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Arts Club favourite about life and love comes to the Sid

October 21, 2024

After 25 years, Alice and Henry find themselves stuck in the monotony of marriage. Life together has become repetitive, bordering on boring, and their connection feels distant. Sexy Laundry, a contemporary Canadian comedy, takes a frank and funny look at what happens when a couple tries to re-spark the flame in their flickering love life.

Acclaimed playwright Michele Riml’s hit about getting out of a rut takes the stage in Courtenay on Saturday, November 9. Presented as part of the Blue Circle Series by the Sid Williams Theatre Society, Sexy Laundry premiered 20 years ago at Vancouver’s Arts Club Theatre and remains an audience favourite.

When we meet Alice and Henry, they’re in the midst of coming to grips with their lacklustre sex life. Time, kids, stress and gravity have all taken their toll. In an effort to “reignite the magic,” they’ve embarked on a weekend hotel retreat equipped with a copy of Sex for Dummies. But they soon find that when the clothes come off, so do the gloves.

“The play is very funny and easy to relate to,” says director Diana Donnelly. While the laughs are plenty, she is quick to point out that the play’s real message is: fight for love. “It’s about the hard work of long-term love.”

With translations in 15 languages, that heartfelt core is what has made Sexy Laundry resonate with audiences for years, reaching far beyond its Vancouver roots.

Donnelly says bringing the show back for the Arts Club’s 60th anniversary season was a perfect way to celebrate the play’s enduring success.

“The play speaks to people on a personal level,” she explains. “There are so many laughs, but it’s also got depth. People see themselves in Alice and Henry’s struggle to fall back in love.”

Sexy Laundry rings true with audiences thanks to its authentic characters and relatable moments. “Again and again, people tell me, ‘That’s my life up there on that stage!’” says Donnelly. With a blend of humour and heart, the play explores love, aging and intimacy in a way that leaves viewers both entertained and moved.

Bringing this kind of emotional impact to life takes a dedicated team, and Donnelly is quick to credit the cast for embodying the essence of the story.

Actors Lossen Chambers and Cavan Cunningham portray Alice and Henry, respectively. Despite not knowing each other beforehand, the two developed an instant chemistry that makes their portrayal of a long-married couple feel authentic.

“Lossen and Cavan are the best. It’s amazing that they didn’t know each other before we began rehearsals! They’re thick as thieves now.”

That chemistry was crucial, as Sexy Laundry is a two-hander, meaning Chambers and Cunningham are the only actors on stage for the entire play.

“The actors have a lot of text to say and only get to leave the stage at intermission,” Donnelly notes. “Doing a two-hander is great exercise for both brain and body. Cavan and Lossen run lines with each other every chance they get.”

As much as the actors drive the story, technical elements of Sexy Laundry also play a key role in setting the tone and shaping the experience.

Donnelly worked closely with set designer Amir Ofek to create a hotel room that feels both real and symbolic. “The room is both a real and a psychological space,” she explains. “It’s the third character, in a way. A smart room. Witnessing everything. A room that has opinions.” This unique interplay between the set and the characters adds an extra layer of intimacy, making the audience feel like a fly on the wall peeking into Alice and Henry’s private lives.

Sound designer Nancy Tam also added subtle touches to enhance the setting. “We had interesting conversations about how to give extra resonance to certain moments,” Donnelly shares, referencing the ambient sounds that remind the audience of the world outside the hotel room, be it the distant hum of an ice machine or the occasional murmur of hotel life beyond the walls.

Ultimately, Donnelly hopes that audiences will leave the theatre feeling a deeper connection – not only to the characters on stage but also to their own experiences with love and relationships.

“I want people to leave the theatre feeling less lonely. You get to witness Alice and Henry dealing with hard love moments you may have dealt with in your life – or are perhaps dealing with right now…. I think people hold their loved one’s hand a little tighter after the show.”

In a world full of constant distractions, Sexy Laundry serves as a reminder of the value of real connection – both in our relationships and in shared experiences like live theatre.

Don’t miss your chance to see why Sexy Laundry’s honest and funny portrayal of real life and real love continues to captivate audiences.

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