Theatre Tillsonburg's latest production, The Numbers Game, explores what happens when two former high school acquaintances unexpectedly reconnect nearly four decades later.
Phil Gibson is an actuary. His working life revolves around calculating probabilities and making sense of numbers. But, when he finds himself looking for somewhere to live, he encounters Bernadette Davis, a woman he had a crush on in high school 37 years earlier. Now in their 50s and single, the two find themselves sharing living arrangements, despite being complete opposites. It's the starting point for The Numbers Game, a Canadian romantic comedy coming to Theatre Tillsonburg's Otter Valley Playhouse.
Director Joe Sheik says the production appealed to him because it offers more than a straightforward comedy.
Bringing the story to life depends heavily on the relationship between the two central characters.
And Sheik says he knew almost immediately that he'd found the right performers.
The production explores the experiences that have shaped Phil and Bernadette over the years, including past relationships, the challenges of getting older and the possibility of starting again.
Sheik says audiences will recognize some familiar situations along the way.
The cast and crew have been working on the production since June, with particular attention to getting the balance between comedy and more emotional moments just right.
For Sheik, the real measure of success will be what audiences take away from the experience.
The Numbers Game, written by Canadian playwright John Spurway, runs November 12th through 15th and November 19th through 22nd at the Otter Valley Playhouse, 144789 Potters Road in Tillsonburg. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. on November 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th and 21st. Matinees begin at 2 p.m. on November 14th, 15th and 22nd. Tickets are available in person at the box office or online at theatretillsonburg.com.
And while Phil Gibson might be able to calculate the odds of just about anything, some things in life are worth taking a chance on.
