Anticipate an action-packed performance as Theatre North West's latest hit, Home Ice, continues to play to sold out crowds.
This production scores big time on the laugh meter as Clayton the carpenter tries to renovate the kitchen for Vera, his pregnant wife, during the Canucks playoffs.
Add in penalty-killer Martin for some unnecessary roughness that brings tension to the team as the reno is constantly in game-delay shenanigans, sending Clayton and Vera back to their benches for a cooling-off period.
During all the hockey madness in James O'Shea's play about a guy stressed out about becoming a dad and wondering if he'll be a good one, the gentle message is love does really conquer all - even the playoffs, the stress of a major home reno, pregnancy and the good ol' boy best friend slamming the carpenter up against the boards every now and then.
Interesting techniques are used to move the quick pace along, including the hockey commentator, played by Kevin Curran, who appears unexpectedly, allowing the audience a peek into Clayton's psyche and discover his doubts and fears as he struggles to overcome them.
Another technique uses fast-forward video style motion to depict a full day of demolition (and accompanying changes to the inventive and complex set). And a slow-motion scene is so well practiced by Kirk Smith as Clayton and Daniel Roberts as Martin, one's convinced some serious bruising must result.
Jamie Konchak, as Vera, depicts every emotion across her expressive face as a reflection of the plot's progress, allowing audiences to take cues from her reactions.
Theatre North West's new team should be proud of this play. The audience has come to expect a high standard of professionalism from the production company, and this play does not disappoint.
Home Ice at Theatre North West, in the Parkhill Centre, runs until Dec. 8. Tickets are at Books & Co., 1685 Third Avenue or call 250-614-0039.
