Theatre Wellesley brings Norm Foster’s The Gentleman Clothier to stage this spring
- 20 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Amanda Nelson
Theatre Wellesley will present its spring production, The Gentleman Clothier by Norm Foster, in April and May.
Evening performances are scheduled for April 23, 24 and 30, and May 1 at 8 p.m., with matinees on April 25 and 26, and May 2 and 3 at 2 p.m. Foster is a well-known and beloved Canadian playwright, recognized for his witty humour and thought-provoking plays.
The Gentleman Clothier follows a Halifax tailor who travels to 1894 London, exploring contrasting lives across time and place. The story centres on Norman Davenport, a man who opens his own bespoke tailor shop in downtown Halifax, only to wish he had been born in a different era.
When that wish unexpectedly comes true, Norman is forced to confront what it really means to live a fulfilling life. Blending clever comedy with touching insight, the play is full of Foster’s trademark humour and humanity.
The Theatre Wellesley volunteer cast and crew have worked to produce a heartfelt, profanity-free comedy-drama accessible to all ages and featuring quick-change costumes that depict two eras and help tell the characters’ stories.
Costume designer Wendy Seguin has assembled costumes to reflect both timelines, and director Al Cook said the eras are conveyed through wardrobe.
“Wendy has created costumes that we can do quick changes with during the scene changes that represent both eras, but they also tell the story of the characters as well,” said Cook.
Cook has been acting and directing with Theatre Wellesley for more than a decade. The Gentleman Clothier marks his first time directing one of Foster’s works, and he said he is enjoying the experience.
“This is possibly Foster’s best play; full of wit, repartee and charm he’s known for, but one where he takes an honest look at the cost of our deeper desires and how what we wish for affects those we care about most,” said Cook. “Our amazing cast and incredible creative team have brought Foster’s tale to life in a way that is a joy to behold.”
Cook said the play offers a fascinating look at Norman’s life and the lives of those closest to him – two staff members and one customer.
“They all get carried back into 1894 London, and it’s a look at just how different those same people’s lives would be in those two different times and places,” said Cook.
“One of the hallmarks of Norman Foster’s writing is that he writes just brilliant dialogue,” he added. “The repartee between the characters in this show is hilarious. The lines just sing off each other.”
Ciara Crozier said she is delighted to be working on another Foster production, this time as producer, with a talented cast and crew. Her first community theatre production was Foster’s The Ladies Foursome with Scarborough Players in 2019, and she has participated in many productions since.
“I always find his humour dry and witty, and the shows are always fun to work on,” she said.
Crozier said she is excited to share the play with audiences and she’s proud of how the production is coming together.
“The whole cast and crew are all volunteers,” said Crozier. “We all do it for the love of it. Our cast is an incredibly talented group. Three of them have worked with us before on last year’s spring show. And then we have a newcomer, Stephanie Kraus, who has done shows with other groups in the region.”
Tickets are available at www.theatrewellesley.com.