REVIEW
My Darling Judith
St. Albert Dinner Theatre
Runs Feb. 1, 6 to 8 and 13 to 15
Kinsmen Banquet Hall
47 Riel Dr.
Dinner theatre tickets: $55 to $60. Call 780-222-0102 or online at stalberttheatre.com
Nineteen years ago, David and Judith were a happy couple starting life together. But when we meet them in Norm Foster’s My Darling Judith, David is indulging in a hot affair while Judith drinks to forget a past indiscretion.
At first glance, Foster’s play sounds a tad heavy for St. Albert Dinner Theatre’s (SADT) usual fare. However, the comedy, which opened on Jan. 30 at Kinsmen Banquet Hall, twists what could be a harrowing experience into a sweet, snappy and zany evening.
David, a wealthy businessman used to bullying people, receives a serious push from his mistress, Anna, for a divorce. However, a messy affair will upend Anna’s future political aspirations. Plan B is put into effect.
Together, the duo schemes to offer Carl, David’s nebbish employee, a promotion if he successfully seduces Judith and places her in a compromising position.
At first, Carl selfishly agrees, but as he starts to know Judith, he develops a genuine affection for this beautiful but lost woman. This is the part where the best laid plans backfire.
Foster is Canada’s most produced playwright, largely because he chooses topics that connect with audiences. In My Darling Judith, marriage, adultery, divorce, alcoholism, life disappointments and lack of self-esteem are themes that play into everyone’s lives.
He writes with a sharp, comedic wit and the back-and-forth one-liners build excitement throughout each scene. But underneath some of the tart lines and farcical sparring are moments of pain, honesty and personal intimacy.
However, director Christina Estillore never lets the action get maudlin. She creates a brisk pace and mines the dialogue-heavy script with some masterful blocking. One of the tenderest moments is a graceful ballroom dance between Carl and Judith complete with twirls and dips.
Arman Estillore, the director’s husband, is David, a rich, middle-aged man who loves to have a younger mistress prop up his ego while keeping a wife at a safe distance. This is his SADT acting debut and Arman deftly navigates David’s bullying tactics as well as a few groveling moments in front of the women.
Christina’s Anna is a manipulative woman with little regard for others feelings and values. She wants what she wants and is not above using underhanded tactics – something she learned from her former husband during their divorce. And Christina plays Anna to the hilt, cajoling, pushing and slamming fists on a table.
Kimberley Philpott’s Judith is the epitome of flirty femininity yet initially seems naïve and meek. Judith shifts from belting out musical numbers after too many drinks to desperately avoiding feelings of loneliness when sober. Revealing an unforced comedic talent, Kimberley nails all her zingers spot-on.
And Rob Beeston as Carl is the guy whose insecurities lead him to go against his principles just to feel important. Rob’s Carl is a likeable, funny dude who goes through an intense emotional struggle and we are part of every moment. Rob is one of those actors unafraid to risk all on stage and it pays off in spades as we see Carl in a comedic but human way.
There are some excellent performances that create a satisfying night of entertainment. Oh, yes, and the buffet catered by Green Bean Catering is pretty good, too.
