The Sutherland Theatre Company’s first production for 2019 is Mom’s Gift by Phil Olson.
In this comedy with a heart, Mom has been dead for 11 months and shows up at her husband’s birthday party as a ghost with a mission; she has to accomplish a task to earn her wings.
But there are so many things to fix.
The problem is complicated by the fact that the only person who can hear or see Mom is her daughter who has been ordered by the court to spend Dad’s birthday with him as part of her Anger Management Program.
One by one the family’s secrets are peeled away revealing a shocking truth that surprises even our ghost.
Mom’s Gift is directed by Colleen Boyle and the cast includes Belinda Balhatchet, Sandra Archer, Holly Johnston, Valerie McMullan, Tony Girdler, Christiane Brawley and Paul Byrne.
Tony Girdler, who plays Dad, said Mom’s Gift is a story that will appeal to a variety of people.
‘‘It has some great humorous lines, but at the same time some that will pull at the heart strings,’’ Tony said.
‘‘Being a widower with two daughters I find some parts a little close to the bone, but that helps me portray the pathos in the story.
‘‘It’s also a little like a Who Dunnit, as the audience will be wondering what the secret is being kept by one of the characters.
‘‘However, there is a twist at the end which I doubt anyone will see coming."
Belinda Balhatchet who plays Kat in the production said Mon’s Gift is ‘‘a beautiful play that explores death, grieving and relationships in a tender way, with a good dose of humour thrown in’’.
‘‘The death of a loved one impacts most of us at some point in our lives, and anyone who has lost someone close to them will relate to the material in the show,’’ Belinda said.
‘‘You will laugh and cry - bring tissues!"
Paul Byrne who plays Kevin adds: ‘‘The show has everything in it really: consistent humour, dysfunctional yet hilarious family dynamics that play out on an ongoing basis, and an eclectic mix of characters to fulfil these roles.’’
Mom’s Gift runs from Friday, March 1 to Sunday, March 10 at the Sutherland Memorial School of Arts, 21- 23 East Parade, Sutherland.
Tickets: www.thesutherlandtheatrecompany.com.au or by calling 9150 7574.
