Mission’s Opening Nite Theatre Society (ONTS) is presenting Hilda’s Yard, a delightful, nostalgic comedy about the ups and downs of a working-class family in 1956.
Written by Canada’s most produced and arguably most popular playwright, Norm Foster, this wonderfully funny play promises lots of laughs and lots of heart.
Although it’s set in the 1950s, director Nathan Drury said “I believe this show translates well across the decades.”
“Family dynamics have, in truth, changed very little over the years and how the characters relate to one another, in the family unit, will strike a chord with our audience.”
Hilda’s Yard is the tale of an extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary couple, Hilda and Sam Fluck.
With adult children Gary and Janey finally launched, Hilda and Sam are looking forward to blissful evenings of Gunsmoke and cuddle time in front of their brand new Zenith 21-inch console television.
Alas, their plans are abruptly shattered when both kids bounce back home after a lost job and failed marriage.
Mom and Dad try to be supportive but it’s clear their offspring have brought home some baggage. Gary, former pizza delivery boy, has big plans but can’t seem to get started, and the restless Janey wants a career over scrubbing toilets and an abusive husband.
Before you can say “extra pot roast for dinner”, two more folks hop over the picket fence. They are Gary’s bohemian, trombone-playing girlfriend Bobbi, and a silver-tongued bookie, Beverly, to whom Gary owes money.
The day only gets worse as Dad Sam suddenly feels under-valued at work and may lose his job.
Hilda, the family matriarch, must hold everything together and help sort out everyone’s troubles, as she hangs the day’s washing on her clothes line.
“A lot of people in the audience will recognize Hilda. She’s [just like] my Mom,” said actor Norma Rushton, who plays the steadfast Mrs. Fluck. Rushton last appeared with ONTS as the stylish alcoholic mother, Arabella, in Roleplay.
Opening Nite has assembled a strong, talented cast to take you on this zany, hilarious, and thoroughly enjoyable journey through the lives of the Fluck clan. Pat McDermott, veteran Fraser Valley actor and director of another Foster Play – The Foursome, for Surrey Little Theatre – plays Sam. Jordan Wood plays son Gary. Also featured are ONTS regulars Brian Billo and Tammy Chrest as Beverly and Bobbi.
Appearing with ONTS for the first time is Maria Buganska, a University of the Fraser Valley theatre major, in the role of daughter Janey.
“What it all comes down to, after a crazy day, is how much we love each other,” said Buganska, summing up Hilda’s Yard.
Hilda’s Yard is produced by Krista and Nate Drury , with set and costume design by Camille Atebe, lighting and sound design by Tony Loyer and the stage manager is Mina Thomas.
Hilda’s Yard runs March 1 to 17, Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. (Thursday March 7 and March 14 are two-for-one ticket sales) at Opening Nite Theatre.
Tickets are available at www.openingnitetheatre.com or ontstickets@hotmail.com or by calling 604-826-6687. They are also available at the door, 33223 Railway Avenue Mission (across from the West Coast Express).
