The Foursome

The Foursome: Golf, Comedy, Calamity and Enduring Friendships by Nick Pannu, CJSF 90.1FM

The Western Canadian premiere of The Foursome is presented by the Arts Club Theatre at the Stanely Industrial Alliance Theatre. Written by Norm Foster, the Production is headlined by none other than Jackson Davies. Other seasoned stage, TV and films actors include Hrothgar Mathews, Tom Picket and Stephen Dimopoulos. Performances are scheduled from August 4 until September 4. A&E's Nick Pannu reviews the show.

It is possible to be a little misled by the title. The Foursome's storyline and plot does not revolve around an unorthodox sexual escapade. Rather, the play explores the dynamics of four old college buddies reuniting for a round of golf after twenty years.

Norm Foster has tactfully written a play that is unbelievably funny. There are limited durations during the play when the audience is not laughing hysterically. There are scenes when humor is not anticipated, yet still manages to present itself. The comedy of the Foursome is effective because it is authentic. This has a lot to do with the play's dialogue, like when, for instance, one character's confession of his sterility steers the conversation to another character's apprehension about getting a vasectomy.

Norm Foster has written superb dialogue, but it is through the versatility of the actors that the magnificence of the script is actualized. Although comedy is the main ingredient, there are scenes that expose the dysfunction that exists, on some level, in each character's life. Despite the occasional abrupt transition, none of the actors have any problem adapting. Jackson Davies is probably the performance's most recognized actor, owing to his work in television, film and stage. As well, however, Gemini Award recipient, Hrothgar Mathews, and veteran stage and TV actors, Tom Pickett and Stephen Dimopoulosm, contribute their brilliance. Their group dynamic makes this more than just a comedic diversion. The Foursome entertains substantially through humor, but also by delving into such eternal concerns as the preservation of marriage, relationships and old friendships.

The Foursome is an Arts Club Production playing at the Stanely Industrial Alliance Theatre, 12th 2750 Granville Street Vancouver, until September 4. Call (604)-731-4687 for information. For enquiries on this and other productions through the Arts Club, you can visit www.artsclub.com on the web.