Review: GRAND HORIZONS at ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland

A spell-binding sandwich-making experience? The luncheon paper taking centre stage and the attention of all? I wouldn't have believed it either!. This is just one of the many kiwi moments made into artistry during Auckland Theatre Company's Grand Horizons presented by MINDFOOD.

The dynamics of love become battered and dulled when pushed around by social conventions, expectation, confused communication and misguided assumption within the passage of time; 50 years to be exact.

American playwright Bess Wohl's cleverly crafted script is skillfully directed by Jennifer Ward-Lealand. The skill lies in the subtle highlights of the multi-layers within this play. An additional flavour of 'kiwi ' is well-blended into the story and ideal for the audiences of Aotearoa.

Bill (Roy Billing) and Nancy (Annie Whittle) are both resigned to divorcing after 50 years of marriage. However, their children, Ben and Brian (Kevin Keys and Todd Emerson) are not having a bar of it. Clearly, something is wrong but it couldn't possibly be the marriage.

As the story unfolds Bill and Nancy pull back the layers and reveal a lot more about their own situation, what they thought they wanted and how they really are. The play is full of contrasts and contradictions which adds colour and unpredictability leaving the audience fully immersed and not knowing what will happen next..

Bill and Nancy's children learn of the marriage break up and attempt to intervene trying to work out what 'really' is going on. Mirroring much of the parents' complex relationship but in far earlier times is Brian and his very pregnant wife Jess (Beatriz Romilly) who are negotiating their own love story. Ben in the meantime is too overwhelmed to attempt a fling with gorgeous Tommy, a hopeful one-night-stander played by Esaú Mora. The physical becomes frustrating so Tommy lets rip with a few home truths.

Whittle and Billing are the quintessential seasoned professionals with Billing's deadpan so deadpan that his line deliveries resonate with a resounding impact.

The preparation, assembling and wrapping of a sandwich has never been more meaningful when delivered by Whittle who had the audience mesmerized throughout, the proceedings.

I've never seen such a simple-but-precision delivery of an everyday event that captured the audience. This is something that could only be achieved by a professional and a very talented one at that.

Without giving too much away, Carla, who is revealed as Bill's girlfriend and Nancy bond, leaving Nancy feeling like she's betrayed herself. But not for long...

Unfortunately, the season has had to be canceled due to covid. If this is a glimpse of what new Artistic Director Jonathan Bielski has in store for us, then there's a lot to be excited about.

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