‘Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun,’ Catch the Joy at Blackhorse

January 27, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Anne Ritchie
Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun, Blackhorse Village Players current success, pulls on the heartstrings with empathy, compassion and love.
The actors skillfully draw out the strengths and weaknesses in each character so well one can experience their heartfelt emotion as well as hear their stories.
The story centers on Robert (Roderick Cook), “slow” through a mishap that left him with the lifelong mentality of a seven-year-old. Thanks to the talents of Cook, whose facial expressions and movement say as much as his lines, we quickly discover how intuitive, honest and humorous seven-year-olds can be. Robert’s pluck and integrity see him through the most traumatic farewells and friendships and we come to love his innocence to the point of shedding a tear along with him in the most touching scene.
That scene affects his mother Clair, played by Ginny Cathcart. A seasoned performer and most welcome addition to any Blackhorse Theatre production, Cathcart’s performance includes ever-changing and very believable conversations with God, settled nicely in His heavenly home, while it’s her exceptional strength of character that inspires us to believe all will be well in this world as well.
Befriended by Clair and Robert, Holly (Elizabeth Coulter) bears the responsibilities of yet another stage of motherhood, one which has arrived most unexpectedly. Coulter sensitively portrays a character whose understanding, responses and decisions will, just as unexpectedly, change the course of Robert’s family life. Coulter takes to the role so well we too rejoice in her triumphs and are edgy with her doubts, for we have all been there in our own lives.
One such choice blooms when Mark Hayward steps into the picture of a happy, content home. He may be the man every woman loves to hate, and then again, he may be a misguided soul who has come through a messy relationship just in time to shoulder responsibility for his actions. So well is the role played, Hayward leaves the audience guessing as to what his true character may be.
The family doctor, portrayed by Jane Bolton, coolly keeps her distance from turmoil or difficulty. Even so, the role is played so completely, we can sympathize with her. The strength of Bolton’s performance is that the compassion and empathy for the overburdened doctor are caringly portrayed as well as the practicality of “institutions,” the recitation of dangers found in “operations” and the onerous weight of dealing with “hundreds” of patients.
No play is cast without the performance of a wonderful director and producer, and Cheryl and Margaret Phillips easily match talents backstage with those in the spotlights. Add to that the work of stage manager Denise Kennedy, assisted by Susan Jalbert, and you have the makings a wonderful production.
Catch Norm Foster’s Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun, playing until Feb. 6, and experience the joys of a life well lived. Call 905-880-5002 for ticket information.
The Blackhorse Theatre is at the corner of highway 9 and Mount Wolfe Road in Caledon.

Robert (Roderick Cook) and Holly (Elizabeth Coulter) are the most likeable of unlikely friends who meet at a bus stop in Norm Foster’s Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun.
Photo by Braden Wright