Can you imagine a comedy play about divorce? And could you imagine that a theatre company could pull such a feat off? Happily, the answer is yes. Located at the lovely rooftop Pip Theatre in Milton, the comedy Grand Horizons is leaving guests in stitches. The Tony-nominated play written by Bess Wohl has been hugely successful, being awarded the best play on Broadway three years ago.
The journey begins at the dinner table when Nancy French (Deirdre Grace) decides to end her fifty-year-long marriage to Bill (Steven Tandy). Bill appears apathetic to her divorce proposal, but their adult children, Ben (Brad McMurray) and Brian (Cameron Hurry) are far from pleased. Ben’s pregnant wife, Jess (Gabby Carbon), tries to moderate, appreciating the feelings of everyone involved whilst also fearing that this will set a precedent for her own family.
The scene is set with 50s swing music and an apartment reminiscent of a 90s family sitcom and follows the French family’s journey – learning that love isn’t as simple as it seems and that parents are far more complex individuals than their children choose to believe. The theatre was roaring with laughter on numerous occasions throughout the show, particularly at Bill’s stand-up jokes and the interaction between Nancy and Carla (Lisa Hickey).
It was an incredible performance by all, but the stand-out has to be Cameron Hurry (Brian), showing all of the melodrama and range you would expect from his character’s passion as a school drama teacher. In saying that, Brad McMurray (Ben) had an incredibly moving monologue in the second half that made the audience chuckle while tugging at their heartstrings. All the moments between Ben and Lisa were perfect as soon-to-be parents navigating a family break-up.
The play skillfully demonstrates that the relationship dynamics of a family tend to repeat themselves in the next generation. Having grown up in a stable but cold environment, Brian struggles to find love. He often questions if love exists, a sentiment all of the French family, barring Jess, share at some point in the show. His casual affairs tend to transform more into therapy sessions than romance, as seen with Tommy (Reagan Warner), needing more emotional intimacy than his closed-off family can provide him with.
Ben finds his role in the family as financial support, a position previously held by his father. Jess tries to avoid falling into the “mother” and “wife” roles and losing her personhood, which she sees in Nancy. The authentic portrayal of all of the characters allows the audience to feel like the proverbial fly on the wall taking in all the juicy interactions of an actual family usually only seen from behind closed doors.
Director Bronwyn Nayler keeps the show on point, not missing a beat. Deirdre Grace (Nancy) plays the dual roles of producing and starring; Genevieve Ganner and Sarah Robertson beautifully design the home and wardrobe, making it feel cozy and familiar.
Steven Tandy (Bill) said it best himself by calling Grand Horizons “a hysterically funny play” and “a real winner!” There was never a dull moment in the show, and I wholeheartedly agree, never before has divorce been so fun.
- Saturday 20 May 2023 – 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
- Wednesday 24 May – 6:30 PM
- Thursday 25 May – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
- Friday 26 May – 7:30 PM
- Saturday Friday 05-May-2023 – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
