Brelby Theatre Company just kicked off their eight season with an original dark comedy, Windfall written by the ever talented, Brian Maticic. Being a Brelby artist, it was unusual for me to attend one of their opening nights completely clueless as to what I was about to see. Low and behold, what they revealed was some of the most intoxicating pieces of theatre I have seen in awhile.
The play follows three best friends; Owen, Trent, and Olivia, who is also Trent's girlfriend. Trent, an endearing slacker, has depended on Owen's responsible nature all of his life. However, their friendship is tested when Trent finds himself in an awful financial frenzy. As reality starts to wake Trent up from his long, overdue slumber, Trent fakes his own death to escape the eye of his storm. This situation becomes even more complicated when it is found out that Trent has won the lottery. With multiple twists and turns, you follow this trio of friends as they try to protect their lives together through the hell storm Trent has caused.
First of all, Devon Mahon is exceptional as Trent, approaching each moment with effortless sincerity and humor. He has made Trent into a character that even though may infuriate you, you can't help but adore his presence when he appears onstage. David Magadan captures Owen's heart. Seeing Magadan in multiple productions at Brelby, it was beautiful to see him bring life to a character who is so delicately loving. The lovely Shelby Maticic has you in the palm of her hand throughout the entire show, making Olivia the beautiful and selfless "girl next door", who will steal any man's heart the moment she smiles at them. It was obvious to see that Olivia is the rock for both of these boys, and Maticic delivers each line with radiant ease, and positivity.
However, no story is complete without a tight bunch of strong supporting characters. Megan O'Conner gives a heartbreaking performance as Trent's mother, Theresa, pouring every ounce of her soul into each scene she graces her presence in. Seeing O'Conner dive into her dramatic acting chops was refreshing. I could see multiple women wiping tears from their face during her many emotional monologues. On the other side of the "mama" coin, Chelsea Jauregui is a hoot as Owen's mother, finding a perfect balance between caring mother, and girl's crazy best friend. Also a difficult role, Jauregui handles her character with energy and fun, lighting up some of the more darker moments with her hilarious comedic timing. Wearing multiple different hats (or shall I say wigs?), Mat Vansen gives multiple distinct performances as Randy, and other walk-ins. Every play needs "the character guy" to enter, and steal the scene, and Vansen does just that with dedication, and effortless flare.
Brian Maticic has written a rich, thought provoking piece with dialogue that seems to just roll of an actors tongue. It is not hard to feel entranced into the world he has created with his ability to pull our heart strings one minute, and make us cry from laughter the next. I have no doubt this play will be produced again, hopefully even published for all the world to read. Of course, no show can be put together without a fearless leader, and Fernando Perez, the director, has done some remarkable work. He has managed to believably create a slice of real life in a world of absurdity. I hope that he will continue to pursue his talent in future projects.
All and all, Windfall is theatrical roller coaster. It takes you through hoops; it raises questions; it pushes boundaries. Good dark comedies are hard to come by, and this one is definitely a memorable piece of theatre.
Windfall continues this weekend, and closes next Saturday, the 13th. Hop onto brelby.com, or call (623) 282-2781 to secure tickets before they are all gone!
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