Waiting for the Parade, the latest Driftwood Play-ers production written by John Murrell, is steeped in Second World War nostalgia. The lobby display of war posters and photos alone is worth a visit to the Heritage Playhouse. The cast of five, under the direction of Bob Hunt (formerly assistant director, Lend Me a Tenor), turn in superb performances that will take them through this coming weekend and right up until Remembrance Day, Nov. 11.
Canada has continued to send troops to foreign wars, but we no longer sing the wartime songs: "Wish Me Luck as You Wave Me Goodbye," or do the same tasks: rolling bandages and assembling kits for the boys overseas. Nonetheless, the play is a pointed reminder that war causes suffering even for those who stay at home.
The play recounts the adventures of five Calgary women whose joy depends on the men in their lives: some are waiting for the soldiers to return from the front, others are just plain waiting.The long-suffering Margaret, in a believable performance by Tracy Lloyd, has become old before her time fretting that both of her sons are lost to her. The wacky Catherine (Elisa Jardine) waits for her Billy to return from the war. Marta (Casey Kneller) proudly bears her German heritage, though her father has been sent to a prison camp as a spy. Eve, the schoolteacher, played with fresh, young charm by Lauren Robertson (not Robinson, as in the program), would like to instill in her pupils a desire for peace but finds it hard to maintain that sentiment at home with her war mongering husband, Harry.
The difficult role of Janet is played with spectacular spit and vinegar by Edith Troup. Her husband is performing a supposedly essential service at home - he reads the news on CBC. She overcompensates by throwing herself into patriotic war work and bossing the other women. Troup also performs on piano during the play and the audience is encouraged to sing along to the old tunes.The stories are told in a series of vignettes, each taking place on its own small set, one for each of the five women. (Set design is by Susan Rule, Bob Hunt and Marcia Forst.) Some of the turns are light-hearted, even trivial; what gives the play depth is the strong dynamic between the German Marta and the down to earth Catherine. They both perform brilliantly in a hysterical drunk scene that takes place on the day that Catherine receives a telegram with news about Billy. Their friendship endures the war and gives the story line some complexity.
Waiting for the Parade offers a unique women's perspective on war and it is performed with great ability by local, talented women. It continues at the Heritage Playhouse on Nov. 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 at 8 p.m. with a half price matinée on Saturday, Nov. 4. Tickets are at Talewind Books, Gaia's Fair Trade and Hallmark Cards.
