Have you ever sat waiting for your date to show up while trying desperately not to look awkward?
Or tried to make small talk with a group of unknowns at a social gathering and felt a “flight” response that has you wishing you could run for the hills – but social decorum has you rooted to your seat?
If so, you’ll inevitably find much in common with the four lovable characters in Norm Foster’s Looking, which opened on June 10 at the Drayton Festival Theatre.
The laugh-out-loud comedy chronicles four middle-aged singles looking for love after numerous failed relationships.
Regardless of age or relationship status, the range of socially awkward situations will give every adult member of the audience something to relate to and laugh about. It may be best to leave the kids at home for this one.
From tiptoeing around Nina’s (Heather Hodgson) age, Matt’s (Neil Foster) dislike of the term “disk jockey,” Andy’s (Rob McClure) “thriftiness” and Val’s (Helen Taylor) search for the “magic” in a relationship, Foster takes many societal stereotypes and rolls them into one hilarious story, showing that love comes in unexpected ways to unsuspecting people and can sometimes be difficult to spot, even when it’s right in front of you.
Looking takes the audience on three cringe worthy dates, all stemming from personal ads in the Newspaper. However, the motivation behind each date varies widely and evolves as relationships develop and all four friends scheme in an attempt to help the others find love.
All four actors did uncomfortable very well. With perfectly timed pauses after the most uncomfortable or outrageous lines, the actors gave the audience time to process what was said and feel uncomfortable along with them, or laugh at the absurdity of the situation.
In trying to break up the action and show the characters in different locations, the staging got a bit wide for audience members sitting in the first few rows in the house. At times viewing became more like a tennis match, forcing the audience to whip their heads from one scene to the next while characters had phone conversations or action took place in two different locations.
Though all four actors embraced their characters, it was Neil Foster and McClure who stole the show. The duo had undeniable chemistry on set and were believable as best friends, looking out for one another’s best interests while still on their own individual search for love.
Taylor and Hodgson were also believable as the hopelessly romantic Val and cynical Nina, but the friendship chemistry wasn’t quite at the level of their male counterparts.
While the set was somewhat sparse, director Marti Maraden did an excellent job of using the actors to set the scene, rather than props. The foursome knew just what non-verbal cues each particular situation required and just how to deliver them. From eye movements to full body mannerism, the actors conveyed their moods without any dialogue.
Their voice inflection was also spot-on, with each of the actor’s reactions matching what the audience was feeling in many of the situations, often leaving the audience wondering how they were able to keep a straight face.
Set designer Allan Wilbee transformed a set comprised of eight doors in a semi-circle into everything from a crowded bar to a jazz radio station to a tennis court and everything in between. While the set was important, it was the actors’ ability to immerse themselves into each and every scene that really gave the audience a feel for the atmosphere.
Lighting designer Louise Guinand expertly cued the audience to where the action was taking place.
Looking is a must-see summer comedy. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or more on the cynical side, you’ll be able to relate to one of the four characters.
Looking runs through June 27 at Drayton Festival Theatre. Regular performance tickets are $42 for adults, $25 for youth under 20 and $34 for groups of 20 or more. HST is applicable to all tickets.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.draytonfestivaltheatre.com or by calling the box office at 519-638-5555 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866).
