"Kiss the Moon," his mother said with a loving look as he reaches over to kiss her soft cheek.
"Kiss the Sun," he responds while bowing low for her kiss on the forehead.
The poignancy of this tender exchange when mother and son part ways for the day is carried through the Norm Foster play Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun, which is held over by popular demand at Theatre North West until May 5.
During the play Mom explains to an onlooker she is the moon that watches over her son at night, and he is the sun that brightens her day.
There are many laugh-out-loud moments during the story of a 35-year-old mentally-challenged man and a pregnant, unemployed teacher who meet and develop a unique bond but the tender, heart-wrenching moments prevail to the very end.
Vancouver actor Colby Wilson makes an incredible debut on the Theatre North West stage as Robert Castle in the formidable role of a grown man with the mind and maturity level of an eight-year-old.
Wilson portrays the character with dignity and not once did his acting appear. He lived it and we believed. What an exquisite portrayal of a complex character.
Kaela Aryn plays the pregnant, unemployed teacher, Holly Fitch, who finds herself taking a menial job to try to make ends meet, hoping for something better as schools everywhere are downsized. Aryn is very convincing in her characterization of a young, slightly flustered mess of a woman who knows what's right and what's wrong and makes tough decisions that affect all those around her.
Marsha Knight plays Robert's mother, Claire, whose battle with cancer has complications that make finding a permanent caregiver for Robert her priority. Knight is a very elegant actor and with a lovely blend of poise and humour makes her way through circumstances that we're all aware have an urgency to them.
Ian Farthing plays Holly's deadbeat boyfriend Simon Garvey. Not even his refined British accent can soften the blow when he rejects Holly as she tells him the unexpected news of his impending fatherhood.
Local newcomer to Theatre North West Finola Gallagher plays Dr. Andrews and after a momentary gaff, she played the doctor as a rather stiff and formal character who offers several options when it came to life-changing decisions.
As always the set is impeccable, thanks to Ted Price's set design talent. Tiny details like the drain grate where the street meets the curb near the bus stop, the debris on the sidewalk, the worn pillows on the couch in Holly's little apartment and the old blanket on the chair in Robert's dining room, all adds up to authenticity the audience can appreciate.
This is the last play of the 2010/2011 season and with it comes the exit of Theatre North West founders Ted Price and Anne Laughlin. After 17 years they are handing over the professional theatre company to the next generation of leadership, they said in a farewell speech.
Price is already scheduled to return as director of the final production of next season, Brighton Beach Memoirs.
Tickets for Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun are available at Books & Co., 1685 Third Avenue or call 250-614-0039.
