TEP Theatre Review: Wingfield's Progress

Vancouver Playhouse
Downtown Vancouver, BC
June 7-19, 2004

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604-280-3311 or 604-873-3311
Evening Performances 8:00 p.m.
Matinees 2:00 p.m.; Dark Sundays

Starring: Rod Beattie as multiple characters

Directed by Douglas Beattie

Letters from Wingfield Farm, the first play in this popular series, was part of The Playhouse's 1992/93 season, and introduced Vancouver audiences to Walt Wingfield, CEO turned homesteader. Seeking a simpler life, Walt Wingfield decides to follow in the footsteps of Henry David Thoreau and purchases a hundred-acre farm in southern Ontario. Through a series of letters to the local newspaper, Walt chronicles the trials and tribulations of a city boy trying to make a living off the land. In Wingfield's Progress when the spectre of urban development looms, Walt sounds the alarm. Can he mobilise the neighbourhood to save the rustic splendour of Larkspur? Does Larkspur want to be saved? Wingfield's Progress is the story of Walt's passionate response to a threat only he perceives.

Reviewed by: Caesi Bevis and Dianne Nicholosi

Are you seeking a “perfect play” to take aging parents, or grandparents to….or perhaps have a friend in their later years prime of life who enjoys reminiscing about the ‘good ol' days' back on the farm? They will likely love (!!!!) this play. Rod Beattie is nothing short of “masterful” distorting not only his face but creating complete body shifts in mannerism. He's almost eerie. It is like watching someone with dissociative identity disorder (“multiple personality”) performing on stage.

Rod seems to shift effortlessly, and quickly, between a number of the characters, indicating people –shifts, by changing hats.

I've (Caesi) have seen a number of shows now where one person carries the entire show. It makes for interesting theatre, and treads a fine line to not become boring. “Winfield's Progress” pulls this off successfully.

The set design, although limited to a kitchen table, chairs, a side table and a wood structure to represent a shed, or barn, or use-your-imagination, is very cute. One of those cute type of structures you think, “I wouldn't mind buying ‘that' when they are done with the show.” Lighting design worked well for the show, as well. Costuming, was the expected….probably not a hard stretch to find farmer-wear.

If the show has a weakness, it is only in the subject matter. I (Caesi) was lost when one character began talking about “hitting horses between the eyes to get them out of the barn,” and another “went on and on about killing ganders for pate”.

A fast look around drew an instant conclusion that the sea of seniors were very into this show, while we opted to concluded it just wasn't for us.