Men, women. Young, old. We’ve all done it.
Whether an actual itemized list on paper, a visualization or a simple verbal expression of a desired trait, everyone has, at one time or another, formed their own list of what qualities make an ideal mate.
Playwright Norm Foster capitalized on this quasi-tradition with his comedy The Love List, which is playing at the Schoolhouse Theatre in St. Jacobs until Dec. 23.
The play opens with Leon (played by Terry Barna), a married, struggling writer with philandering tendencies, attempting to set up his best friend Bill (Ian Deakin) through a dating service.
Bill, a straitlaced divorcee who just celebrated his 50th birthday, initially refuses Leon’s offer, but after some intense pestering, agrees to go along with the idea.
A jubilant Leon informs his pal the first order of business is to devise a list of the top 10 qualities Bill is seeking in a woman.
Leon’s suggestion for the number one attribute has the audience in stitches and kicks off an hilarious debate about which quality goes where – if anywhere at all – on the list.
Despite their differences, the men finally agree on 10 traits, and the mysterious arrival of fantasy woman Justine (Jayme Armstrong) initially reinforces their belief that the list indeed represents the ideal woman.
But, in a play of words on a familiar mantra, it’s not long before the pair – Leon at first, followed reluctantly by Bill – realizes perfection is in the eye of the beholder.
The men change their minds and make several adjustments to the list, with Justine’s personality changing instantaneously and uproariously with each stroke of the pencil.
Armstrong absolutely dazzles as Justine. She is witty and engaging and seems perfectly cast, if at all possible, for the demanding attributes included on the love list.
She seems to easily master Justine’s abrupt personality swings, perfectly manipulating her vocal delivery to suit Justine – whether it be overly-genial and placating lines or those of a more critical and sarcastic nature.
Barna is also well-cast as Leon, the past-his-prime writer who, a few pounds lighter and a few years younger, was very popular with the ladies. Barna is also very funny and he excels in scenes that highlight the irony of Leon’s selfish approach towards women – particularly his wife – even after he realizes the errors of his way.
Deakin is great as Bill, arguably the toughest character to play in the production. Sure, he is very believable as the mild-mannered statistician, but he also shines in many scenes in which his role is largely reactionary (when his character is not provided as many laugh-out-loud moments as the others), which is a difficult task for any actor.
The trio of players has obviously received great instruction from director Chris McHarge, and the set and lighting design, by Stephen Degenstein and Lyle Franklin respectively, is perfect (for example, the apartment’s kitchen seems to actually function, and window shadows are deftly and subtly incorporated to suggest the passage of time).
Yet as is the case with many of his plays, much of the credit for the success of The Love List rests with Foster. Even more impressive than the writer’s prolific record – he has penned nearly 50 plays over three decades – is the unwavering and impressive quality of those stories.
The Love List is hilarious with few flaws, although there were a few fumbled lines during the Sept. 27 production.
The play also incorporates humour to remind audiences we should all be happy and thankful for the significant others in our lives – imperfections and all. To quote the 1997 movie Good Will Hunting, “that’s the good stuff.”
The Love List plays eight shows a week until Dec. 23. For tickets call 519-638-5555 or visit www.draytonentertainment.com
