By David F. Rooney
Mending Fences, the new production from the Revelstoke Theatre Company, is an excellent choice to inaugurate the troupe’s new association with the Powder Springs Inn.
This play about a dysfunctional family is by turns, savage, gently humourous and, throughout, emotionally engaging. Produced by Leslie Pirnke and directed by Anita Hallewas, it stars Denny and Lyn Kaulback and John Devitt.
Watching them during a dress rehearsal on Sunday afternoon was a real treat. The dialogue and the performances of these veteran actors and actress held my attention throughout. With the exception of three flubbed lines they were letter perfect.
Mending Fences tells the story of Henry Sullivan, his on-again/off-again partner Virginia and his semi-estranged son, Drew.
“You’re both alike — exactly alike,”Virginia at the two men in one scene. “Pigheaded and stubborn.”
At the heart of the men’s frayed and difficult relationship is an unwillingness to explore the pains and errors of the past until it is almost too late. But I won’t say any more. You’ll have to see the play for yourselves.
However, I will say a few words about the Theatre Company’s new venue in the recently created McGregor’s space, which is just off the lobby at Powder Springs.
It looks a little tight but I’m assured it will fit 60 people. General Manager Emma Kirkland and her staff worked extremely hard over the last couple of months to prepare this space for theatrical presentation and their efforts deserve applause. It’s nice to see the Theatre Company in a home worthy of the name.
This play and this new theatrical space should satisfy our local thirst for quality local theatrical productions. Bravo.
Mending Fences is being presented in McGregor’s at Powder Springs Inn April 26-28 and May 3-5. Tickets are available from the Revelstoke Credit Union, Talisman Fibre and Trading Company and the Powder Springs Inn. Adults are $15. Seniors and children are $12. (That word ‘children’ is being loosely used. Mending Fences is not a play for young children as it features adult themes such as alcoholism, sexual innuendo and suicide as well as adult language.) The doors open at 7:30 pm and the curtain rises at 8.
