By Amber Mything
Wingfield Unbound
Written by Dan Needles
Directed by Doug Beattie
Starring Rod Beattie as Walt Wingfield
Runs Mar. 19 to Apr. 4 at the NAC English Theatre
Tickets: $37.50 or $45
Simplicity is the name of the game for Wingfield Unbound. The plot is simple, the set is basic, and the cast is . . . one person?
That’s right, Rod Beattie is the show. He plays Walt Wingfield, Walt’s wife Maggie, Maggie’s brother Freddy and a dizzying array of other characters — 17 in total.
What is most amazing though, is that Beattie manages to switch from character to character, almost effortlessly. Each character has depth and sincerity, and sometimes it’s almost as if there really are two people standing on stage.
This play is the fourth in a series written by Dan Needles and inspired by his own life experiences. It is also the fourth time Rod Beattie has appeared as Walt Wingfield under the direction of his brother Doug Beattie.
All four feature Walt, a stockbroker turned part-time farmer. Wingfield Unbound chronicles Walt’s attempts to combat the encroachment of technological development on his small community by creating a museum.
The story unfolds through letters to the editor of the local paper that document a few days in Walt’s life — which is anything but ordinary.
From a psychopathic ram named Pink Floyd to a possessed rock, there is never a dull moment. The site for Walt’s would-be museum is haunted, a freak windstorm blows down his barn and his chickens keep dying. Through it all, Beattie paints a picture of a small community full of mischief and riddled with quirky and eccentric characters.
But the play isn’t merely about small town life.
There is also a metamorphic aspect to the show. As it progresses, we watch Walt realize change isn’t always bad. He learns that he doesn’t have to lock up the past and protect it in order to remember it.
The play’s overall effect is that of a funny light-hearted look at one man’s attempt to keep his world safe. Walt Wingfield and the host of other characters played by Beattie are lovable and each is completely unique. Beattie’s performance was outstanding and the audience took notice. In addition to applauding at the end of every “letter,” Beattie received a standing ovation at the curtain.
Cleverly written and artfully performed, Wingfield Unbound will put a smile on any audience member’s face and maybe send them away feeling like they learned something about their world.