VPP’s ‘Pleasure’ is a gift at several levels

For theatre goers at Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, the second feature in the season assembled by co-artistic directors David Hogan and David Rogers is a gift at several levels.

"For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again," written by celebrated Canadian playwright Michel Tremblay and directed by Daryl Cloran, is first and foremost a gift to the memory of Tremblay's mother.

But those who attend "Pleasure" at the VPP (which opened Friday)  are also gifted with remarkable performances by Leah Pinsent and Jonathan Crombie.

Pinsent, daughter of Canadian acting icon Gordon Pinsent (who was present on opening night), has already won several Geminis and has received a Genie nomination. 

But in "Pleasure" she reaches audiences with the poignancy, humour and a wonderful sense of rhythm that Tremblay would appreciate.

Co-star Jonathan Crombie, probably best known for his role as Gilbert Blythe in the Anne of Green Gables TV series and its sequels, is an essential part of the theatrical magic, again a gift to the audience.

The choice of the play for the inaugural VPP Starbright season is a gift to the audience from David Hogan, as he explained to LambtonShield.com just a few days before the opening.

Hogan also gave a compelling two-part argument for seeing "Pleasure," which runs through July 15 (full schedule at the VPP website).

Tags: David Hogan, For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again, Jonathan Crombie, Leah Pinsent, Michel Tremblay, Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, VPP