The Sidekick Players are pleased to present their next production, Drinking Alone by Norm Foster and directed by Todd-Elliot Gates at The Tsawwassen Arts Centre opening, March 10.
For as long as families have been around, these dysfunctional groups have been rich sources of both comedy and drama. In Drinking Alone, Canadian playwright Norm Foster plays it for all they're worth resulting with a play that's witty and wry, while taking in a band of human misery that runs from daddy issues and alcoholism to divorce and health crises.
Drinking Alone, which debuted in 1998, follows the events of a disastrous family reunion between Ivan (Jeff Pannell), an overbearing father, and his two adult children, Joe (Terry Thomas) and Carrie (Cathy Collis).
They have been semi-estranged since the father left their now-dead alcoholic mother 15 years ago. The play's central conceit is Joe's decision to hire a glamorous escort, Renée (Dani-Rose Coates), to pose as his fiancée for the evening, so he won't seem like such a loser to his dad.
To make things worse, Ivan brings along his new wife, Phyllis (Sharlene Terrett) who tries to soften the atmosphere, but instead creates a lot of animosity from Ivan’s children. Though its dark subject matter might seem an invitation to grim and ironic humour, Foster's script is remarkably gentle in its frequent jokes.
This is not the lightest Foster fare you’ll consume, but it is surely among his best pieces of work, taking the audience on an emotional roller-coaster from the opening moments to the final curtain.
Drinking Alone runs from March 10 to April 2, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. on March 13, 20 & 27.
Reservations must be made by calling 604-288-2415. Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors.
COVID regulations are still in place with limited seating and vaccination passports must be presented upon arrival. Masks must be worn when entering the building. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for evening performances and at 1:30 p.m. for matinees. Sidekick wants to ensure that all patrons are kept safe at all times. Subscriptions will be honoured for this production.
Todd-Elliot Gates Photo
The Sidekick Players cast of Drinking Alone from left to right; Cathy Collis (Carrie), Dani-Rose Coates (Renee), Terry Thomas (Joe), Jeff Pannell (Ivan) and Sharlene Terrett (Phyllis).
