With secret clothing compartments, illegal lingerie and a lengthy makeout scene, was there any question Nana’s Naughty Knickers would be entertaining?
Sure there was the odd forgotten line on opening night, and a couple of little blunders with the props, but I felt they were recovered well and it added to the lively and comical ambience of the production which the cast pulled off pleasingly.
Nana’s Naughty Knickers plays at the Village Theatre until Oct 20.
The story surrounds Nana—also known as Sylvia Charles—played by Kathy Harper, a widow who decides to make and sell lingerie for seniors, a company she calls Saucy Clips Etcetera. There are a couple of actors in the play who endeavour to play characters much older than themselves, and Kathy’s one of them. Although it is a bit of a stretch, (and Kathy admits in her bio that she took the role after three other actresses were forced to withdraw) she is highly skilled and does an admiral job bringing the character to life. In the play Nana’s granddaughter comes to stay with her for the summer, while she’s looking for accommodation during law school in the fall. This role is played by Kaylee Norn who gives a strong performance especially in her delivery of some hilarious lines. Including my favourite scene with the oversized nipple tassel piece. Priceless.
Joanne Bush also has some very punchy lines that she delivers with ease (including in the nipple tassel scene) as she plays the role of Vera Walters, who is again a bit of a stretch from her own age.
Glen Parry does a nice job in his theatrical debut as a sweet and naive policeman, which he was coerced into playing by his girlfriend Kaylee, and for good reason. (You’ll see.)
Jim Currey is a believable miserly landlord, and Jody Tkach injects some spunk with her outrageous character Heather Van Pree.
I also really enjoyed Shawn Lestage as the sleezy UPS man and Sherry Blake did a bang-up job as a dominating wife.
Kathy’s husband Don Harper, the director of the play, said he adores the subtext of the play surrounding getting old and still enjoying a fulling life. He said Nana is great role model, and that’s how he would like to be when he turns 80. I agree. We should all endeavour to be like Nana and engage in new and interesting activities that bring us joy, no matter what our age. After all, what’s life for if you can’t have a little fun?
Get out for a fun evening at the Village Theatre in Qualicum Beach. For tickets to Nana’s Naught Knickers visit www.echoplayers.ca or call 250-752-3522.