REVIEW: A Hilarious and Heart-Felt Look at Family Dynamics at Dundas Little Theatre's GRAND HORIZONS
It’s out with the old and in with the new at Dundas Little Theatre with the company’s selection for their January production. A modern day set (an extremely clever design by Graham Clements and crew) filled with boxes, knick-knacks and a homey, lived in feel greets an eager matinee audience as we discover the joys and pathos of every day life as partners, parents and, quite simply, human beings in Bess Wohl’s Tony-nominated comedy Grand Horizons.
Over a quiet dinner for two, performed with a cheeky choreographed ballet underscore, Bill (an energetic, engaging performance from Michael Hannigan) and Nancy (portrayed by the captivating Ruth Flynn) matter-of-factly decide to divorce after fifty years of marriage. While Nancy feels liberated and Bill seems unfazed, their adult sons Brian and Ben (equally strong performances from Jared Lenover and Bryan Fotheringham respectively) do not take the news well. As the “kids” descend on the Grand Horizons senior living community to mediate the situation, everything they thought they knew about their parents is hilariously demystified.
The entire cast excels in their roles and have been carefully directed by Ryan Trepanier and David Faulkner-Rundle. Both of these directors have deep insight into family dynamics because even at the play’s most emotionally uncomfortable parts, we care for this family and hopefully, find it within us as an audience to understand and relate to their anger, denial and eventually, acceptance. The play is staged well with brief moments of stagnation still feeling purposeful. There is a scene where you could legitimately cut the tension with the butter knife that Nancy holds. You feel a sense of emotional claustrophobia even in such a large physical space. It is very impressive directing from both. It must also be mentioned that the crew deserves high praise during intermission with a complete set changeover done within minutes. It is fascinating to watch should you choose to do so!
The cast itself is delightful to watch with very few hiccups. Each character is faced with less than ideal truths about themselves and their partners (or lack thereof). Michael Hannigan and Ruth Flynn embody this realistic couple going through the motions of a marriage that is less about being in love and more being beholden to one another. They are incredible together; both extremely earnest and captivating throughout.
Rehearsal photography by: Keith Sharp
Jared Lenover (Brian) and Bryan Fotheringham (Ben) command the stage as the sons. Their character’s personalities are vastly different which creates great tension between them. One is deeply focused on the anxieties that come with taking care of everyone while the other faces the insecurities of not being taken care of enough. They run a gauntlet of emotions throughout and their energy never wavers. It is truly impressive work as actors to embody unlikable characters that you still feel empathy for. No easy feat.
Newcomer Katie Ribout is exasperated perfection as Jess, the wife and expectant mother of Ben’s child. She is the mediator, the outsider looking in and this is a character we need to wake this family up regarding their actions. This is especially shown in the second act where her feisty frustration of wanting to be more than a pet name and soon-to-be mom shines brightest.
Rounding out the cast are Michael Adebo as Tommy; a seductive but no nonsense hookup with some great harsh truths about relationships and Bev Mattson as a quirky and free-spirited Carla who gained some of the loudest laughs of the afternoon.
Equal parts laugh out loud funny and deeply heart-felt, this production of Grand Horizons and its commentary on marriage, family, and accepting that change is often painful but necessary, is theatre at its most enjoyable and familiar. Don’t miss it.
