A tangled web of lies leads to some dysfunctional family hilarity when Lacombe’s Cow Patti Theatre presents the Norm Foster comedy Drinking Alone.
The show that opens at the Tin Roof Event Centre on Thursday, Feb. 29, is about a lonely drycleaner named Joe, who is nervously facing a rare visit from his estranged father.
Seeking to impress, Joe hires escort “Dominique St. Germain” from Dates Ahoy to act as his soon-to-be fiancée.
Since Joe and his sister Carrie haven’t seen their dad since he left their mother 25 years ago, they become suspicious of his motives when he drops in to introduce them to his new wife Phyllis.
It doesn’t take long for old family grievances to surface and tempers to flare when the relatives embark on what turns out to be an explosive family reunion.
Can hired help, “Dominique,” bring peace to this unruly clan while, at the same time, keep her true identity secret?
Drinking Alone is billed as a lively and entertaining “comedic masterpiece.” Popular Canadian playwright Foster is known for capturing the absurdities of life, while creating humane and relatable characters.
The show will be directed by Donnie Bowes, artistic director of Upper Canada Playhouse in Ontario.
Cow Patti’s artistic director AnnaMarie Lea will take on the role of ditzy Dominique, Matthew Oliver will play Joe, Linda Goranson will portray Phyllis, Alison Mackay (Carrie), and Billie Vickers (dad).
Drinking Alone runs from Feb. 29 to March 24. Shows come with or without “grub,” and with various performances to benefit different local charities. A show to support Rocky Mountain House Museum will be held March 2; for the Lacombe Legion March 3; Lacombe KIDSPORT March 9; GrammaLink-Africa March 16; The Golden Circle Seniors Resource Center March 19; and Kasota East Camp March 23.
The professional Cow Patti has been helping community groups through benefit performances for the past 27 years. Last fall’s production Danny and Delilah scored $18,350 in donations for four local charities.
For more information, please visit cowpatti.com.