Like Wolves: performances that outstrip the material.

Photo.  The Ottawa Sun.  Rosa Laborde. Playwright.

The opening scene depicting 80-year-old Sam taking 70-year-old Vera to a retirement home to celebrate their golden anniversary and then trying to jump her (unsuccessfully) strikes the first false note in a long list of unlikely happenings through Like Wolves by Rosa LaBorde.

The fraud that takes place at the critical moment appears to be built around a false premise. (It denies the cooling-off period built into most real estate contracts, and barely pays attention to the possibility of a legal challenge.)

It is highly unlikely that a marriage of 50 years would be devoid of any meaningful discussion about a life-changing decision and move.

The sexual encounters of two pairs are not only tasteless but also stretch credibility.

Simply put, too much in this sit-com style play is difficult to accept.

In addition, because five of the six characters are totally self-absorbed and selfish, it is hard to care about their assorted woes and whining.

It is fortunate that the performances outstrip the material. With impeccable timing and an appropriate accent, John Koensgen delivers good humour and warmth as the likeable Yuri — the one character who understands that he is not the centre of the universe.

The members of the family, played by Peter Froehlich as Sam, Nancy Beatty as Vera and Kimwun Perehinec and Alix Sideris as their daughters, Mia and Nina, each have their moments, but their encounters are frequently repetitive in nature. Meanwhile, Matthew Edison is given little of substance to say in the role of the retirement home employee, Tom.

While this world premiere production of Like Wolves, as directed by Peter Pasyk, is technically effective and amusing at times, it is rarely believable or compelling.

Like Wolves continues at GCTC to June 23.

Like Wolves

By Rosa LaBorde

Great Canadian Theatre Company

Director: Peter Pasyk

Set and costumes: Jessica Poirier-Chang

Sound: Al Connors

Lighting: Robert Thomson

Cast:

Vera…………………………………………..Nancy Beatty

Sam…………………………………………..Peter Froehlich

Mia……………………………………………Kimwun Perehinec

Nina…………………………………………..Alix Sideris

Yuri…………………………………………..John Koensgen

Tom…………………………………………..Matthew