Last night Anthony and I went out for our much anticipated date night to The Exquisite Hour. Originally scheduled to perform as part of the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company’s inaugural Recital Hall Series in the 2011/2012 Season, the production was cancelled after the Playhouse’s sudden closure on March 10, 2012. The production was quickly moved from the Vancouver Playhouse Recital Hall to the Revue Stage on Granville Island, and rescheduled for a May run. When Jessie van Rijn asked if I would like to come to opening night I jumped at the chance to get out with Anthony and without the kids. It was a perfect date night and well worth the money we paid for the sitter.
Nevada Yates Robart and Josue Loubocane, Photo by Tim Matheson
This two person play staring Josue Loboucane and Nevada Yates Robart takes place on a summer night in Zachary’s backyard. “Are you satisfied with what you know?” A simple sounding question with no simple answers runs throughout. This light-hearted play goes on in real time and shows the connection between these two people, Zachary Steele, and the lovely and mysterious Helen Darimont, throughout The Exquisite Hour where everything changes. This sweet story is brought to life with Josue and Nevada and the awesome chemistry they have with each other. Anthony and I have seen Josue in a number of Carousel Theatre projects and each time we see him we get to see a little more of the depth he is able to bring out in his characters, whether it is face pulling for his children’s roles, or a man opening his eyes and really seeing for the first time in his adult life.
Nevada and Josue, Photo by Tim Matheson
The set and lighting are simple and beautiful and the venue made it really seem like you were spying a little into Zachary and Helen’s lives. You were spending the evening watch two people learn more about each other in the course of one hour like you were part of the scenery. I love that this play is in the intimate setting of the Arts Club Revue stage on Granville Island. I am sure I would have still enjoyed the play in a larger venue, but the closeness to the actors really enhanced the overall feel of The Exquisite Hour. As Anthony tweeted last night “The Exquisite Hour was wonderful. Go see it soon! The intimate setting of the Revue stage is perfect for this funny, touching play!”
The Exquisite Hour runs from May 2 to May 12 at the Arts Club Revue Stage on Granville Island. Tickets are $22 and can be purchased through Vancouver Tix or by calling the Box Office at 604.629.8849. Get out for a date night or head out with your friends for a wonderful evening. You won’t regret it.