Theatre Aurora Review: You’ll Love “Old Love”

March 29, 2017 · 0 Comments

By Scott Johnston

They say that there are two sides to every story. Fortunately, we get to see both perspectives played out in Norm Foster’s delightful comedy “Old Love”, now showing at Theatre Aurora.
The story follows Bud, a man who develops an unlikely infatuation with Molly, the wife of his boss. From their first meeting at an office party, we see how they continue to run into each other. With each brief meeting, the frequently inebriated and always disinterested Molly somehow makes an indelible and life-long impression on Bud, who pursues her over 25 years.
Set in the present, and through a series of flashbacks, their different perspectives nicely augment each other’s recollections of their lives.
Mr. Foster knows how to spin an entertaining relationship story, and this play is no exception, coming with his usual excellent one-liners and wry asides on the human condition.
But while the story is enjoyable, the best part of this production is the two players portraying the main characters.
Phil Dionne as Bud and Susan Lane as Molly bring great depth, warmth and humour to their characters. Both deliver their lines with perfect pacing, and employ terrific body language and facial expressions.
Although their four cast mates have smaller parts, all are strong actors. These include Jo-Anne Pulfer as Kitty, Bud’s first wife, Mark Nielsen as Arthur, Molly’s husband, and Daniel Ciccarelli and Meg Oxenholm as young Arthur and Kendra, Molly’s son and daughter-in-law.
The simple set, a few props and some lighting techniques are effectively employed to create the various settings throughout the play, ranging from a cemetery to an art gallery.
With this production of “Old Love”, Director Sergio Calderon and his team have ended Theatre Aurora’s 2016-17 season on an entertaining and enjoyable note.
Evening performances of “Old Love” will be held at Theatre Aurora, 150 Henderson Drive, March 30, April 1, 6, 7 and 8, with a matinee April 2. Tickets are available through the box office at 905-727-3669.