May 11, 2012
Same Time Next Year concludesSegal Centre's English theatre
By Walter J. Lyng - The Suburban - May 9th, 2012
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While many of the plays in the Segal Centre's 2011-2012 season have featured quirky and complex relationships, Bernard Slade's Same Time Next Year fittingly closes off the English theatre season with a portrayal of the most charming relationship yet.
R.H. Thompson and Michelle Giroux star in this two-hand production as George and Doris, two adults who share an extramarital evening of intimacy with each other. Even though both are committed to their respective families, with a total of six children, the two cannot deny that they are indeed in love with one another and decide to meet once a year at the same time and location.
As the play progresses, roughly five years pass between each encounter the audience witnesses. We are ultimately taken on a voyage that lasts two and half turbulent decades, marked by war, the Civil Rights movement and sexual liberation. With the passage of time, there are drastic changes which occur both in society and in the personal lives of George and Doris. While these two people change in terms of their political ideologies and general world views, the one thing which remains constant is their mutual love.
There is a chemistry between Thompson (who was last seen on the Segal stage as the star of Harvey) and Giroux which lends a great deal of authenticity to their unique relationship. Initially marred by awkwardness and feelings of guilt, their extended affair eventually falls into a comfort zone where the only problems are the ones they each carry with them from their respective alternate lives.
Slade's writing is well-served by these two great talents. Although it frequently shifts between comedy and drama, the tone of this play does not feel unbalanced. Furthermore, the humour stands the test of time.
Complimenting the action on stage are the video projections designed by George Allister which take place between each encounter, demonstrating the most important events in news and pop culture taking place at the time, which offers added context to their meetings. These montages are accompanied by mash-ups of era-appropriate popular music, from the crooners of the '50s to classic rock staples of the '70s.
Phillip Silver's set design is quite impressive, if only for its attention to detail. With each new encounter between George and Doris, there are subtle changes in the inn's décor, marked by different lampshades, bead spreads, etc. It's a nice touch.
Although the play's second act is notably darker than the first, Same Time Next Year is for the most part uplifting and a fitting end to a season.
Same Time Next Year runs until May 20. For more information, visit www.segalcentre.org
Suburban, Walter J. Lyng, Same Time Next Year, Segal Centre