Those familiar with Canadian playwrights often jump at the opportunity to see a Norm Foster production.
The Long Weekend, which is playing now at the Black Forest Inn in Conestogo, is a perfect example of that. It’s an hilarious look at marriage and relationships and how the seeming normal or mundane can really be extremely dysfunctional – and vice versa.
The play opens with Wynn and Max preparing their country retreat – a weekend getaway from the city – for a visit from long-time friends Abby and Roger. But the visit is anything but an enjoyable weekend, and both couples know it from the outset.
Max and Roger, a lawyer and teacher-turned-writer respectively, can’t stand each other. Their relationship, highlighted by intense competition and lifestyle critiques, is characterized perfectly in arguments about a long-outstanding bar tab.
Wynn, a psychologist, and Abby, a designer, are best friends despite their ongoing disagreements about personal taste. They are extremely close and vow never to let anything come between them – a pact that is tested many times over two long weekends together.
Jealousy, lust and infidelity combine for an outrageous weekend with an unpredictable outcome.
The second act, featuring the same four individuals at the same locale just two years later, is equally unpredictable and amusing.
Michelle Kreitzer and Dan Pitman are excellent as Wynn and Max. They have great chemistry and play off one another perfectly, while also embracing the idiosyncrasies of their individual characters.
But the real stars of the show are Sandra Stewart (Abby) and Randolph Johnston (Roger).
Abby is so appealing to both Max and Roger thanks to her less analytical and more easy going demeanor, and the audience buys in wholeheartedly because of Stewart’s appearance and convincing portrayal. She has a strong stage presence and delivers her lines with remarkable timing and conviction.
And Johnston is an absolute riot. He steals the show on a number of occasions with hysterical one liners and physical comedy. Sure, his character is provided with an abundance of funny material in Foster’s script, but Johnston infuses his own brand of gaiety and enthusiasm into the role.
Director Buddy Brennan has done a fine job with the cast, as well as with the set design – it’s clear he’s put a lot of time and effort into this play.
In fact, it’s hard to find much to criticise about this production of The Long Weekend. Some older audience members on Jan. 29 appeared to be a bit put off by some of the “adult” comedy, but that material could not have been a surprise, given the play’s synopsis and the playwright involved.
Truth be told, it could be a lot more raunchy, but Foster is a master at generating laughs without crossing the line. It’s all lighthearted comedy that combines to make The Long Weekend yet another in the long list of classics from Foster.
The Black Forest Inn and Showplace Dinner Theatre should be commended for bringing such a renowned comedic production to Conestogo. Perhaps the only distraction at the venue was that the sight lines for some, particularly those near the back of the dining hall, are not the best.
But patrons would be hard-pressed to find anywhere a better combination of a fabulous meal and outstanding play all in one venue. And the modest price tag of $54 for both can’t be beat. It’s the perfect night out.
The Long Weekend plays Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday until Feb. 25 at the Blackforest Inn. For tickets call 519-664-2223 or visit blackforestrestaurant.ca for more information.
