February 5th 2015, 8:00pm
February 6th 2015, 8:00pm
February 7th 2015, 8:00pm
February 8th 2015, 2:00pm
February 13th 2015, 8:00pm
February 14th 2015, 8:00pm
February 15th 2015, 2:00pm
This comedy written by Norm Foster is directed by Roberta Peets
Hilda’s Yard is pure Norm Foster magic.
What do audiences love about Norm Foster’s plays? The heart, the humour (sometimes slightly risqué, but always good natured) the human truths, and the happy endings. If you’re a Foster fan — and who isn’t? — Canada’s own master playwright has spun another bit of magic especially for you, waiting just over the fence in Hilda’s Yard.
Hilda’s Yard, opening February 5th at the Studio Theatre, is vintage Foster. Set in 1956, it’s the story of Sam and Hilda Fluck (yes, Fluck) who find themselves blessedly alone after their children, Gary and Janey, have finally flown the family nest. But alas, both kids turn out to be boomerangs, sailing back home faster than you can say lost job and failed marriage. Meanwhile, Sam Fluck may lose his own job because he took time off work to buy a TV set so he and Hilda can watch Gunsmoke, and son Gary is nervously hiding from a bookie to whom he owes money. Yup, this is vintage Foster alright…touching, a little silly, very funny, and loaded with situations any family (OK, most families) can relate to.
Director Roberta Peets helms this wonderful show with a generous dollop of her own heart thrown in. She was attracted to Hilda’s Yard by its heart-warming characters and the nostalgic tug of the 1950s setting.
“I’m loving directing this show!” she says. “It’s a comedy that invites us to escape into the 1950s life of the zany Fluck family, with all its twists, turns and surprises. You can’t help warming to these endearing characters, being carried along by Hilda’s natural family leadership, and wondering how her son will escape the thugs! This is Norm Foster at his best, welcome comic relief from the February blahs.”
Of course, Roberta has assembled an all-star cast of great local actors who have passionately embraced their roles. Alfred Von Mirbach and Krista Duff play Sam and Hilda, while Lucas Tennant and Alison Kirkpatrick are Gary and Janey. Grey Masson is the notorious bookie, and Robin Burrill is Gary’s girlfriend, Bobbi.
“I was so fortunate to find a cast with this much talent and dedication,” says Director Roberta Peets. “They’ve really fulfilled the promise of this wonderful script, and brought these great characters to life.”
Hilda’s Yard premieres at the fully accessible Studio Theatre, 63 Gore Street E. in Perth, on Thursday, February 5th, with performances February 5, 6, 7, 13, 14 at 8:00 pm, and February 8 and 15 at 2:00 pm. Regular tickets are $22 at The Book Nook, 60 Gore St. E. (cash only); Tickets Please, 39 Foster St. (613-485-6434; ticketsplease.ca; credit cards accepted, a convenience fee applies) and Shadowfax, 67 Foster St. (613-267-6817; shadowfax.on.ca; credit cards accepted, a convenience fee applies). Tickets are $24 at the door, and students with ID pay just $10 at the door on show nights.
So don’t miss your chance to peek over Hilda’s fence, starting February 5th. If you like crowd pleasing shows with plenty of laughs and a happy ending, Hilda’s Yard is the night out you’ve been longing for.
