Mending Fences. Magic on the stage of the Ottawa Little Theatre
Photo Maria Vartanova
It is not very often that real magic happens in the theatre. It is only
possible if all the stars align: an intriguing script, excellent acting,
imaginative set and lighting, and skillful directing. Although it may
happen rarely, it is happening right now at the Ottawa Little Theatre.
Their production of Norm Foster’s Mending Fences creates just that – pure
magic on the stage.
The story seems to be a simple one: a father, a farmer from Saskatchewan
has, not seen his son for 13 years. Now, his estranged son, carrying the
baggage of growing up with a single mother after his the separation and
burdened with a broken relationship of his own, comes to see his long lost
father. Trying to conquer a sense of failure and to shake off the feeling
that a history of broken lives repeats itself, he wants to reconcile with
his father and to come to terms with his past and present. But, things do
not go the way both of them want. The two very stubborn men with a strong
sense of pride but no communication skills, fail to find the right words
to express themselves, which leads to many misunderstandings. Still, every
wrong sentence reveals a further bit of drama that has enveloped their lives for 13 years.
The play itself is beautifully written, full of simple, but deeply
meaningful moments. It is the kind of narrative that can be either a gift
to or a trap for actors.
Because of the simplicity of the story, it is so
easy to miss the mark and go overboard. It takes a lot of knowledge and
artistic skill to interpret it just in right way. How can one tell what
the “right interpretation” is? Well, if you laugh while at the same time
feel tears welling in your eyes, it must be right! Nothing too over the
top, and yet nothing missing – that’s how Ottawa Little Theatre’s
interpretation of Mending Fences feels. Director Barbara Kobolak does a
marvellous job of connecting and intertwining the past and present, making
them blend one into the other.Her pace is perfect, moments chosen
impeccably.
The environment created by Becky Mardell (set design) and Barry Sims
(lighting design) also gives the play additional meaning, underpinning the
story about lives full of of neglect and loneliness from the very first
moment. In a way, the scenery prepares the audience for the characters
they are bout to meet. The combination of set and lighting creates such a
strong atmosphere, that one almost forgets that it is not a real place,
but just a stage.
Actors are very natural in their respective roles – they sulk, laugh,
retreat, long – and all of these feelings come off as real. Robert Lackey
is very natural in the role of Harry, the father. Actually, he is so
authentic that it feels as if he does not act at all, but simply lives his
role. He gives Harry a unique character – funny, easy-going, tough,
uncompromising, vulnerable, among others. He offers the audience a new
face from one moment to the other on the same man – each one perfectly
fitting into and completing a picture of an injured man in search for love
and the warmth of stable home.
Jesse Lalonde portrays Drew, Harry’s son, as a character who wants to get
close to his father, but, much like the older man, does not know how to
put that longing into words. His confusion, awkwardness, pride and fear
comes off naturally. Lalonde and Lackey achieve a solid connection, and
command full attention of audience as a pair. In-between them comes Gin
(Harry’s Neighbour) who help them find their way to each other. Played by
Teal Cochrane, Gin is bubbly, smart, honest, and an overall lovable
character who balances the chaotic father and son perfectly. Cathy
Nobleman in a double role (Harry’s wife and Harry’s Mom), successfully
fills in gaps and gives the play its important underpinnings.
It’s hard to say for sure whether the actors are a perfect fit for such a
well created atmosphere or if it is the other way around. Theatre magic is
possible when everybody and everything on the stage supports each other
every moment of the play. That is exactly how acting, set, lighting, and
direction come together in Ottawa Little Theatre’s Mending Fences and why
this production is a magic on the stage.
Cast
Robert Lackey Harry / Harry’s Father
Jesse Lalonde Drew (Harry’s Son) / Young Drew
(age 15) / Young Harry (age 14)
Teal Cochrane Gin (Harry’s Neighbour)
Cathy Nobleman Lori / Harry’s Mom
Production Team
Director Barbara Kobolak
Assistant to the Director Stewart Grenzowski
Set Design Becky Mardell
Lighting Design Barry Sims
Sound Design David Ing
Sound Design Ben Langille
Costume Design Peggy Laverty