Adam Prudhomme
Beaver Staff
Curtains will rise on a comedy at Selby’s Lennox Community Theatre Friday night as Secrets of a Soccer Mom hits the stage.
Written by American playwright Kathleen Clark, it premiered in 2008 and is now regularly staged in theatres across North America.
“It’s about three moms who are in the middle of a soccer game against their 8-year-old sons,” explains Tami Montpetit, a seasoned Lennox Theatre actress who is taking her first turn in the director’s chair. “It kind of gives everybody a peek into the conversations that go on amongst the moms on the sidelines of a soccer game. It’s easy to correlate this to your own life whether you’re a mom or dad. You can be the dad that gets hollered at by the mom or the kids even. It’s a play for everyone because everyone has a perspective, even if you’re not one of the moms. I think there’s a lot of people who will be able to relate to it.”
In that spirit she says the play is for all ages, though cautions that there is one use of a four-letter word that begins with F.
“But it’s quite funny when it comes out,” she says. “I really think kids can come out and watch it. I don’t think they’ll be subjected to anything they haven’t been subjected to on any sports field.”
Originally content to let their sons win the game, the moms soon develop a competitive side as they slowly become intent on recapturing the wilder days of their youth. By the end, they develop a better understanding of who they are and what’s been missing in their lives.
The cast is made up of Michelle Dorey Forestell, who plays Nancy, Nicole Butler as Alison and Amy Mack as Lynn.
“I think all three of them really brought good characters to the stage,” said Montpetit.
While Dorey Forestell will be familiar to regular theatre goers, the other two casts members will be making their debut on stage. In true community theatre spirit, they decided to step out of their comfort zone and pursue their passion for acting.
“I call this an adult playground,” said Montpetit. “I myself was a mom 10 years ago who was looking for something different to do. I read an audition call out, told my family I was going to a meeting and three days later got a phone call and found out I got a part.”
She says all three actresses are naturals and have formed a great onstage chemistry to the point where audiences would never know they’re making their stage debut.
Secrets of a Soccer Mom will run April 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and will have 2 p.m. matinees on April 15 and 22.
Tickets are $18, while seniors can purchase a ticket for $15 on Sundays. They’re available at Gray’s IDA Drug Store at 18 Dundas St. W in Napanee or by calling 613-354-3346 to reserve.