Get ready to laugh at The Love List

By Judi Straughan

What would you do if the perfect person walked into your life — presuming, of course, that you are single, middle-aged and looking for a partner? Playwright Norm Foster’s funny, sophisticated and sexy The Love List is a hilarious take on 50-year-old Bill and his search for the perfect woman. The Sudbury Theatre Centre promises laughs and lessons in the laugh-loaded hit, opening Feb. 18.

To find his perfect match, Bill, played by Stephen Sparks, must fill a list of the 10 qualities he would more desire in a mate. After some prodding from his friend Leon, played by Richard Bauer, and naturally a few disagreements over what should be on that list, Bill creates his own top-10 desirable qualities for a mate. Enter Justine (Jacklyn Francis) and the mayhem begins.

Norm Foster has been called Canada’s most successful playwright. His plays are constantly in production across Canada and around the world. His website gives a list of the productions of his plays currently being performed — and it’s a lengthy list. One of the reasons Foster is so successful is because he not only knows how to tell a good joke and create hilarious situations, but gives insights in to the daily problems we all face. The Love List is not only a slightly off-kilter love story, it is a play about growing old, growing up, letting go of the past and confidently striding into the future.

Director Sue Miner has assembled a cast of sharp, irresistibly funny stage veterans for this laugh-loaded hit: Stephen Sparks, Richard Bauer and Jacklyn Francis. Returning to STC with another spectacular set is Doug Robinson. Costume design is by resident designer Charlotte Robinson. Shedding light as the characters navigate their way through the labyrinth of love is lighting designer Jim Hawley. The show is ably stage managed by guest stage manager Eamonn Reil.

The Love List opens Feb. 18 and runs until March 7. Ticket prices are $17 for students, $22 for seniors and $32 for adults. The Pay-What-You-Can Matinee is Sunday, Feb. 21 at 2:00 p.m. Suggested minimum is $10. Curtain time for evening shows is 8 p.m. There are no shows on Mondays.

Phone the Sudbury Theatre Centre at 674-8381 ext. 21 for reservations or for further information.

Judi Straughan is the education co-ordinator for the Sudbury Theatre Centre.