The Grey Wellington Theatre Guild is set to stage a contemporary comedy by one of today’s most popular playwrights to open its 40th anniversary season.
Imagine four middle-aged singles on a bungled blind date and you’ve got the essence of both a crazy night out, and the plot to the guild’s upcoming production of Norm Foster’s, Looking.
Action in the play revolves around the decision of Val, an OR nurse, to respond to a personal ad in a Newspaper placed by Andy, a storage entrepreneur. Their friends Nina, a world-wise police officer, and Matt, a fun-loving radio personality, get dragged along on an awkward date, leading to romantic and comedic entanglements.
A play about middle age is a perfect kick-off for a theatre troupe celebrating its 40th anniversary season. Also appropriately, the show is being directed by GWTG founder Patrick C. Smith.
“We are very proud that our organization has withstood the test of time and that so many of those who have joined over the years have continued to return and participate in productions,” said GWTG president Peggy Raftis, who is part of the cast of Looking. “More than anything, we are proud and thrilled that our audiences continue to support and enjoy our productions, which have, over the years have included powerful dramas, light-hearted comedies and full-scale musical productions,” she adds.
Looking is based on the complexities of modern relationships, notes Smith.
“All of them are looking for something permanent,” he said, adding the play works because of Foster’s witty dialogue and the actors’ sharp delivery.
“The humour is in the delivery of the lines and the physical reactions to what is being said.”
While the play contains no foul language, Smith cautions the subject matter means it is definitely aimed at mature audiences.
Smith has cast GWTG stage veterans Raftis and Dan Bieman, both of Harriston, as Val and Matt. Raftis has appeared in numerous productions, including Cake Walk and The Cemetery Club, while Bieman has appeared in several recent shows including the musical Ebenezer and another Foster comedy, The Foursome. Harriston resident Angelle Eybel plays Nina. Eybel, who has previous stage experience with a Niagara Falls theatre company, makes her first appearance with the GWTG. Sean Riehl, of the Mount Forest area, in his first stage role, plays Val’s anonymous suitor, Andy.
Looking runs April 25, 26 and May 1, 2 and 3 at 7:30pm and April 27 at 2pm. at the Harriston Town Hall Theatre. Tickets are available for $15 at Harriston Home Hardware, Shopper’s Drugmart in Mount Forest, or the box office by calling 519-338-2778 or email ticketsgwtg@wightman.ca.
