THE BEST BROTHERS by Daniel MacIvor (Tarragon, 30 Bridgman). Runs to October 27. $27-$53. 416-531-1827. See listings. Rating: NNN
Daniel MacIvor is a first-rate playwright, but despite some clever writing and sharp performances, The Best Brothers isn’t first-rate MacIvor.
The Tarragon season opener is a crowd-pleasing two-hander about siblings rivalling each other over their mother, who’s just died in a tragicomic accident, and her dog, Enzo.
Hamilton (MacIvor) is a straight, buttoned-down architect, while younger brother Kyle (John Beale) is a flighty gay realtor. After they get news of their mom’s death while she was attending Toronto’s “Gay Day Parade” in support of Kyle – the details are too witty to spoil – the brothers bicker over writing her obituary, her eulogy and letters of appreciation to people who have paid their respects.
Between these arguments, the actors take turns morphing into the formidable woman herself as she describes her marriage, motherhood and finding unconditional love late in life from her Italian greyhound. These are the sharpest scenes, evoking each son’s idea of his mother.
MacIvor expertly reveals the brothers’ petty rivalries: nothing huge or melodramatic, just small, niggling incidents that feel real.
Dean Gabourie directs the play efficiently and with a minimum of fuss, bringing out MacIvor’s unique blend of laughs and genuine emotion, but the play feels slight. I wish there were more suggestive details about the boys’ childhood and present-day lives.
But the actors are skilful, and Julie Fox’s tidy, precise set – the green of the floor matching the gloves and hat that represent the mother – and Itai Erdal’s lighting help orient us in time and space.
The play, which began life last season at Stratford’s Studio Theatre, should enjoy lots of success in regional theatres. No surprise. Like a dog wagging its tail and licking your hand, it wants so much to be coddled and loved.
