Henry and Alice: Into the Wild
At the Arts Club Granville Island Stage until May 26
Tickets: 604-687-1644
artsclub.com
A couple of firsts: resounding applause when, on opening night, front of house manager Laura Eveleigh reminded us againafter the intermissionabout cellphones. One had rung not once but twice during Act 1. If even one person had stood to applaud her, it might have initiated a unanimous standing O for Eveleigh. And that, I think, would have been a first.
The other first is the world premiere of Michelle Rimls Henry and Alice: Into the Wild. This one doesnt feel like much of a first, though, because Rimls Sexy Laundry introduced us to Henry and Alice in 2004. Back then theyd booked a fancy hotel room in an effort to put a little magic back into their marriage. Punchy one-liners, hopeful ending.
Well, Henry and Alice are still married and theyre still trying to find the magic. Hes remained stodgy and insecure; she continues to be restless. The quips dont quit. And theres another hopeful ending.
Set designer Ted Roberts provides a lush forested set with soaring cedars dripping with moss for the campsite Henry has reserved for himself and Alice after Henrys job loss forces them to cut back on their usually extravagant overseas holidays.
Susinn McFarlen is, once again, Alice and, in spite of Alices love affair with all things Martha Stewart, we like this character thanks to McFarlens girlish charm. Andrew Wheeler is Henry and, again, despite Henrys crankiness, we like him, too.
Pulling it all together by taking it almost all off is Beverley Elliott, Alices motorcycle-riding, free-spirited sister Diana who offers a lot of find your groove sort of advice.
Director Andrew McIlroy keeps it all going lickety-split and its all over in 90 minutes. If funny, warm and fuzzy is what youre looking for, look no further.
