When did you last see a play whose humour made you laugh out loud and also moved you with its poignant story?
Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun, a dramatic comedy by Canadian playwright Norm Foster, will do that.
It portrays the joys and trials of Robert, a man with developmental disabilities who has to consider the rest of his life without his dying mother, and his unusual relationship with an unemployed young woman he meets at a bus stop.
The Calgary Herald calls its author "one of the funniest writers of intelligent comedy in Canadian theatre today."
L'Arche Comox Valley will present this evening of theatre and music, a major fund-raising event for its programs, on Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the upper Filberg Hall.
The acted play reading is directed by Steve Hill, a veteran actor of London's West End and known to Valley audiences for his role in the Detective in Mousetrap and his role as director of the production Half Life, both with Courtenay Little Theatre.
Theatre in London called Kiss the Moon "a perfect blend of comedy and drama."
The Cowichan News Leader called it "a wild rollercoaster ride. Charming and poignant."
The stellar cast features Wes Buckle as Robert, a developmentally disabled man, Lynn Hodge as the woman who befriends him, Ted Hicks as her boy-friend and the father of her soon-to-be-delivered child, Kirstin Humpherys as Robert's mother. Terry Penney is the doctor and Kent Roduck the narrator.
The evening will also feature a special recital by one of the Valley's finest artists, cellist Helena Jung. Helena moved to the Valley several years ago after finishing her studies in Korea and playing across Europe with Jeunesse World Youth Orchestra.
The doors to Filberg Hall will open at 6:30 - with an open wine bar and delicious desserts donated by Locals Restaurant - and an opportunity to mix and mingle. Helena Jung's recital, with piano accompaniment by Wendy Dyck, will commence at 7:15. This will be followed by the play reading.
L'Arche Comox Valley provides innovative care, for adults with developmental disabilities through its residence, Jubilee House, and Outreach and Creative Arts Centre.
Canada Mortgage and Housing, in a review of all residential programs for people with developmental disabilities, reported that "L'Arche was the only group home that was identified as a best practice."
Foster has been the most produced playwright in Canada every year for the past 20 years.
Foster's plays are known mainly for their comedic qualities, but they are not without their serious moments. "I find it far more satisfying if I can make an audience laugh and feel a little heartache within the same story."
Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door and provide a charitable donation income tax credit of $20. They are available at the L'Arche Outreach Centre at 1744 England Ave. in Courtenay at 250-334-8320 and at Laughing Oyster Books on Fifth Street in Courtenay and Blue Heron Books on Comox Avenue in Comox.
— L'Arche Comox Valley