Central Alberta Theatre’s newest production is one that will have you in stitches at its hilarity as you enjoy all things small town including the gossip.
Fishing for Frank opened Jan. 6 at City Centre Stage downtown. Evening show buffets run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. with curtain at 7:30 p.m. Sunday brunch shows start with the meal at 12:30 p.m. with curtain at 2 p.m. The show runs through until Jan. 29.
Penned by Daniel Lillford and directed by CAT veteran Erna Soderberg, the play focuses on Ed and Dick (Jim Claggett and Mike Sutherland) who have just returned from their buddy Frank’s funeral and are about to go trout fishing.
But before they venture out into the lovely Nova Scotian countryside, there are a few words that need to be said about the deceased, his wife, a hornet’s nest as big as a Honda Civic, a few of the local churches, politics and some of the people that live in this small country town.
The guys chat about all of the above with gusto and there is lots of gossip to go around. Of course, they also decry how much gossip exists in society. But the conversations between the two men are hugely entertaining, and Claggett and Sutherland bring plenty of hilarity and heart to their respective roles. Both have delighted audiences in previous dinner theatre productions, as have Dale Latam, who plays Hilda, Ed’s wife, and Cynthia Edwards, who plays Millie, the widow of Frank.
Audiences are treated to the views of the ladies as well.
The second half of the first act is based in Hilda’s kitchen where she learns of Millie’s affair with a man almost half her age. Hilda listens excitedly as she is a very conservative woman, even with her husband.
Ultimately, Fishing for Frank is described as a ‘play about gossip, hearsay, innuendo, half-truths and plain old-fashioned lies – an outrageous comedy about life, love and trout.’
Claggett and Sutherland are brilliant in their roles as they both offer humour and quick wit to the cast. These two are especially fun to watch as their hilarious banter between each other unfolds.
Latam also shines as she plays a quite conservative woman. But you can see her inner playfulness unfold as the production develops.
Edwards is also perfectly cast as she is hilarious and not shy about her “extra curricular activities”.
Next up for CAT’s dinner theatre series is Booster Crane which opens Feb. 10.
For tickets, drop by Ticket Central at 4922 – 49 St., call 403-347-0800, email ticketcentral@centralalbertatheatre.ca or visit www.ticketcentraloutlet.ca.
editor@reddeerexpress.com
