There is no better place to appreciate theatre artists than at a small venue where spectators can appreciate acting skills while enjoying the development of a plot. And, there is no better place for acting students to observe and to learn. This was my first experience at the North Vancouver Theatre and one to be renewed.
The Presentation House Theatre (PHT) is the only professional theatre company of the North Shore. Its program features high quality performances appeal to the cultural diversity of the community. Furthermore, PHT offers mentorship opportunities for emerging artists through artist-in-residence programs and through theatre programs for North Shore youth.
A Play Written by Norm Foster and Directed by Jay Brazeau
This is the story of the unfailing pursuit of love, of betrayal also, of drama eventually, and of much laughter during which the dialogue is an opportunity to set the record straight about the facts of life.
Suzanne Ristic and Vince Metcalfe are the two actors owning and holding the stage to create a combination of four couples over the span of the thirty years of their individual and yet, joined life.
Lionel, known as Bud, (Vince Metcalfe) is a demure salesman set to succeed in his own unhurried way. Kitty (Suzanne Ristic) is his impatient wife and a determined wannabe-socialite. Enters Arthur, Bud's boss (Vince Metcalfe again) and Molly (Suzanne Ristic again) as his wife who, unbeknownst to her intially, makes an unforgettable impression on Bud.
And the story unfolds with a series of meetings between the various characters, supported judiciously by costume change, or not. At times, one character might come forward to deliver his/her part of the dialogue, when another is played upon as someone in the distance, a brilliant make-believe interaction rendered lively by the performance of the actors.
Metcalfe and Ristic generate vitality and a witty delivery to keep the audience connected to the plot since the stage is rather bare of any distraction, or of any other interfacing: a sofa in the middle, a bench on the left, and a coffee-shop table and two chairs on the right. The stage-height clock that anchors the setting as its background eventually becomes the front of a house from where Molly will appear at the upper floor window.
Then, there is the physical and emotional performance of Suzanne Ristic who crawls on that couch with the dexterity of a yogini. As for her bold and emotional rendition of Kitty’s departure, it was another meaningful experience.
Meanwhile, Bud and Arthur remain true to themselves thanks to Vince Metclafe who displays either humility or poise, a heart-warming and charming attitude, or a matter-of-factly behaviour.
Old Love is entertaining and unpretentiously thought-provoking.
Marie-Claude Arnott - Marie-Claude Arnott writes about topics that interest her, from experience and with passion.
