Not knowing what to expect when you sit down to watch a theatrical piece is perhaps the most enjoyable way to view it. There are no past moments to compare it to, which often means the cast simply can’t go wrong. Watching Erindale Theatre’s The Country Wife is rather like watching a slow, painful birth-but one with a very exciting outcome.
The first act moves along very slowly and seems to be a good time to catch up on some sleep. But once the delightful second act begins, the play simply takes off. Characters are suddenly more interesting, and the plot becomes something to take notice of. The follies and blunders of the cast are hugely entertaining and help present the play the way it was meant to be: less drama, more laughter.
The audience is introduced to the characters via a comedic (if not a little crowded) prologue in which the entire play is summarized in about three musical minutes. As the production develops, you’ll be hard pressed not to notice the numerous sexual innuendos. In fact, you may never see good china candlesticks in the same light again. (But don’t take my word for it, go see it.)
As far as characters go, they are probably the most interesting thing about the work, and the two most compelling are Mrs. Margery Pinchwife, a young newlywed with a jealous husband, Mr. Sparkish. Both capture the light comedy of the play perfectly. Sparkish’s extravagance shines through Jonathan Schuster’s portrayal and gives the audience obvious humour to chuckle at, just in case they can’t get past the 17th-century English dialogue.
Joanne Douglas’s version of Margery Pinchwife is subtly humorous and she imbues the role with rich character and an affable personality. You can’t help but think, “Poor Margery, treated so badly by her brute of a husband.” Although technically she’s the villain of the piece thanks to her adulterous affair with the main character, Harry Horner (played impeccably by Chris Sironi).
While the play may take some time to get going, don’t be deterred by the unnecessary character build-up and idle chatter of the first act-the production as a whole is quite entertaining, and largely humourous to boot. That is, as long as you have a healthy sense of humour about sex. Warning: this play is not for the conservative among us.
