Scarborough Players’ production of Lunenberg set to open on Sept. 12

The Scarborough Players’ production of Lunenburg will open on Friday, Sept. 12 at the Scarborough Village Theatre.

The play is based in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia — a close-knit community full of history, scenic beauty and secrets and written by renowned Canadian playwright and Scarborough’s own Norm Foster.

In the play, a widow, Iris, travels to Lunenberg to learn more about the mystery surrounding a house that her late husband owned but never disclosed to her. Of course, she has brought along her best friend, Natalie, for emotional support. Natalie wants to be a good friend but is finding it difficult to be one, especially when the charming and laid-back Charlie is around.

In typical Foster style, Lunenburg is filled with humorous and heartwarming moments that will leave audiences delighted with the journey.

Foster’s plays often include dynamic characters who are dealing with the complexities of human connection. His stories deal with the relatable themes of love, family and friendship. But it is Foster’s humour, wit, and insight that really draw us into his work. Scarborough Players also loves that his plays evoke a definite Canadian perspective and place.

Several years ago, an audience member rushed to tell Scarborough Players that the company had to consider producing Lunenburg as she had seen a production and laughed and laughed — she loved it.

Scarborough Players had to wait for a pandemic to pass for rights to become available and other Foster plays such as Storm Warning, Halfway There and Screwball Comedy to be produced, before her wish would come true. Scarborough Players hopes she will be in the audience to see this production of Lunenburg.

Enjoying all the adventures, discoveries and fun is a most talented cast.

Alma Sinan returns as Iris. Alma was last seen as The Grand Duchess Olga Katerina in You Can’t Take It with You and as Mrs. Pearce in Pygmalion.

Victoria Badham shares the stage as Iris’s good friend, Natalie. Victoria was last seen as Mrs. Kirby, who tried to maintain her composure amidst snakes and party games, in You Can’t Take It with You.

As the charming next-door neighbour, Charlie, Derek Barber also enjoys being back with Scarborough Players. He will be remembered for his dual roles as the gruff newspaper editor and the charming fiancé in Screwball Comedy.

This small but mighty cast will have audiences laughing and rooting for them throughout the show.

Director, Mark Nathanielsz also returns to Scarborough Players. His love for the work of Foster will shine through the production, capturing every light and tender moment.

A talented team supports this work – Greg Nowlan, set designer and master carpenter, David Eden, sound designer, Jennifer Bakker, lighting designer, Mercedes Davy, intimacy director, along with producer, Katherine Turner, who is delighted to costume only three actors and to coordinate a few props this time.

All this is held together by the watchful eye of stage manager, Emma Wakelin, with help from her assistant stage manager, Evan MacDonald.

Lunenburg, a perfect end-of-summer comedy, will be on stage at Scarborough Village Theatre from Sept. 12 to 27.

To order tickets, or for more information, please visit https://theatrescarborough.godaddysites.com/ or call 416-267-9292.

The Scarborough Village Theatre is located at 3600 Kingston Rd., and there is free parking.

Theatre Scarborough’s three member organizations — Scarborough Players, Scarborough Music Theatre and Scarborough Theatre Guild— have been presenting high-caliber community theatre for a combined total of more than 180 years. Each season, the groups present 11 productions — dramas, thrillers, musicals, and comedies—at Scarborough Village Theatre.