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TA's "Lucy": A Review




By Scott Johnston

Theatre Aurora's latest play, “Lucy”, is about relationships, personal growth, questioning conformity, knowing who we are, and love, all set around the central autistic title character.

As the story opens, Lucy's devoted father, who has raised the now young teenager on his own since she was a child, is handing off her care to his ex-wife, Vivian. Anthropologist Vivian is a bit of a loner, and is both overwhelmed at, and reluctant of, the prospect of taking on this new responsibility.

From there, the play, by Canadian playwright Damien Atkins, explores the impact each of these two characters has on the other. Interactions with the other characters in the play, the father, Vivian's research assistant, and a therapist, allow the audience to see what changes are taking place within and between the mother and daughter as the story progresses.

This is an extremely well-cast and acted play. Hayley Carr as Lucy and Elene Stamatatos as Vivian, command the stage.

Ms. Stamatatos does a terrific job expressing the fears and frustrations of an introvert becoming a reluctant first-time parent to an autistic teen. Her character's evolution as a mother and champion of her daughter is wonderful.

Although having the challenge of much fewer and simpler lines, Ms. Carr has a great presence on the stage and is able to clearly project a variety of emotions, including anger, distress, confusion, frustration and love.

Supporting these central characters are Paul Payne as the father, Gavin, Hayley Ferguson as assistant Julia, and Alex Lucas as therapist Morris. All are strong performers, and clearly project the concern their characters have for both Lucy and Vivian.

The subject matter may not seem like typical theatre fare, but Director Brian Moore has put together an excellent and well-paced production of this well-written play. It will leave you with something to think about.

Evening performances of “Lucy” continue at Theatre Aurora, 150 Henderson Drive, March 31, April 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9, with a matinee April 3. Tickets are available through the box office at 905-727-3669.
Excerpt: Theatre Aurora’s latest play, “Lucy”, is about relationships, personal growth, questioning conformity, knowing who we are, and love, all set around the central autistic title character.
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