Plays often begin with what’s known as ‘an inciting incident’: a surprising occurrence from which the action springs. Bess Wohl’s play Grand Horizons starts with a beauty. We observe an elderly couple silently preparing to sit down for dinner. When they do, Nancy, the wife, turns to Bill, her husband of fifty years, and announces that she’d like a divorce. He says “Okay” and the scene ends. The rest of this engaging two-hour bittersweet comedy shows the results of this incident, as the family gathers and tries to cope with such unexpected news.
At the centre of the piece are the characters of Nancy and Bill, the aforementioned couple, who are expertly played by Kate Mannix and Stephen Snars. Their performances are beautifully complimented by Ben Wheeler, Brett Joachim and Kimberley Smith as their sons Ben and Brian, and Ben’s pregnant wife Jess. Hamish Davie generates both laughs and friction as an unexpected visitor, while Jennifer Leslie absolutely shines as a key player in a love triangle, coming close to stealing the show. The required American accents are ably delivered by all, and the play’s litany of sharp one-liners and comic speeches are well served by both a lightness of touch and a sense of great confidence across the ensemble. As a result, this production of Grand Horizons is an absolute delight, which had the opening night audience shrieking with laughter, gasping with surprise, and ultimately applauding wildly.
The joys of this production, however, extend beyond the seven fine performances on stage. Jason Darlington’s direction, set and sound design create a captivating world for these characters. The set design is beautifully realized, as is a stunning moment of great theatricality at the end of the first act. For this, the set construction and special effects team deserve special praise. Similarly, the lighting design by Heidi Brosnan and Kyle Stephens steers the audience’s attention to all the right spots at the right moments, and Rod Bishop’s stage management results in smooth scene transitions. The use of classic tunes by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Cyndi Lauper, Louis Armstrong, and Judy Collins offers poignant reflection on the proceeding action during these set changes.
In exploring the nature of a long-term relationship, and some of its frustrations, the play sometimes moves into mildly ribald territory. Those who are easily offended by the idea of late-in-life sexual activity may wish to approach with caution. I would suggest that anyone else who is after an insightful and ultimately heart-warming examination of familial relationships should book a ticket as soon as possible. I recommend this play to anyone who likes to laugh and think, while being somewhat uncomfortable with the idea of their parents doing it.
Photos courtesy of Chris Lundie.
I didn’t find it funny and they took the gay stuff too far…. the acting was good but not to my taste at all
This play Grand Horizons was not in keeping with the usual character of plays performed at the Pavillion Theatre. I would say a lot of patrons felt the same way. While the acting was of a good standard the language and parts of the dialogue were not.