and hinting at the reason why their relationship fractures in the first place.
The show deepens Rob’s character arc with a humorous yet painful montage revealing his five ex-girlfriends, played by Ellie Rosenfeld, Liv Rosenfeld, Morgan Hoffman, Lila Binder and Sophia Del Cotto. Each girlfriend captures a distinct version of Rob’s past. Their appearance is quick but memorable, giving the comedic snapshots that highlight Rob’s relationship patterns and the emotional blind spots he has carried. Performing in the middle of the audience made the montage one of the most entertaining sequences in the show.
Additional supporting cast members help round out the new world of the show. Their performances add colour and texture to the production, and they deliver clarity and energy that elevate the entire show.
High Fidelity excels in blending rock, pop and indie influences through Rob’s obsessive love for music. Songs like “Nine Percent Chance Of Your Love” capture both humor and heartbreak, with Valencic delivering lines that feel simultaneously relatable and absurd.
The staging and design deserve equal praise. The record store set, cluttered with vinyl, posters and handwritten labels, feels authentically lived-in—while lighting and rotating set pieces allow seamless transition between the act, Rob’s present and memories of past relationships. Subtle design choices, like spotlighting solos or shifting between warm and cool tones during nostalgic scenes, create an emotional depth that enhances the narrative without distracting from the performances.
The ending of High Fidelity is satisfying and believable. Rob’s journey toward self awareness culminates in the creation of a mixtape for Laura, an act that finally prioritizes understanding and care over ego. This gesture, paired with Valencic and Chlan’s performance, leaves the audience with a sense of hope and maturity. While some numbers occasionally lean on humor over emotional indepth, the balance between comedy, music and self reflection keeps the show grounded and engaging.
