Stag and doe. Buck and doe. Jack and Jill.
Whatever you call it, the pre-wedding fundraiser for the bride- and groom-to-be has become a rite of passage for couples in small-town Ontario.
For some attendees, the events are an obligatory function aimed at plundering more of their hard earned money; for others, they’re just another excuse for a party.
But as director Mark Crawford notes in the playbill for Stag and Doe, the final production of the Theatre Orangeville season, the pre-wedding parties may also “suggest that we, as communities, are uniquely invested in the relationships of our members.”
Crawford’s play, which premiered at the Blyth Festival in 2014, captures some of that sentiment as well as the emotions of the stag and doe guests of honour.
For good measure, he mixes in hijinks and hilarity to create a rousingly chaotic comedy.
Bonnie (played by Caroline Toal) and Brad (Jeff Hanson) are hosting their stag and doe at a community hall with the help of the maid of honour Dee (Karen Knox), who was left at the altar seven years prior.
It doesn’t take long for the pressures of the day to wreak havoc, as Bonnie and Brad struggle with the financial realities of planning a wedding.
Problems are compounded with the surprise arrival of Mandy (Heidi Lynch) and Rob (Jesse Griffiths), whose wedding plans for that very day are in turmoil after a major storm destroys their venue, and their caterer Jay (David Reale), yet another character for whom nothing seems to be going right.
Absolute chaos ensues as the characters try to make the best of a horrible situation, culminating in one of the most unexpected, awkward and funny “disagreements” audiences will ever see on stage.
All six players are fabulous in their roles, each bringing something unique to the production that makes every character memorable.
Knox is remarkable as Dee. Despite a number of hilarious lines (perhaps the best being a simile about Jello shots and men), her real strength is the portrayal of her character’s past emotional wounds and her take on relationships.
Reale is also great, expertly relaying Jay’s personality juxtapositions, as he exudes a carefree attitude amid chaos and a life full of responsibilities.
Hanson and Toal are great as future husband and wife, boasting great chemistry and impeccable timing and delivery. Many in the audiences will certainly relate to their pre-wedding woes and squabbles.
Lynch is hilarious as Mandy, who brings new meaning to the term bridezilla. The character’s alcohol-infused rage, while understandable considering how the day unfolds, is also a telltale sign of serious problems in her relationship with Rob – a facet of the character clearly not lost on Lynch.
Audiences will likely discover Griffiths’ portrayal of Rob as one of the more underrated facets of the production. At times walked all over by his new bride, Rob tries to be a faithful partner while also questioning his role in the relationship – or any relationship for that matter. That inner conflict is perfectly relayed by Griffiths.
The script by Crawford is extremely funny and direction from David Nairn, assisted greatly by Daniel Levinson, is spot on.
A real strength of the production is the sound and lighting by Eric Ewing and Steve Lucas respectively, which help recreate the realistic setting of a wedding reception/stag and doe without the audience ever leaving the hall kitchen.
While the play takes some time to gather steam, the climax in the second half is well worth the wait.
Stag and Doe is an absolute riot befitting its title.
The production plays five shows a week until May 22. For tickets call 519-942-3423 or 1-800-424-1295 or visit theatreorangeville.ca.
