New-Age thinking collides head-on with age-old methodologies in Theatre Orangeville’s production of Baco Noir.
The world premiere comedy from Dan Needles relays the story of Bruce Berne (played by Craig Pike) and his wife Lindy (Perrie Olthuis), who have turned a successful dating website into an investment to fulfill Bruce’s lifelong dream: operating his own winery.
The problem is that despite the picturesque setting in Persephone Township (the fictitious small town in rural Ontario created by Needles for his Wingfield series), the climate is terrible, the first batch of wine tastes awful and the bank is hounding the couple about its line of credit.
Enter neighbour Oscar (Terry Barna), who at first convinces Bruce the solution to his viticulture woes is simply a liberal application of the aptly-named “grim reaper,” a powerful pesticide that wipes out everything in its path.
But Lindy, aided by the mysterious local pilot Al (Jay Davis), try to convince the men there is more at play than science and that the dream of an organic winery is still obtainable.
The two sides clash in several memorable scenes that range in tone from heartfelt to hilarious.
All four players are excellent in their respective roles, with the majority of the comedic lines provided for Barna’s character, and the cast seems to have received great direction from David Nairn.
As usual the set, lighting and costumes are all spot-on, thanks to the respective handiwork of Beckie Morris, Steve Lucas and Vandy Simpson.
There were a few fumbled lines at the preview show on May 7 and the production is not without its flaws, including a bar scene that seems out of place for some reason.
Also, the jealousy aspect of Bruce and Lindy’s relationship seems awkward and a bit contrived (financial difficulties and regular marital issues are enough to cause the stress necessary to drive the story along).
But these are minor issues with an otherwise lively, amusing and impressive production.
The script from Needles, while seemingly more from the Wingfield mould than 2013’s The Team on the Hill, is still a pleasant departure from the series that will always be synonymous with the playwright (and, fair or not, against which all his future works will be judged).
Truth be told, this story, which Needles hints in the play program may be another one inspired by real-life experiences, is superior to his original claim to fame.
This play boasts stellar story and character development and is a welcome shift away from the low-hanging fruit of obvious one-liners and toward a smarter type of comedy.
Yet Wellington County residents, many of whom were fans of the Wingfield series, will be pleased to know the amusing rural life commentary on which Needles has built his reputation is still there.
Many will likely relate to the clash of different farming ideologies and Needles’ comical treatment of the uber-popular industry buzzwords “sustainable agriculture.”
But one certainly doesn’t have to be a farmer to get it. Baco Noir offers much more than stereotypical portrayals of farmers and poking fun at rural life – as funny as those facets may be.
The play also examines themes such as marriage, trust and relationships; how people change with age; rural versus urban lifestyles; and the inherent connection people have with the land on which they live (though many may choose to ignore it).
At the heart of the production is the motif that while many people take solace in having control of their own lives and relying on science/facts to provide all the answers, sometimes greater powers are at work that defy explanation.
Baco Noir plays five shows a week until May 24.
For tickets call 519-942-3423 or 1-800-424-1295 or visit www.theatreorangeville.ca.
