Four women are bound get to know each other quite well, meeting regularly for eighteen holes of golf over a period of many years. As it turns out, they could also have missed the chance to discover a whole lot more. That’s about to change as “The Ladies Foursome” tees off and the audiences is invited along for a round of golf mixed with revelations of all sorts. |
Cathy, the fourth “regular” has recently passed away and the three remaining are joined by Dory, another of Cathy’s friends. They set out to make the game into an opportunity to pay homage to the departed. Under the circumstances, the conversation is bound to turn to some deeper than usual reflections on life and friendship – and it does – taking many unexpected twists and turns along the way.
The dialogue helps to create for the audience, initially, four sketchily-drawn caricatures who gradually become more real and then shape up full-speed into fully developed characters – ones for whom you are likely to feel sympathy and understanding. It’s a transformation which takes place through fast-paced, naturally flowing conversation. We learn about each of the women in bits and pieces, often humourous, alternating with major revelations.
The dialogue helps to create for the audience, initially, four sketchily-drawn caricatures who gradually become more real and then shape up full-speed into fully developed characters – ones for whom you are likely to feel sympathy and understanding. It’s a transformation which takes place through fast-paced, naturally flowing conversation. We learn about each of the women in bits and pieces, often humourous, alternating with major revelations.
There are many chuckles along the way as the conversation jumps from the joys and tribulations of parenthood and singlehood, to life dreams, friendship and more. One very amusing round is played in angry total silence.
Each of the actors works beautifully to combine facial expressions, body language and delivery of Norm Foster’s dialogue in a way that holds your attention and helps to create well-rounded and unique characters. You might initially find yourself thinking of the women as “types” but they soon demonstrate that that would be a mistake. At the same time, the women come to realize that, though they have known each other for years, they have missed chances to fully understand each other and to have understood Kathy while she was alive.
Each of the actors works beautifully to combine facial expressions, body language and delivery of Norm Foster’s dialogue in a way that holds your attention and helps to create well-rounded and unique characters. You might initially find yourself thinking of the women as “types” but they soon demonstrate that that would be a mistake. At the same time, the women come to realize that, though they have known each other for years, they have missed chances to fully understand each other and to have understood Kathy while she was alive.
The interaction of the four talented actors – Jill Harland, Sharon McFarlane, Janet Monid and Danielle Nicole – is delightful to watch. The momentum of “The Ladies Foursome” is dependent on the pace and timing of the dialogue and the four women make it look easy.
It’s the kind of play that has lots of laughs but enough substance to be both satisfying and entertaining.
“The Ladies Foursome” is directed by PSFT Artistic Director, Simon Joynes. It runs June 8th to July 2nd at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre. Find our more at www.portstanleytheatre.ca.
It’s the kind of play that has lots of laughs but enough substance to be both satisfying and entertaining.
“The Ladies Foursome” is directed by PSFT Artistic Director, Simon Joynes. It runs June 8th to July 2nd at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre. Find our more at www.portstanleytheatre.ca.