Lightning could strike in a couple of ways in Central Alberta’s Theatre’s golf-inspired comedy, Whole-in-One.
Michael’s young wife is jealous of all the time her hubby spends on the course practising to become a pro. She has given him an ultimatum: Get a hole in one and a golf sponsorship, or give up the sport for a more practical career.
Michael responds by swinging away with increasing desperation in this production — which opens Friday at the Black Knight Inn Dinner Theatre.
He’s aware that landing a ball in the hole in one shot is about as rare as lightning hitting the same spot twice.
But does Michael really want to conjure up those odds, considering a lightning strike on the golf course is what killed his father?
This comedy, written by Canadian playwright Paul McLaughlin, is about somebody with a golfing obsession. But it also takes a multi-layered look at personal relationships, says the play’s director, Glorene Ellis.
“It’s complex … It’s about marriage and relationships with friends and partners…”
As the wife of a real-life golfer, Ellis sympathizes with Sharon.
“If you live with a golfer, you understand that they are always going after a better game,” she says. It’s all they talk about. It’s what they sleep and breathe…
As a spouse, it’s hard not to feel like a second priority sometimes — but it’s difficult to be the one limiting your partner’s opportunities to do what he’s passionate about, she adds.
Ellis enjoys the script’s humour. Michael’s foil is his caddie, who thinks up all sorts of bizarre ways of trying to up his game — including bringing bagpipes onto the fairway.
There’s also a supernatural element to this play, in the form of another golfer who only Michael can see.
Ellis believes Whole-In-One will attract many enthusiasts who are already going through golf withdrawal since the courses closed for the winter a month ago.
On some warmer days, Ellis can see them practising their swings in pastures and clearings.
“Golf is such a big part of so many people’s lives,” she added, that this play should hit plenty of funny bones. “It’s light-hearted, enjoyable entertainment.”
For more information, contact the Black Knight Ticket Centre.
lmichelin@reddeeradvocate.com
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