The long war that goes on between the generations – particularly, mother and daughter – plays out in hilarious fashion next month in a comedy entitled Old Wives Tales. Author Kevin Riordan sets this laugh-fest in a washroom on a young bride’s wedding day. In the course of the action, the bride’s mother comes in with advice on what’s in store from that day forward. Both are reminded of their flaws and foibles, before coming to an understanding.
The show plays the Mady Centre for the Performing Arts on Dunlop Street in Barrie in the first week of August, having come to town with fairly good word of mouth.
The play was very well received “up the road”, so to speak, during a run at the Gravenhurst Opera House, and the town’s representative, Krista Storey, lauds it as “filled with practical wisdom.”
“We learn that whatever you give to women, they will make it greater. Give her love, she’ll give you a baby, give her food, she’ll give you a meal… give her any crap and, well, be prepared!”
Storey tells BarrieToday what attracted her and Gravenhurst theatre-goers to the play was its appeal to folks who may be of the age group thinking of tying the knot for the very first time.
“Theatre audiences tend to be older, but plays like (Tales) attract a young demographic which is important in this business. We focus on light, comedic productions that are different than the mainstream plays you can see just about anywhere.”
The homegrown talent angle is also put forth by Storey, and shouldn’t be lost on any of the play’s would-be patrons here in Barrie.
“This year, we are also focusing on an all-Canadian season, so all three of our shows this summer were created by Canadian artists.”
Storey also gives us a bit of a heads-up on whom to watch for, in anticipation of a bunch of belly laughs.
“All three actors have their moments of stealing the show. Robin Clipsham plays the part of the mother brilliantly, Allie Dunbar (is also wonderful as) the daughter and J.P. Baldwin perfectly captures the characters in each of his multiple roles.”
The last word also belongs to Storey: “He who laughs last is probably a ‘she’”.
Get set to laugh out loud at Old Wives Tales at the Mady Centre, Wednesday, Aug. 2 through Saturday, Aug. 5, featuring matinee and evening performances.
To learn more, click here.
