The newest play to come from Theatre North West, Powers and Gloria is a comedic take on an elderly gentleman being nursed back to life by a young mother. The funny part is that the man is a grumpy millionaire, and the woman is a single mother with a quick tongue and a love for Shania Twain.

     The play, written by Keith Roulston, stars BC actors Allen Zinyk, Bill McFadden, Louisa Jojic, and Corey Turner. You may recognize this line-up from the other Theatre North West play, Leading Ladies, which they all star in. Directed by Ted Price, this hilarious and touching piece speaks to many people about the ideas of companionship and money, family and paintings.

     A golden script rings this performance, accompanied by skilled actors, and the lines are just amazing. “A Tale of Two Cities, what’s that? Some sort of travel book?” Gloria asks Powers just before almost touching a very expensive work of art. The idea that a lower class worker, who’s the ideal for the difference between knowledge and intelligence, can come into a home and completely be blown away by things that some other people take for granted is a light into the mind of Powers.

     The human interactions between the four actors is immensely touching, and you’ll notice that as the play progresses, Gloria's clothing becomes more conservative and professional, after constant reminders by a very old-fashioned Powers.

     There are many things that make this play worth checking out: the highly amusing butlers that change the flowers between scenes, Darryl’s quest for some “lunch,” and the precious and forbidden painting. Each scene has its own charm in the sense that everyone in the play seems to want to be there, and the acting flows very nicely.

     Louisa Jojic, who is terrific at playing the sweet, if not slightly flighty girl whose heart is in the right place (see Audrey in Leading Ladies for another example of this loveable character), takes this role with a very nice air of affection and stubbornness. Along side acting veteran Bill McFadden who plays Duncan in Leading Ladies, who takes his part with an amazing roar, a perfect limp, and a great understanding of his character. Both work very well with each other, feeding into the art of theatre and giving the audience a reason to scratch their heads over just who is the good guy, and who is the bad one.

     Powers and Gloria is playing from November 12th to December 6th at Theatre North West in the Parkhill Centre. Also be sure to check out the upcoming children’s rendition of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night on the last Monday of November and the first Monday of December at Theatre North West.