The Real Inspector Hound @ MainLine an early Valentine's treat!

If you are just thinking about attending "The Real Inspector Hound", @ MainLine until February 14th, do not wait until Valentine's Day for this sweet treat. This Tom Stoppard play is produced by MainLine and is directed by Jeremy Hechtman. It features a bevy of local talents including: Paul Van Dyck*, Brian Wrench*, Léa Rondot, Dan Jeannotte, Heidi Hawkins*, Michelle Bobeck*, Patrick Goddard, and Shawn Baichoo*, five of whom appear thanks to Canadian Actor's Equity.

Tom Stoppard originates from Czechoslovakia where he was born on July 3, 1937. He lived in Singapore, India eventually immigrating to England in 1946. He left high school to become a journalist and became a drama critic in the early 60's. His affinity, or lack thereof, surfaces in this play -but I digress. He discovered a talent for playwriting and it was his play "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern', (1967) based on two minor characters in Shakespeare's play Hamelet, that was immediately hailed as a modern dramatic masterpiece. Stoppard has also written a number of screenplays including: Empire of the Sun (1987), Billy Bathgate (1991), Brazil (1985) was nominated for an Academy Award and he won an Oscar for "Best Screenplay" for Shakespeare in Love (1998).

I can honestly say that I've never seen the space at MainLine look better; from the moment we enter we are hit with a sense that something special is going to happen; and it does. I can add that it is the best production that I have ever seen presented at the venue as well. Razor sharp precision of the delivery in the performances; Pushing 'camp' to the extreme limit without crossing the line into 'campy'. The use of space and blocking are spot-on as are the costumes and limited yet sufficient stage decorations and props. All set in the true tradition of a New York studio production. All the characters that are performed are great but the stand outs to me were those played by Paul Van Dyke, Brian Wrench, and Léa Rondot as Moon and Birdboot, and Mrs. Drudge respectively, all were just hysterically funny.

Since it is a murder mystery I won't give away any secrets here, but it is no secret that this show will sell out, especially with such limited seating in the intimate setting. So do not wait to "Go see it!" Call 514 849-3378 or visit www.mainlinetheatre.ca