Cloudburst: a tribute to lasting love

 

By Thom Fitzgerald, TotoToo Theatre.  Directed by Sarah Hearn

Stella and Dot have loved each other for 31 years. Now in their 70s, they are threatened with separation when Dot’s granddaughter decides that “for her own good” Grandma should be moved to a retirement/nursing home, which also handles final arrangements when death comes knocking.

The only solution, decides the tough, foul-mouthed Stella, is to leave their home in Maine and elope to Canada, where same-sex marriage is legal. Along the way, they pick up a hitchhiker, Prentice, heading home to Economy, Nova Scotia, to visit his dying mother. Initially a casual encounter, their meeting, together with the reunion of Prentice with his mother and Dot with her granddaughter, offer additional views of love and deeper insight into the central love story.

 

Structured more easily for screen than stage, Cloudburst by Thom Fitzgerald poses major challenges for its director, who must cope with numerous short scenes and changes of set and visuals to accompany Stella’s descriptions of various views for the benefit of her blind partner. (The 2010 play was adapted into a movie of the same name in 2011, with Olympia Dukakis and Brenda Fricker in the lead roles.)

 

As directed by Sarah Hearn, the TotoToo Theatre production of Cloudburst makes extremely effective use of the screen/window at the back and a truck front on stage, but has some difficulty in maintaining the momentum through the gaps caused by the many set changes. However, the impact of the breaks in action is lessened by Hearn’s very effective music choices.

 

Most of all, this production of Cloudburst is a wonderful vehicle for quality performances from the two principals and Maureen Quinn McGovern as Stella and Arlene Watson as Dot deliver in spades. McGovern, as the rough broad in the check shirt and cowboy hat, makes the most of the stream of funny lines and ribald comments, while remaining tender and caring in looking after Dot. Meanwhile, Watson, as the gentler of the two characters, provides balance and is a fine counterpoint to Stella’s style. Together, they demonstrate the intertwining of personality and interdependence that is a tribute to lasting love.

 

Jason Hopkins, as the young dancer who hitches a ride with the pair, also delivers a strong performance. His transition from being shocked by Stella into a gradual bonding with his new friends is entirely believable.

 

Completing the cast are Cathy Nobleman, who delivers a moving cameo as Prentice’s mother, and, in the two least rewarding roles, Alianne Rozon as Dot’s granddaughter and Tomas Chovanec as her policeman husband.

 

Altogether, this rendering of Cloudburst is a touching look at Stella and Dot’s final journey together, spiced with humour and food for thought.

 

Cloudburst continues at the Gladstone to September 17.

 

 

Director: Sarah Hearn

Set and lighting: David Magladry

Projection and special effects: Justin Ladelpha

Costumes: Glynis Ellens

Choreography: Alianne Rozon

 

Cast:

Stella…………………………………….Maureen Quinn McGovern

Dot………………………………………Arlene Watson

Molly……………………………………Alianne Rozon

Tommy………………………………….Tomas Chovanec

Prentice………………………………….Jason Hopkins

Cat………………………………………Cathy