When Death comes knocking on your front door, will you be ready? Janet, Arthur, and Marion certainly are NOT ready in Morris Panych’s latest treasure, Withrow Park. Full to the brim with dark humour and Panych’s signature witty dialogue, Withrow Park takes a harsh look at what it means to be getting older. Directed by the talented Jackie Maxwell and featuring a brilliant cast of Toronto greats, Withrow Park is not to be missed.

Withrow Park tells the story of three elderly people who live together: Janet, her sister Marion, and Janet’s husband Arthur, whom she’s recently separated from. We follow along with them on a typical day: running errands, medical appointments, and observing the people in the park across the street. Their routine gets turned upside down when Simon, a younger man who’s new to the neighbourhood, comes to the door to introduce himself. A series of unimaginable events follow the stranger’s arrival, leading all three housemates to seriously consider what to make of the time they have left.

I cannot explain how much I laughed during this production. Knowing Panych’s work, I expected it to be humorous, but Withrow Park is a whole other level of funny. To be able to take this universally feared and dreaded part of humanity and lighten it the way this play does is nothing short of masterful. Yet at the final line, there was a collective sigh of contentment and compassion for these characters and what potentially lies ahead.

Ken MacDonald’s striking set design provided a fascinating environment for these characters to inhabit. I love how nature is literally bursting through their house; the ceiling, windows, and living room have branches jutting forth into their living space. Everything is at a slight angle, which not only provides an interesting perspective no matter what seat you’re in, but it also reflects how things are just slightly askew with the inhabitants as well.

The aforementioned inhabitants are brought to life by an absolutely stellar cast. Benedict Campbell plays Arthur, an insecure yet stubborn old man who’s not quite sure if he’s “found himself” or not. Campbell gives Arthur an undeniable charm while also allowing him to create some of the most funny, and awkward, moments in the play. Nancy Palk plays Arthur’s ex-wife Janet, a kind but quite uptight woman who’s longing for something more out of life. Palk is always a joy to watch, as she brings an innate kindness and earnestness to her character. She makes Janet so loveable, and the ending of the play the moving and brilliant moment it is. Corrine Koslo’s Marion is the exact kind of slightly off-kilter old lady I aspire to become; her theories sound crazy, but she’s not wrong, either! Koslo’s comedic timing and overal vivacity make her an absolute joy to watch. Johnathan Sousa rounds out the cast as Simon, the newcomer to the neighbourhood who throws their lives into a whirl. Sousa’s talent and charisma shine through every moment he’s on stage, and he brings an appropriate air of mystery to his character.

Withrow Park certainly kept my mind busy long after the house lights came up. A thoughtful, moving, and funny work, you won’t want to miss Withrow Park. I have a feeling this will quickly become a mainstay of Canadian theatre. For more information and tickets, visit: https://tarragontheatre.com/plays/current-season/upcoming/withrow-park/

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Cover photo: Corrine Koslo, Johnathan Sousa, Nancy Palk and Benedict Campbell in Withrow Park – Tarragon Theatre 2023 – Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann

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