Curtain set to rise on Highland Players’ Bathroom Humour

by Keely Grasser

Nov 16, 2007

BURK’S FALLS — The soon-to-open production of the Highland Players is in the can.

Literally.

Bathroom Humour, a play by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore, is set completely in a lavatory.

The hilarious farce takes place in the bathroom of a home during a party, a handy place for gossip and hanky-panky.

These escapades are exactly what make Bathroom Humour so funny.

Even though she’s been watching countless rehearsals of the play, director Hazel Sohm says she’s still in stitches every time she sees her cast perform.

She’s got some advice for audience-goers:

“They should wear their Depends,” Sohm joked. “Maybe we’ll give them out at the door.”

Adding to the humour is a cast that includes many local faces.

The cast includes Scott Andres, Lyle Benton, Wanda Hill, Kelly Picken, Alden Moore and Peggy Prud’homme.

It also marks the debut for two very recognizable area men.

Barry Hubbert and Dave Opatovsky will show off a side of themselves in the play that few often see.

The cast is obviously having a blast at rehearsals.

The plotline is part of that.

“It’s just pure silliness because the situations that arise are just totally out there,” said Andres.

Plus, he added, timing is everything in a comedic play, which makes them fun to perform, since actors must always be on their toes.

“Your adrenalin is up all along the way,” Andres said. “You have to hit the stage going 90.”

Characters in the play include Arthur, who owns his own company, and his wife, Laura.

Laura’s having an affair with Sandy, one of Arthur’s employees, but Arthur is being seduced by his vampish secretary, Babette.

Meanwhile, Sandy’s trying to convince Arthur to give him a raise at the party.

At the same time, sweet Peg is trying to boost her confidence and fit in while Stu, the party animal, just wants to get his buzz on.

Add a surprisingly hilarious party entertainer to the mix, plus Peg’s elderly father, who just wants to use the hubbub of activity known as the bathroom, and you’ve got a jam-packed plot.

The plot does include some innuendoes that may not be suitable for young ears and eyes, so this play’s intended for mature audiences, Sohm said.

Bathroom Humour will be performed in the auditorium at Land of Lakes Senior Public School on Nov. 22, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $12 and are available at the door, at Circling Hawks in Burk’s Falls, Summer’s Attic in Magnetawan, Blue Canoe in South River or Zak’s in Sundridge.