Can a septuagenarian be luckier in love than her 35-year-old daughter? That’s the premise of Conni Massing's lively and uproarious comedy, The Invention of Romance on stage at the Sudbury Theatre Centre from Feb. 8-25, directed by Judi Straughan.
But it’s more than simply funny; Conni Massing's view is fresh, appealing and provocative.
Kate, a museum curator, announces her new art exhibit on the history of romance.
Yet, because her boyfriend has just walked out on her, she wonders what she really knows about romance. Her decision to use herself as a subject leads to comic disasters, especially in her sampling of ten first-dates.
On the other hand, her 79-year-old mother Louisa, who is not looking for a relationship, falls into one quite by accident.
Playing the ever-earnest Kate is multi-talented Gabi Epstein, a delightful comic actor new to the STC stage.
Epstein has performed in New York, Orlando, Montreal, Ottawa and the Caribbean in productions with Mirvish to Disney and everything in between. Her portrayal of Kate will win our hearts as Kate's life comically unravels.
Linda Goranson, a sought-after actor nationally and a true favourite with STC audiences, plays 79-year-old Louisa, Kate's mother, who is shocked to be thinking romantically.
Goranson has been seen several times on the STC stage including Half Life, Leading Ladies and Vigil.
Sudbury's own Jake Deeth, who is best known locally for his many appearances with YES Theatre, including Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Billy Elliott and Hairspray plays nine different characters in this production. Deeth is at his comic best in The Invention of Romance.
Judi Straughan is thrilled to be in the director's seat. Her long theatre history in Sudbury includes mounting countless productions with Sudbury Secondary School Performing Arts, the Sudbury Theatre Centre Young(ish) Company and STC Celebrity shows. Her most recent production was as playwright and director of The Case of the Missing Mayor this past fall.
The Invention of Romance plays Feb. 8-25 at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. There are no performances on Mondays.
The Relaxed Performance/Pay-What-You-Can matinee is Sunday, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m.
There’s no better place to celebrate Valentine’s evening than at STC and The Invention of Romance, said a press release.
There are a variety of ticket prices for students, under 30s, seniors and adults.
Visit sudburytheatre.ca or call the DiBrina Box Office at STC 705-674-8381 for full details or drop by in person at 170 Shaughnessy St., Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday on performance days.
