You’re only as old as you feel, right? Canada’s favourite playwright is back with a fun new comedy filled with big laughs and even bigger heart. Norm Foster himself stars in Jonas & Barry in the Home on stage at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge (formerly Dunfield Theatre Cambridge) from Aug. 9 to 26.
Jonas Ainsworth and Barry Butterfield are as different as night and day. When the two men both move into Gateway Gardens Assisted Living Home, they unwittingly become fast friends and look for ways to liven up the joint, while teaching each other some important life lessons along the way.
“Jonas & Barry in the Home is a comedy about living life to the fullest at any age,” said Alex Mustakas, artistic director of Drayton Entertainment.
“Audiences are bound to laugh as these two feisty men look for love and laughter in all the right (and wrong) places. This is Norm Foster at his best – funny, touching and very relatable.”
Norm Foster is well cast as Jonas, a former professional actor, who is cheerful, charismatic and intent on wooing the ladies – you’d almost think the role was written for him. Appearances can be deceiving though, as Jonas has a few secrets up his sleeve. David Nairn is the perfect foil for Foster as Barry, a reserved, retired dentist anxious about the next chapter of his life. Unsure of how to fill his newfound free time, he moves into Gateway Gardens to reconnect with his adult daughter Rosie, who works there. Jonas’ infectious enthusiasm has a profound effect on Barry, and it sparks a major change for the seemingly jaded curmudgeon.
Foster and Nairn captivated audiences with their impeccable comedic timing and heartfelt portrayals last season in St. Jacobs, Grand Bend and Penetanguishene.
The production garnered rave reviews from audiences and critics alike – now the pair of seasoned actors are back to bring these hilarious and hearty characters to life once more for theatregoers in Cambridge.
Erin MacKinnon joins the two veteran actors as Barry’s concerned daughter, Rosie, who guides the social activities at Gateway Gardens. MacKinnon has appeared in numerous productions across Canada including Steel Magnolias and Hotbed Hotel at Upper Canada Playhouse and in various film and television projects.
Jonas & Barry in the Home is directed by Derek Ritschel. In addition to his acting career on stage and in film and television, Ritschel is currently the artistic director at the Lighthouse Festival Theatre in Port Dover and the Showboat Festival Theatre in Port Colborne. He is joined by set designer Beckie Morris, costume designer Vandy Simpson, lighting designer Jeff Johnston Collins and sound designer Eric Ewing.
Regular performance tickets are $46 for adults and $27 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for select discount dates and groups of 20 or more are $37. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.
Tickets may be purchased in person at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge (formerly the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge), online at www.draytonentertainment.com/jonas-barrycambridge or by calling the Box Office at 519-621-8000 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866).
