Fine Arts Montreal Theatre

4000 Miles – a theatre trip well worth taking.

 

By Sharman Yarnell

I think we can all agree that there are a few essentials to a play that make it worthwhile. A solid dose of inspiration is needed – it should be thought provoking, balanced with drama and comedy, well written, well performed and entertaining.

You’ll find all of the above in the Centaur Theatre’s latest production, 4000 Miles by playwright, Amy Herzog.

Once more, Roy Surette is at his directorial best.  His imprint on this production is clear, concise and at all times fitting. 4000 Miles is a tight, intimate, magical piece that takes you on a trip through the lives of an elderly lady suffering from the start of dementia, and of her grandson, who arrives on her doorstep in the late hours of the night after an arduous bike trip cross country. He arrives with his own problematic baggage.

It is a beautiful piece of writing, profound in its insight into someone beginning a journey into the unknown, aggravating world of losing words when she needs them – and equally so with the young man trying to cope with her, and his own problems of finding his way in life. The two confront each other head on and make for a wonderful evening of laughter and understanding.

Clare Coulter, as Vera, is touching, sharp (which makes it much more difficult when she forgets a word) and delightful. Her every moment on stage, her every action, is so meaningful, you sometimes feel as if you are intruding into her private life. From not remembering that she locked the top lock on the door or looking for her cheque book and accusing her grandson of being the perpetrator, to sitting on the sofa and ‘enjoying a toke’ with him, she is a joy, and has your own emotions intwined with hers. Be prepared to wish you had her in your life.

_MG_2584a

Nathan Barrett as Leo is a fine match for Coulter’s feisty grandmother. From the moment he wheels his bike through her apartment door, towering over her, we sense he is somewhat lost, that best laid plans have gone astray. His banter with Vera is so truthful to the moment.

Lili, as Amanda, adds some comedy relief to the show when the going gets a bit heavy and Liana Montoro puts in an honest performance as Leo’s girlfriend, Bec.

The action takes place in a New York apartment and the set by Barbara Matis is rightly confining and a bit stuffy. The lighting, by Luc Priaire, more than serves the moment and the stage setting.

There are no major diversions or real sub-stories in this play. It is about the lives of people who care about each other, who fight with each other. It is about the losses in life that we must cope with. It is about dealing with, and overcoming, those sharp turns in the road that karma throws our way.

That is something that we all can relate to.

4000 Miles will so draw you in, that you can only hope for a part two to the play to discover what happens to Vera, Leo, Bec and Lili.  Or perhaps that’s best left to the imagination.

On at the Centaur Theatre until April 20.

For more information: www.centaurtheatre.com

Box Office: 514-288-3161

As seen in the Montrealer

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *