Canada isn’t known for great stage drama, yet New Century Theatre Company is taking a chance on one of that country’s most popular—and troublesomely titled—contemporary plays. Stephen Massicotte’s 2002 love story is also an antiwar tale related partly as a dream sequence. Mary (Maya Sugarman), a transplant from England, meets farmer Charlie (Conner Neddersen) right before he departs overseas to fight for the Canadian Cavalry Brigade in World War I. This cliched boy-meets-girl/boy-loses-girl setup then bends space and time via flashbacks and letters, blurring reality with contrived conversations.
Yet, under the astute direction of John Langs, this exacting, thrifty production approaches the material as stealthily as a gold-medal curling team. Most notably, Brian Sidney Bembridge’s stunning scenic and lighting design prove theatrically versatile and visually exquisite. With limited resources he creates a lightning storm causing one to consider scampering for shelter. Additionally, his brilliant barn set seamlessly switches into trenches or a tea party, while Langs’ blocking eagerly employs every edge of the space. Matt Starritt’s sound design aptly accentuates the advancing drama, giving almost cinematic scale.
Despite the script’s flaws, Sugarman and Neddersen invoke empathy while infusing intensity in the material. Mary’s final monologue will touch anyone who’s lost someone they loved—whether in war or peace. That said, you can rent better tearjerkers, like Love Story or Terms of Endearment. Or, for a Canadian alternative, perhaps a particularly dramatic episode of Degrassi will be on the air.
Why is this passably pedestrian play being staged now, when Taproot produced it in 2007? World War I began a century ago in August, and Armistice Day is coming up on November 11. We still have troops in Afghanistan, where Canada has also contributed combat and peacekeeping personnel (and suffered casualties). So Mary’s Wedding is still somewhat topical. And for me at least, the most interesting part of this script was learning that our neighbor to the north actually has a military history. West of Lenin, 203 N. 36th St., 352-1777, wearenctc.org. $15–$30. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sun. plus Mon., Oct. 6. Ends Oct. 11.
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