You’re only as old as you feel, right?
One of Canada’s favourite playwrights is back with a fun new comedy filled with big laughs and an even bigger heart, officials say.
Norm Foster himself stars in Jonas & Barry in the Home on stage at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from May 3 to May 20.
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 old 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.”
Foster is cast as Jonas, a former professional actor, who is jovial, charismatic and intent in wooing the ladies – “you’d almost think the role was written for him,” officials state.
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 and anxious retired dentist,” officials say.
Unsure how to fill his newfound free time, Barry is living at Gateway Gardens to reconnect with his adult daughter Rosie, who works there.
Jonas’ infectious enthusiasm has a profound effect on Barry and it sparks major change for the seemingly jaded curmudgeon.
Foster and Nairn captivated audiences with their impeccable comedic timing and heartfelt portrayals during the production’s world premiere in 2015, officials say.
Erin MacKinnon joins the two veteran actors as Barry’s concerned daughter, Rosie, who guides 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 has served as the artistic director at the Lighthouse Theatre in Port Dover since 2011. He is joined by set designer Beckie Morris and lighting designer Jeff JohnstonCollins.
Regular performance tickets are $46 for adults, $27 for youth under 20 years of age and $36 for groups of 20 or more. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.
Jonas & Barry in the Home runs at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from May 3 to 20.
Tickets can be purchased in person at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, online at www.draytonentertainment.com or by calling the Box Office at 519-747-7788 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866).
