Encore Entertainment's Butterflies Are Free boasts a terrific cast who work amazing well in bringing the 42 year old play to life. It isn’t revived too often these days, possibly out of fear that it may be dated, but in fact many of the themes it explores are timeless.
It centres on a young man, anxious to get out from under the roof of his domineering but loving mother. The catch here is that he has been blind since birth. He has adjusted beautifully to life without sight and even if his apartment is very basic, it’s all his.
His mother has agreed to stay away for a trial period of two months, but she calls every day to harangue him. Into the next apartment moves a vivacious young woman transplanted from L.A. to New York to pursue and acting career. They meet, become friendly and rather quickly get to know each other intimately.
Scott Dermody offers a remarkably convincing portrayal of Don Baker, the blind man, counting his steps and occasionally groping to “see” where he is. When his relationship with Jill falters, Dermody communicates a vulnerability that is emotionally wracking to watch.
Christina Elizabeth Hall is Jill Tanner, nicely balancing the character’s flightiness with some genuine caring for her new neighbor and friend. She has a natural charm that mixes with Jill’s bubbly personality to create a sharply defined characterization.
Playing the domineering mother, determined to break up this budding romance before her son gets hurt is Marion Hirschberg. She wants to bring her boy home where (she feels) he belongs. The two performers convey real fire in their crucial argument scenes in the second half.
In an amusing cameo role Roberto Angelini plays Jill’s hippie ex-boyfriend turned director who constantly puts his foot in his mouth.
The play is beautifully and sensitively directed by Jacqui Burke, who balances the humour and pathos in a near-perfect blend. In collaboration with the two leads an atmosphere is created that is so relaxed and casual you almost feel like a voyeur as the two talk, flirt and start to fall in love.
Don’t miss this play. It is funny, warm and surprisingly touching.
Butterflies Are Free plays Jan 27 to Feb 6 in the studio theatre at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge St. For tickets or more info log onto www.encoreshows.com or call 416-872-1111
