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HOCKEY MOM, HOCKEY DAD SCORES ... review by Sandi Plewis

Tuesday, July 28 2009

Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad

—by Michael Melski

Let me start off by admitting that I’m not a fan of hockey. If a televised game happens to invade my living-room, I usually escape to the bedroom with a good book. So I had my reservations when it came to reviewing a play about this sport. While we waited for the performance to begin, surrounded by a crowd of hockey enthusiasts—some wearing team jerseys, others jumping up to do ‘the wave’—I felt like an atheist at a revival meeting. Hockey seems to spark the same kind of passionate devotion.

So I was relieved when Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad opened with familiar rock music followed by an immediate injection of humour. For the duration of the play the humour continued, making Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad engaging and delightful. A bonus: I didn’t need to know anything about hockey; statistics, players, the names of teams in the National Hockey League. I sat there, entranced by an enjoyable experience, with no thought of sneaking to my car with a book.

In this two-person production, Eric Coates plays Teddy, a loud, opinionated hockey dad. Coates never fails to amaze me on stage. He’s a truly talented, versatile actor, and I marvel at how he manages to memorize all those lines and juggle his duties as the artistic director for the Blyth Festival. As Teddy, Coates convinces us that he’s a bona fide hockey dad. His aggressive approach is summed up when he says, “I know it’s only a game, but it’s the only game.”

Teddy delivers colourful and comical banter as he yells out instructions to the players, complaints to the coach and insults to the other team. And all the while he seems thick-skinned, at times oblivious, to the reactions he causes around him. Coates handles it all beautifully, fully involves the audience, and proves himself to be a polished professional.

As Donna, Shauna Black plays an over-protective single mom, gun-shy and emotionally damaged by relationships. A good match for Coates, Black captures the audience with her ability to deliver humour, not only by reciting lines with precise timing, but also through the use of gestures and facial expressions. The two characters play off against each other, much like the two teams on the ice in front of them. Teddy charges toward his goal as he tries to attract Donna while Donna plays defense as she protects herself from his advances. The dynamics of the romance, when paired with the game of hockey, creates a clever juxtaposition.

As often happens in brilliant comedy, drama is also incorporated into the play. The audience, as well as Teddy, gradually learn about Donna’s past and her fears. The drama, however, is peppered throughout the play and doesn’t overpower the comedy. Playwright Michael Melski did an admirable job of weaving both elements into the storyline to create a play that always punctuates a dramatic moment with a laugh. Originally showcased in 2003, Melski’s production was named one of the Top Ten Plays of the Year by the Toronto Star. Since then the play has buzzed with electricity in theatres all across Canada.

Under the direction of Miles Potter, Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad celebrates a triumphant return. During his thirty-five years in theatre, Potter has compiled an impressive list of productions and this play is another example of creative excellence.

Classic rock hits are cued as scenes fade in and out. The music chosen mirrors the action on stage, especially with the closing number, “Can’t Hurry Love.” The ending may be unresolved but Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad definitely shoots and scores.

—reviewed by Sandi Plewis, Bayfield, Ontario.

Shauna Black and Eric Coates. Photo by Terry Manzo

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HOCKEY MOM, HOCKEY DAD SCORES ... review by Sandi Plewis

Tuesday, July 28 2009

Shauna Black and Eric Coates. Photo by Terry Manzo