Mending Fences in Hudson

Mending Fences by Norm Foster; Directed by: Andrew Johnston; Featuring: Paul Van Dyck (Drew, Young Drew, Young Harry), Bill Rowat (Harry, Harry's Father) and Melanie Doerr (Gin, Lori, Harry’s Mum); Playing at Hudson Theatre June 24th to July 11th.

Described as a sparkling comedy written and performed with wit and humanity. What happens when a son, estranged for 13 years, returns to his gruff and uncommunicative father. In Foster’s deft hands, histories are revealed, vulnerabilities laid bare, and laughter is always close at hand. This promises to be a refined piece of theatre that tugs at the heartstrings while it tickles the funny bones; rising above sentimentality to tell a genuinely interesting story.

A well cast ensemble is in good form, Van Dyke and Rowat are believable as father and son; Rowat and Melanie Doerr have great chemistry on stage and she delivers a show stopping monolog that garners well deserved applause from the audience. The actors play more than one character and with a minimalist approach using some minor costume and physical adjustments between characters that works well. One simple interior stage design serves the play well as a multiple purpose set for the entire play. Some rather rough yet sufficient lighting design changes also help to move the story from one period to another as this non-linear story unfolds. Seven (7) bean salad will never taste the same. GO C IT!

Theatre Train Events 2010: Three Theatre Train Events will be taking place this summer. Each Theatre Train Event is in conjunction with a separate live theatrical show: June 26th (Mending Fences), July 17th (Celebrity) and August 7th (Snake In The Grass).

Celebrity, by/de Peter Quilter July 15th - August 1st. Train date: July 17th - Show times 2:00pm and 5:30pm.

Snake in the Grass, by/de Alan Ayckbourn August 5th - August 22nd; Train date: August 7th - Show times 2:00pm and 5:30pm.

Experience a private return train ride from Montreal or Beaconsfield to the delightful charming village of Hudson. Relax, shop or dine at one of the many charming boutiques and restaurants. Then top your day off with a first-rate performance at the celebrated Hudson Village Theatre. Tickets are only available through the AMT (Montreal Metropolitan Transport Agency) AMT Office hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday. You must call or email in order to purchase your tickets. There are no online purchasing options. AMT ticket phone line: 514-287-7866 AMT ticket email: escapadesentrain@amt.qc.ca Price: $55.00 per event (including taxes).

Box office: 450-458-5361 www.villagetheatre.ca