Theatre Network’s latest production, Joni Mitchell’s Songs of a Prairie Girl, is an examination of the artist’s life under a microscope, accompanied by songs from her long and prolific career. It covers the ups — how she fell into songwriting and managed to make a legendary career from it — as well as the downs, a warts-and-all look at the life of the songstress.

It could have been a confusing mess for people unfamiliar with Mitchell’s history, but creator and director Jim Guedo has done an excellent job of providing just enough context to explain what’s going on without handholding and over-explaining. The emotions are at times raw, but it’s still an uplifting story of hope.

Through it all, we’re treated to Mitchell’s big hits and deep cuts put on by amazing performances.

Justin Bell, The Edmonton Journal