Review: BOATWRIGHT at Bunbury Theatre

Review by Leila Toba

Boatwright is an original play written by and starring Emmy Nominated Actor Patrick Tovatt about an eccentric man getting up in years living in a humble abode where he spends his days writing and singing little ditties on his guitar and building boats. One day, a young man walks into his establishment and what was once a quiet and simple life is instantly turned on its head. With a set conceived by three-time Emmy award-winning designer David Weller, this play is gorgeous and makes the stage at this theater seem much larger than it is in real life while keeping the good taste to present it in a simple fashion appropriate to the material.

Ned (Tovatt) really sets the scene for the show, presenting himself as an old-fashioned curmudgeon, with a distaste for the modern world. His home is thoughtfully chosen around him, with tools hanging on one wall, and blush-worthy artwork hanging on another. He quickly endears himself to the audience in his interactions with Gage, (Francis Whitaker) who is fascinated with the art of building boats but works in IT. They teeter on the edge of a fight in their exchange but find themselves still willing to communicate. Much to Ned's surprise in saunters Margo (Alice King), and revelations are made that will change all of their lives forever.

Tovatt is definitely at home with this misunderstood character, his penchant for a nostalgic Bohemian past constructing a lovable and complicated life that is rife with adventure and regret. King is effervescent on stage, playing carefully between two worlds; her wild past versus the sensible choices she has had to make. Whitaker is energetic and balances out this cast with enthusiasm and charm. Watching these three actors come together for this show was an absolute pleasure.

Juergen Tossman has really outdone himself pulling together such a strong cast and crew to create this delightful show. It was a joy to watch from start to finish, full of laughs, second chances, and thoughtful writing from Tovatt that shows us that it's never too late to get it back.

Boatwright

April 13, 14, 19, 20, 26, 27 & 28 @ 7:30 P.M.
April 15, 22 & 29 @ 2:00 P.M.

Bunbury Theatre Company
The Henry Clay Theatre
604 South Third Street
Louisville, KY, 40202
Bunburytheatre.org

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