Where You Are

Originally published in Northumberland News

Are you happy where you are? Do you find yourself taking inventory of your life, the decisions you made and the paths you took that led you to this moment in time? Do you stop to smell the roses, feel the sunshine on your face, or savour the simple moments with the people you love?

“Where You Are” explores the human condition in a light, humorous, and meaningful way. It is deep and poignant without getting dark or heavy, even in the face of grief, loss, and reconciliation.

Now playing at the Best Western Plus in Cobourg, “Where You Are” is the final dinner theatre production for the Northumberland Players’ 50th season.

Written by Canadian playwright Kristen Da Silva, produced by Rebecca Reid and directed by Jack Boyagian, it is the perfect spring play, bright, funny, and smart, with a fresh perspective on a well-lived life.

“The play made me think about the importance of choosing ‘where you are,’” said Jack Boyagian in his director’s note. “Why do we leave our hometown? Why do we stay? Why do we choose to follow dreams away from our loved ones? Da Silva doesn’t judge her characters; instead, she plants these themes in a wonderful play that examines the difficult choices people have to make while searching for meaning.”

Since 2014, Da Silva has become one of Canada’s premier playwrights, winning two Playwrights Guild New Comedy Awards. Her plays tend to focus on family dynamics and relationships in small-town Ontario settings, using humour to navigate serious themes.

Where You Are is set on the porch of the Beaton family home in Little Current, Manitoulin Island. The play centres on sisters Glenda (Sheilah Currie) and Suzanne (Carol Beauchamp), who share a close but complicated life built over decades.

Their routine is disrupted by the arrival of Suzanne’s daughter, Beth (Susie MacDonald), whose visit brings long-held tensions and hidden secrets to the surface. As the week unfolds, the women — along with a handsome and handy neighbour, Patrick (Michael Johnston) — are forced to confront truths about family, forgiveness and love.

This cast has great chemistry. Beauchamp and Currie are both Northumberland Players veterans who never disappoint. They each bring their sharp wit to the forefront of their performances, both at ease with each other on stage and highlighting the close and complicated bond that comes with having a sibling walk through life beside you. MacDonald and Johnston fit right in with charming and humorous performances, reminding us of the decisions we need to make when we are young, and the world is at our feet.

This play is a reminder to slow down, look around and soak in where you are.

Kristin Andrews, Northumberland News