Entertaining Elgin by David J. Ferguson
Photo courtesy of Port Stanley News
What happens in the bedroom stays in the bedroom, or at least that is normally the case. However, being the curious individuals that most of us are, a peek behind closed doors is likely to be intriguing. We can thank Canadian playwright Norm Foster for giving us the chance to be flies on the wall for the goings on behind the bedroom door in Bedtime Stories.
Foster has skilfully woven a six-tier plot throughout the entire play, delivering snapshots of life through 15 characters. It was a pleasure to sit through six episodes of Foster’s work, all in one outing at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre, for the final play of this summer’s season.
Director Simon Joynes has brought together a phenomenal five actor ensemble. They execute their roles and deliver the play in a manner that Foster must surely have envisioned.
Bedtime Stories begins in a hotel room with Betsy and Lou Ballantyne (Danielle Nicole and Chris Bancroft), a middle aged couple who have agreed to have sex on live radio for $5,000. After much rib tickling discussion and reflection the over ambitious radio host, Eddie Nichols (Rod Keith), calls off the stunt and walks out. However a bumbling technician forgets to turn off the microphone which is strategically placed at the headboard of the bed. This sets the tone for the following 5 stories with the passionate love making and intimate conversation between the married couple wielding its way into the bedrooms of others as the play progresses.
From the rebellious teeny bopper Melody (Elana Post), daughter of the Ballantyne’s, to Jim Doucette’s portrayal of aging 52 year old rocker Tommy Quick, the entire five person cast is stupendous. All play multiple roles flawlessly throughout the six story vignette. It must have been quite difficult for them to keep a straight face during many of the hilarious interactions.
Set layout for each of the scenes required little change and was carried off smoothly, with quite believable new bedrooms appearing for each new “story.” There was nary a flaw in costumes, set or performance.
This is certainly the crown jewel of the five plays presented this year at Port Stanley Festival Theatre. It runs until September 10th. Be sure to bring a tissue or two to wipe the tears of laughter from your face.
For more information, visit www.portstanleytheatre.ca or call 519-782-4353.
Director Simon Joynes has brought together a phenomenal five actor ensemble. They execute their roles and deliver the play in a manner that Foster must surely have envisioned.
Bedtime Stories begins in a hotel room with Betsy and Lou Ballantyne (Danielle Nicole and Chris Bancroft), a middle aged couple who have agreed to have sex on live radio for $5,000. After much rib tickling discussion and reflection the over ambitious radio host, Eddie Nichols (Rod Keith), calls off the stunt and walks out. However a bumbling technician forgets to turn off the microphone which is strategically placed at the headboard of the bed. This sets the tone for the following 5 stories with the passionate love making and intimate conversation between the married couple wielding its way into the bedrooms of others as the play progresses.
From the rebellious teeny bopper Melody (Elana Post), daughter of the Ballantyne’s, to Jim Doucette’s portrayal of aging 52 year old rocker Tommy Quick, the entire five person cast is stupendous. All play multiple roles flawlessly throughout the six story vignette. It must have been quite difficult for them to keep a straight face during many of the hilarious interactions.
Set layout for each of the scenes required little change and was carried off smoothly, with quite believable new bedrooms appearing for each new “story.” There was nary a flaw in costumes, set or performance.
This is certainly the crown jewel of the five plays presented this year at Port Stanley Festival Theatre. It runs until September 10th. Be sure to bring a tissue or two to wipe the tears of laughter from your face.
For more information, visit www.portstanleytheatre.ca or call 519-782-4353.
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