Entertaining Elgin - Article & Photos by Dave Ferguson
Mandy (Rose Napoli) & Robert (Jaron Francis) A series of unfortunate events is a sure-fire set-up for interesting twists and comedic collisions. The goal is to invoke tears brought on by tummy aching laughter from the believability of the situations being acted on the stage. Stag and Doe by first time playwright Mark Crawford eloquently paints a calamity of errors that create the well woven and humorous twists and turns.
This is actor, and now playwright, Mark Crawford’s first play. It is this writer’s opinion that it is phenomenal. The bar has now been set for Mark to continue to come up with believable characters and situations which are convincingly portrayed. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be up for the task and I eagerly await his next play.
Dee (Kate Gordon) & Bonnie (Sarah English) As the play opens, Bonnie, played by Sarah English, and Bradley McKellar, acted by Matthew Gorman, are three weeks away from their wedding. They are hosting a stag and doe at the local 4H hall to raise money for their nuptials and married life together. Dee, played by Kate Gordon, and Bonnie are in the kitchen preparing for the evening’s event.
Brad returns from the liquor store, unable to pay his entire tab, to borrow Bonnie’s credit card since his is maxed out from paying for wedding associated items. However, he learns that Bonnie’s card is also at its limit from the purchase of a $6,000 wedding dress, which creates a firework of words between the soon to be wed couple.
Brad returns from the liquor store, unable to pay his entire tab, to borrow Bonnie’s credit card since his is maxed out from paying for wedding associated items. However, he learns that Bonnie’s card is also at its limit from the purchase of a $6,000 wedding dress, which creates a firework of words between the soon to be wed couple.
Brad (Matthew Gorman), Mandy & Bonnie Enter an upset Mandy, played by Rose Napoli, her hair in curlers in preparation for her wedding that has taken three years to plan. Her dilemma is that an overnight storm blew away the tent, tables and chairs, ruining the planned outdoor wedding. She is emphatic the wedding will take place come hell or high water and demands that Bonnie and Brad give up the 4H lodge so that ‘her’ day may take place as planned.
To make the situation even more awkward we learned that Mandy’s fiancé, Robert, played by Jaron Francis, left Dee standing at the wedding altar three years earlier. His fast exit was with Mandy who parked out front of the church.
Over a heated discussion, both couples agree that they will share the hall under tight timeline conditions.
To make the situation even more awkward we learned that Mandy’s fiancé, Robert, played by Jaron Francis, left Dee standing at the wedding altar three years earlier. His fast exit was with Mandy who parked out front of the church.
Over a heated discussion, both couples agree that they will share the hall under tight timeline conditions.
To make matters worse, minutes before the cocktails are to be served, Jay (Mark Crawford) encounters his own problems. His serving staff and Sous Chef have been arrested and will be unable to work the event. In order to keep the day flowing to the tight schedule Dee, Bonnie and Brad reluctantly pitch in, much to the dismay of the ‘everything perfect prissy’ Mandy.
Does this all work out in the end? The only way to find out is to be a part of the audience for the last play of the 2014 season.
There really isn’t one actor I can single out for stealing the show as they all played their roles with skill and mastery of their craft. However, I certainly wouldn’t want to cross paths ever with Mandy. Rose Napoli seized this role and acted it in the way Mark Crawford must have envisioned. Fantabulous acting, timing, facial expressions and character believability portrayed the play as it was intended.
Does this all work out in the end? The only way to find out is to be a part of the audience for the last play of the 2014 season.
There really isn’t one actor I can single out for stealing the show as they all played their roles with skill and mastery of their craft. However, I certainly wouldn’t want to cross paths ever with Mandy. Rose Napoli seized this role and acted it in the way Mark Crawford must have envisioned. Fantabulous acting, timing, facial expressions and character believability portrayed the play as it was intended.
 Mandy, Robert & Jay |  Dee (Kate Gordon) & Jay (Mark Crawford) |
The set design by Eric Bunnell handily replicates the kitchen of a 4H lodge, right down to labeling the cupboards with their contents.
Simon Joynes has again done an exceptional job as Director. He is a master at carefully crafting the season, actors, scripts and the portrayal of the play, a gifted individual who makes going to PSFT a complete joy.
Stage and Doe is a brilliant play to end what has been another fantastic season at PSTF. It runs until September 13th. Missing it will be your loss of a couple of hours of hilarity and good times.
Find information at www.portstanleytheatre.ca
Simon Joynes has again done an exceptional job as Director. He is a master at carefully crafting the season, actors, scripts and the portrayal of the play, a gifted individual who makes going to PSFT a complete joy.
Stage and Doe is a brilliant play to end what has been another fantastic season at PSTF. It runs until September 13th. Missing it will be your loss of a couple of hours of hilarity and good times.
Find information at www.portstanleytheatre.ca
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