New play delivers more than four laughs

There was a time when anyone over 60 was thought to have one foot in the grave.

Brushing that old myth aside, Edmonton playwright Linda Wood Edwards gives us a gentle reminder that even after eight decades of living, people can still be just as idiosyncratic, funny and passionate as when they were 20.

Once again, Northern Sabbatical Production remounts Four in the Crib for a short run at Holy Trinity Anglican Church from June 4 to 9.

The 70-minute production was first staged at the 2012 Edmonton International Fringe Festival, receiving numerous accolades from both patrons and reviewers.

Centered on a weekly cribbage game in an assisted living facility, it weaves together the lives of four 80-somethings. In their sunset years, they are facing numerous social issues – loneliness, abandonment, ill health, lack of money and even sex.

“Most of us don’t understand that segment of the population. They are vibrant and funny and they don’t like to think of pain any more than anyone of us. This is an attempt not to marginalize them. Baby boomers tend to think they are the most interesting people on the planet, but that isn’t so. We wouldn’t be enjoying life if it weren’t for the previous generation. We should give a little credit where credit is due,” says Edwards.

The inspiration for this show was actually Ethel Wood, 87, Edwards’ mother. A woman with a keen mind and a sharp sense of humour, she entered an assisted living facility with a positive attitude.

When Wood attempted to join a cribbage game, one long-time crib player was so superstitious she would tell everyone where to sit and what to play. Together, Edwards and Wood would share a few chuckles at the odd personalities living at the facility.

But at the same time, the seniors got under Edwards’ skin. Soon characters with real personalities and real issues emerged and demanded a voice.

There’s Agnes (Linda Cornell), the oldest and sweetest of the bunch. Ultimately that makes her vulnerable and ripe for the picking.

Earl (Kieran O’Callaghan) was just widowed and is facing a lifetime of living alone.

“He’s crusty and not shy about voicing his opinion. He would like less talk around the table and more play except when he needs to talk. He has a past that comes to haunt him.”

Constance is the youngest, a free spirit and very worldly. She’s had brushes with celebrities and likes a drink now and then.

“She has an opinion on everything and she brings up all the awkward conversations at the table,” Edwards says.

And finally former St. Albert actress Judy McFerran is cast in the role of Bernice, the go-to person when someone wants to share a problem. She also has a health issue.

“They each go through their own circumstance and drama to find a new normal. The world changes so quickly for them and they have to find a new equilibrium.”

Helming Four in the Crib is director David Cheoros. Edwards and Cheoros also partnered together for the award winning 2005 hit Spring Alibi and the 2007 True Grid.

Of Cheoros, Edwards says, “He’s exceptionally kind and patient. He’s good with actors. He’s good with writers. He brings out the best in everybody and he does it in the kindest, gentlest way possible.”

Despite some of the more sombre issues, Edwards has injected a healthy, balanced dose of levity into the production.

“We all need a good laugh. And we all need to be reminded of the people living around us responsible for us living a good life. But for me, it’s mostly a good laugh.”