Quartet a true delight

Hudson Village Theatre's latest show, a play starring four opera stars past their prime attempting to reignite the glory of their youthful years as they live in a retirement home for opera singers, is a true delight, thanks largely to the efforts of a great ensemble cast under the watchful eye of veteran Hudson director Gordon McCall..

Actors Kathleen Fee, David Francis and Michel Perron become Cissy, Reggie and Will, three old friends who live out a peaceful existence poking gentle fun at each other as they get on in their years.

This is shattered with the arrival of Kathleen McAuliffe's Jean, a more successful opera star who also happens to be Reggie's ex-wife.

While Will and Cissy are eager to embrace Jean's presence, her awkward past with Reggie creates some tension, particularly as the four are tapped to perform as a quartet for an upcoming celebration of Giuseppe Verdi's birthday at the home.

A single look at each character's brilliantly designed costume immediately reveals their nature, even before a word is spoken on-stage. Will's sloppy, colourful bathrobe over a t-shirt suggests he is the rather vulgar oaf of the group. Cissy's flowery apparel hints at her head in the clouds demeanour, and Reggie's slippers-on-top-of-trousers look denotes the presence of a quiet, dignified gentleman.

The script by Academy Award-winning playwright and screenwriter Ronald Harwood remains light, never straying too far from "day in the life" mode, but the hilarious dialogue between the four characters will often have an audience in stitches. When we finally learn the answer to Will's oft-repeated question to Reggie about just how long he was married to Jean anyway, it is a moment to behold.

Quartet is playing at the Hudson Village Theatre until August 2. Those who grab tickets for either of the August 1 showings can hop on the M & M Express from Montreal or Beaconsfield, and then return, for a relaxing train ride with on-board musical entertainment, along with a complimentary beverage and nibbles upon arrival in Hudson.

While waiting for the train ride home, take in the sights of the village's nature trails, or shop or eat at some restaurants and merchants participating in discount pricing. The Hudson Street Fair and Hudson Music Festival will occur on August 1 as well.

Tickets for the train are $50 and can be contacted by calling the Agence Métropolitaine de Transport (AMT) at 514-287-7866, or escapadesentrain@amt.qc.ca.

Chronicle, courtesy photo