Review of ‘The Last Romance’
By Rod Urquhart
What happens when you get old? And what if you are alone and your wife of some 40 years has passed away?
And what if you are a widow? Or what if your husband is either gone or just a vegetable after so many, many years of marriage?
Would a chance meeting of these two – Carol, portrayed with enthusiasm by newcomer Fran Wachna and Ralph, played brilliantly by John Sellens – took place in a Dog Park and romance actually occurred?
That’s the premise of ‘The Last Romance’ by playwright Joe DiPietro by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Services Inc., of New York, and what a delight it was. Put on by the ambitious
Newmarket Stage Company at the Royal Canadian Legion (426) in Newmarket Thursday afternoon, it’s a romantic comedy with a twist. And it’s a very well-written script.
But I digress, I must mentioned that Ralph lives with his well-meaning sister Rose, played by Denise Kennedy who really displayed some fine acting. She cares deeply about her brother, cooks all his meals, cleans and does his laundry and basically takes care of him.
Yes, there are some ‘heavy’ scenes between Carol and Ralph, but the dramatic scenes by Rose are most touching.
All in all, The Last Romance is a heart-warming romantic comedy about growing old and all that that means. It continues Friday, Oct. 13 and Saturday, Oct. 14, show time 8 p.m. (For tickets call 905-727-3290).
The Last Romance is produced by the gregarious Sue Meacock and directed by the talented Kay Valentine. The Newmarket Stage Company will present ‘The Last of the Red Hot Lovers’ by Neil Simon next February and ‘The Ladies’ Foursome’ by Norm Foster next April and May.
Rod Urquhart is author of two humour books – ‘Talk Turkey With Urqey’ and ‘Tales for the Outhouse’ and also a poetry book, entitled ‘Life Lines’. All three are available at the Georgina Art Centre & Gallery and Turn The Page Bookstore, both in Sutton.