‘Lunenburg’ is a subtle blend of love, memories and dry comedy by Norm Foster, Canada’s most famous and prolific playwright. Central to this easy-going 2017 play is Lunenburg, a town on a peninsular (debatably an island) of Canada’s tranquil and attractive province of Nova Scotia – a bit smaller than Tasmania – it is a thriving UNESCO area, with a population of a million. As it says in the play, drill a hole from Perth through the centre of the earth and you will pop out in Lunenburg.
For three shows only, the respected Much Productions group are bringing this noteworthy, 100-minute presentation to the Camelot Theatre, 16 Lochee Street, Mosman Park. The shows are presented with banquet-style seating, at 7.30 pm on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th of September, with a Saturday matinée at 2.00 pm. Casual food e.g., pizzas and snacks, with a full range of drinks are available within the venue.
www.trybooking.com/events/landing/921516
The Scene: The back veranda of a house on the hillside, facing south over the bay at Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.
The Set: Because MUCH is a touring company that takes their quality plays around the WA country towns, the scenery is symbolic. The stage is a 20 cm high dais with some trellis fencing at the side: yet still totally effective.
Lighting design and operation: By Jane Sherwood is simple, with their travelling lighting rig comprising a couple of two-metre tripods, with three LCD lights on each; the effect is all one needs.
Sound designer and operator: Jane Sherwood with a selection of music from the 60s.
Properties: When the Lunenburg Theatre Collective and the author heard that they were presenting this play, they kindly sent a Schooner beer can, a named shopping bag and other odds and ends as gift props.
Charlie Roberts (Jarrod Buttery) is looking for his dog when he notices an attractive young lady standing on the house veranda of his recently deceased neighbour Robert. He introduces himself and finds she is Iris Oulette (Phoebe Deklerk), the widow of Robert killed in a plane crash. She has travelled to Lunenburg, Nova Scotia from Maine with her best friend Natalie (Meredith Hunter) for moral support, as she has just discovered she has inherited her ex-husband’s house. One she knew nothing about.
Charlie is happy to help them settle in and answer the many questions – then a photograph found in the house, raises a lot more questions.
Award-winning director Jane Sherwood has done it again. With a majestic trio for a cast, they cover half a dozen complex emotions with aplomb. The play has a few unexpected twists and is just what one needs at the end of a hard week. You will smile, giggle, and even have a few ‘oohs!’
A fun night out that is truly professional. Enjoy.