Hurricane Diane
by Madeleine George
"You’re her imaginary friend."
"No, Boon. I’m her Boon. That’s what I am. One Boon per kid per household. Except the babies that look like angry old men— they grow up to be lawyers, so we don’t bother."
“Oh god, is this normal? Are Persons’ . . . parents . . . supposed to see you?"
Mustard shouldn’t still be here, but he is.
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Imaginary friends don’t normally stay with their Person until that Person is a troubled teenager, exhibiting strangely violent behaviour. Imaginary friends don’t suddenly become visible to their Person’s mom and then go on a date with them, either. But Mustard is special.
At least that’s what he thinks. And he’s not ready to leave his best friend, Thai, even though he’s in deep trouble with some unsavoury characters who are ready to enforce some serious rules. And, oh yeah, he’s falling in love with Sadie, Thai’s recently separated, wine-guzzling mom, who doesn’t believe he’s real.
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A twisted fairy tale about friendship, love, growing up, moving on and finding magic where you least expect it, this darkly comedic bedtime story by Canadian theatre’s indie darling blurs imagination with reality in order to save a family from its own destruction.
The Team
Cast
Carol Fleischer – Janice Kiteley
Pam Annunziata – Hannah Klose
Renee Shapiro-Epps – April Kovacs
Beth Wann – Lindsay Jowett
Diane – Victoria Bingham
Narrator – Kate Booth
Creative Team
Director - Christine Carr
Playwright - Madeleine George
Artistic Director - Tim Nicholson
Producers - Ctrl-ART-Del and Pride in the Highlands
Stage Manager - Ella Leis
Production Assistant - Spencer Zumpano
Front of House - Olivia Humphries
Special thanks to the Minden Lions Hall, Haliburton Highlands Secondary School Drama Club,
Up River Trading Co., Minden Hills Cultural Centre, Pride in the Highlands
“Hurricane Diane” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
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HURRICANE DIANE had its New York City Premiere at New York Theatre Workshop in 2019, in a co-Production between WP Theater, Lisa McNulty, Producing Artistic Director, Michael Sag, Managing Director and New York Theatre Workshop, Jim Nicola, Artistic Director, Jeremy Blocker, Managing Director
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HURRICANE DIANE was commissioned and originally produced by Two River Theater
John Dias, Artistic Director I Michael Hurst, Managing Director
What did people think of Mustard?
"Saw the opening performance last night & am trying to figure out how I can get back for another one."
"It was a fun experience full of thought-provoking issues delivered with humour."
"A beautiful show."
"How this cast did not break into laughter I do not know. The journey to bring this play to life will be something these (mostly) young people will cherish forever."
"I couldn’t stop laughing. I cried twice. It’s really nice to feel genuine emotions when you go see something new. The pace was so fast and easy to follow."
"This play makes you laugh, shocks you, and really, really makes you think. Think about growing up... think about family relationships... and in a very Salinger way - the loss of innocence. Great dialogue and a big reach for a new company with new members."
"Wonderful! Every detail, from the set to the clothing, to the fabulous actors!"
"It was a phenomenal performance, we are so glad to have seen the play. Amazing local talent!"
"Being in theatre is not just about wanting to do it for a career - being a part of a play is life lessons. Go and see what they have created."
"Olivia Humphries presents a 16 year old dealing with adult situations and makes me really think they are hers."
"A stand-out mention to Chris Chumbley (Mustard), who has a very, very difficult role & pulls off an amazing performance. He is innocent & wise at the same time - and crazy funny."
"Christine Carr as Sadie was brilliant in her distress & openness."
"Bug (Jessica McCready-DeBruin) & Leslie (Valerie Zagorska) brought truly chaotic energy in such a quiet and dangerous way."
"Brody Bolger as Jay was
so effin’ funny, man."
"A shout out regarding the set… so many thoughtful and creative details. A huge amount of thought and skill went into every detail."
"Amazing show. AMAZING talented people. Get your tickets! RUN! it's tooooo good to be missed."
"What a fantastic show. The actors were all so strong, the directing was excellent and the set and technical aspects were all top-notch. "Mustard" was compelling while also hilarious. My guests and I absolutely loved it!"
"Love the Canadian content. The play was fantastic. From the onstage to the backstage, set, costumes, was wonderful."
"Great show! The actors did a brilliant job with their characters.
Swift dialogue and lots of laughs. Definitely worth checking out."
"Chris Chumbley as Mustard was a highlight, with such authentic joy
and vulnerability."
"Olivia Humphries (Thai) was unreal in that role."
"I am SO FULL of emotion after seeing tonight’s final performance of “Mustard.” What a spectacular show. This cast was so brilliant in their story telling and fast paced comedy."
"Quirky costumes, funky set, AMAZING cast."
"It was an excellent show. The cast was great and there were some truly stellar moments of timing (both comedic and serious) that were highlights for me. The set and costumes also deserve a special mention as they really set the tone for the piece."
