The Long Weekend by Norm Foster at Magnus Theatre
by Scott A. Sumner
You park your car, walk into the beautiful Magnus Theatre, the lights go down and you are suddenly completely immersed in the lives of 4 characters who begin to tell their stories. There is something special about live theatre and we are very lucky to have the opportunity to easily experience it at a high level right here in Thunder Bay.
Wynn and Max Trueman, played by Jo-Ann Waytowich and Scott Maudsley are hosting their long time friends, Abby And Roger Nash, played by Liz Gilroy and Danny Johnson in their newly designed cottage or as we call it in Thunder Bay camp! These couples carry lots of baggage with them and their interactions present many true-life depictions of how life can really be like for human beings who have known each other for much of their lives.
The play opens with Wynn, a psychologist and Max a trial lawyer getting ready for the arrival of their guests. Max is a neat freak who likes order right down to the way the coasters are placed on their 100 year old coffee table. Wynn has trouble leaving her job at the office and likes to analyze everyone especially her husband. Their true feelings for their upcoming weekend guests are made know before they arrive and it sets up an interesting set of interactions for the weekend.
When Abby, a retail design store owner and Roger a math tech turned screenplay writer arrive the real nature of their friendships start to flesh out and the audience is ready for some laughs and insights into married relationships.
Local residents Jo-Ann Waytowich and Danny Johnson were both excellent in the play and made for a natural experience.
For me the theatre provides you the ability to become part of the activities of the cast and unlike television or movies offers a more intimate experience that allows you to become involved in their lives. Sitting in Magnus provides a close setting from which to view and for this play it was fun to be in the middle front row where you really get the theatre experience.
The Long Weekend is the last regular production of Magnus Theatre now in its 40th season or Ruby Anniversary In Thunder Bay. Magnus has certainly come a long way for their days in the east end church theatre where they began to the beautiful current setting. Be sure to check out
a Magnus production as soon as you can and be prepared for a very unique live theatre experience, which will have you coming back again and again.
See www.magnus.on.ca
