Thorold theatre company gets risqué
Fantasy By Appointment presented through November
A young, engaged, conservative teacher’s life is changed forever when he comes home to his Toronto apartment one night and finds a magnificent stranger naked on his bed.
Deemed not suitable for audiences younger than 18, Fantasy By Appointment is Thorold Community Theatre’s latest play.
Co-producer Marilyn Colbert calls it “a great comedy” by Canadian playwright Neville J. Bryant.
“Some people suggested for us to do a drama and our numbers went down drastically. People want to laugh. They want to leave their troubles at home and escape for a couple hours and that’s what we give them. I know you’ll have a fabulous time.”
This production marks president Brian Cranford’s fourth time directing for TCT.
“There’s no foul language,” he says, but “there’s a lot that’s implied” in terms of adult situations.
“It’s hilarious. It’s your typical British farce.
“People come to see Thorold plays because of the humour. We have actually surveyed them before and farces were the No. 1 (choice), by far.”
Calling his team “a stellar cast,” Cranston says it comprises all veteran actors except the lead, Ron Warwick of St. Catharines, who makes his stage debut as Charles in this play, navigating the physical comedy nicely, according to the director.
“He climbs over the couch, trips over tables, and does it well.”
With a nervous grin, Warwick says he’s “a healthy amount of terrified. I auditioned because I fit the character. It was a whim.”
A lifelong theatre buff, the 33-yearold actor is currently attending school to become a social services worker.
“I’m a pretty energetic guy, so it’s not like I’m not used to moving,” the father of two says.
Warwick says he’s grateful to his wife for “taking care of the kids” while he performs, and to the troupe “for giving me a chance.”
“They are all nice to me.”
Says Colbert, “When he read for that part, it was a no-brainer. We found him and he just fit.”
Also new to TCT is John Watson, who’s “done a lot of work with the Port Colborne Operatic Society.”
Colbert says the non-profit Thorold group “always needs help setting up and taking down the chairs” before and after performances, which are held in the Community Hall of Trinity United Church at 15 Pine St. S.
Fantasy By Appointment runs Fridays Nov. 10, 17 and 24 at 8 p.m., Saturdays Nov. 11, 18 and 25 at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees Nov. 12 and 19 at 2 p.m.
All tickets cost $15 and are sold in advance by performance date at thoroldtheatre.ca, or by pre-ordering tickets through the theatre by calling 905-682-8779.
They can also be bought at Haine Funeral Home, 26 Ormond St. S., and Jack Nash Fine Clothiers at the Grantham Plaza. If any tickets are remaining, they will be sold at the door after all pre-order sales have been seated. All seating is by general admission.
Patrons are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to Thorold Community Care.