Calgary Herald

Recasting play delays start of hockey comedy

- LOUIS B. HOBSON

Downstage Theatre’s world premiere of Toronto playwright Sunny Drake’s Men Express Their Feelings had to be delayed until this weekend.

The premiere originally announced for Feb. 28 was abruptly postponed an hour before the planned sneak preview performanc­e at the Arts Commons Big Secret Theatre on Feb. 27.

Signs went up and emails sent out to say the premiere was on hold because an actor had to be replaced.

Clare Preuss, artistic director of Downstage Theatre and the director of Men Express Their Feelings, said, “It was a really difficult decision to make to let an actor go an hour before our planned preview, but we did it because we thought it was in the best interest of the entire team.”

She said it would be unfair to elaborate on the conditions which led to her decision, only stressing, “This is a play that brings up important issues, not only in hockey, but in how men relate to each other in general and that conversati­on is essential and we want to help start it.”

Men Express Their Feelings is a comedy about what happens when two dads and their hockey-playing sons are sequestere­d in the hockey rink’s dressing room to sort out a misunderst­anding that occurred earlier on the ice after a game.

Brett Dahl, who was assistant director on this production, has stepped into the role of the Canadian son, Brad Bacon.

“It is a courageous thing Brett is doing for us, but it makes absolute sense,” said Preuss, explaining Dahl was the assistant director so he was at every rehearsal from Day 1. “He understand­s the choices that were made. He worked with me and with Sunny. He knows the style of the production and the blocking.

“Just as important is the fact Brett grew up in Calgary playing hockey and his dad was one of his coaches, which mirrors his character in the show. Brett understand­s the world where Sunny has set this play.”

Dahl joins actors Nathan Pronyshyn, Richard Young and Ray Dhaliwal, with set and costume designs by Hanne Loosen.

Preuss admitted this rescheduli­ng has been taxing, but insists “the community has been super supportive. We received so many emails wishing us the best and offering support and we’ve had great response for these new dates. It doesn’t look like we’ve lost our audience.”

 ??  ?? Cast members rehearse Men Express Their Feelings at Downstage Theatre. The play will premiere Friday.
Cast members rehearse Men Express Their Feelings at Downstage Theatre. The play will premiere Friday.

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