WHERE’S MY MONEY? by John Patrick Shanley, directed by David Ferry, with Ingrid Doucet, Anna Hardwick, John Cleland, Christian Bellsmith, Michael Kash and Mary Francis Moore (Alley Co-op). At the Pia Bouman Studio Theatre (6 Noble). Opens tonight (Thursday, May 13) and runs to May 30, Tuesday-Saturday 8 pm (no evening show May 15), matinees Sunday 2 pm and May 15 at 1 pm. $20, May 15 pwyc. 416-504-7529. See listings.
Couples have lots of things to sort out, but usually central to a long-term relationship are questions about marriage and money.[rssbreak]
The two provide both the comedy and the tension in John Patrick Shanley’s (Moonstruck, Doubt) Where’s My Money?, a look at the intertwined lives of several couples, among them unfaithful lechers, unhappy spouses and at least two disgruntled ghosts.
The show is presented by the Alley Co-op, which hopes to reinvigorate the arts in the Parkdale area.
Anna Hardwick, who plays the seemingly contented Natalie, admits that she was first attracted to the play by its writing.
“I think the honesty of the characters is pretty amazing,” she explains. “It’s rare to see such a gritty examination of relationships, with people who are challenging and emotionally turn on a dime.
“Getting to know them is like getting to know a new lover: someone who is complex, confusing and intriguing.”
The play starts with Natalie running into a former work friend, Celeste, who’s been cheating on her boyfriend. The critical Natalie presents herself as a happy wife, but things aren’t as smooth as she suggests. Her husband, Henry, seeks marital advice from his jaded business partner, Sidney, who’s in a prickly marriage himself.
And then there’s Tommy, Natalie’s ex, who won’t stop hounding her to repay a loan.
“The play’s biting humour reminds me of Restoration comedy, in which people live by their wits,” says Hardwick. “The characters are New Yorkers, who I think are fantastic storytellers. Whenever I go to New York or Los Angeles, I feel like I spend the whole time in a stand-up comedy show. If you don’t keep up with that quickness, you’re left behind.”
But Hardwick also points to a theatrical parallel.
“The humour is Chekhovian: it lives in extreme situations and presents the absurdity of human life. Though there’s a poignancy in the situations, it’s the humour we’re trying to mine.”
The performer also emphasizes the production’s community aspect.
“Most of us live in Parkdale, a vibrant, often underappreciated community. Lots of people have given us their time and resources, and we want to give something back by helping to raise funds for the Pia Bouman Bursary Fund, which provides access to dance education.”
In fact, the show’s being staged at the Pia Bouman Studio Theatre, just west of the Gladstone Hotel.
“Also, it would be great if people looked at the evening as a larger event, rather than just spending 90 minutes watching a play.”
Performance artist Ulysses Castellanos has created an installation in the theatre’s lobby, and there will be performances after the show by musical guests.
“We hope that theatregoing will only be part of an audience’s evening out on Queen West.”
jonkap@nowtoronto.com
