HARVEST

Reviewed by: Francie DENNISON

Harvest, the brilliant new comedy by Ken Cameron, was just the deep belly laugh I needed to unwind after two frantic weeks.

The set design is a strikingly unusual perfect fit for this farce about the innocence of a retiring couple as they unwittingly rent out their beloved farm house to be used as a grow op for marijuana. Directed by Beth Bruck in her directorial debut at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre, the timing and style of delivery in this two-man play is impeccable.

Terry Barna and Janet Monid adopt multiple, gender-switching roles throughout the performance. Janet switches roles easily, delivering a very convincing performance in each role, from the independent farm wife to the crusty Russian neighbouring farmer or the typically insipid stereotype insurance broker.

Terry Barna is equally adept at switching roles, but his pièce de résistance is as he rapidly switches hats to take on the attitude and voice of four very different church women all talking in a group to Janet as the wife. Laughter ricocheted off the theatre's walls from the packed house as Terry changed hats and characters as fast as the sleight of hand in a shell game.

As the thunderous and prolonged standing ovation verified, this play is a "must see" for its sheer entertainment value. The play runs until July 18, 2009.

View our 2009 Season Lineup