At times, the darkest situations can yield some of the most true and genuinely funny comedy. Jordi Mand has certainly tapped into that beautiful duality with her latest play In Seven Days. In a co-production with The Grand Theatre, and directed by Philip Akin, In Seven Days will have you laughing and crying in equal measure as we witness the final week of a family patriarch’s life. Tough, but real, conversations give In Seven Days its gravitas, while the impressive performances bring out the joy and light.

In Seven Days is about Rachel, a young successful lawyer who comes home to see her father (Sam) and his girlfriend (Shelley). Upon arrival, she learns that her father’s health has declined significantly, and that he has decided to receive medical assistance in dying. Devastated by his decision, and hoping to change his mind, she stays for the final week of Sam’s life. Things get a little hectic when Rachel’s ex-boyfriend Darren arrives to help, along with their former Rabbi Eli. While the ending feels inevitable, there’s a sense of peace in the despair.

I am delighted at how hard I was laughing throughout this show. From the first argument over the bagels, there’s a consistent balance between the light and dark, funny and sad; the balance of every-day life. Stories and traditions, revelations and terrible dresses, there’s such deep meaning in the joyful moments as well. Jordi Mand’s script not only captures the harsh realities of Sam’s situation, but also the difficulties for young people today, as well as the joys of love, family, and friendship.

In a time when much of the world is in turmoil, plays like In Seven Days are vitally important. To experience aspects of the Jewish faith through this show, while also witnessing the audience’s reactions to those references, is an honour, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to do so. To come together as a community, to laugh and cry together, is essential and In Seven Days exemplifies this not only through its story, but through its audience as well.

Sean Mulcahy’s set and costume design for this production embodies this upper-middle-class status of the family. Suburbia at its finest, the white furniture, kitchen island, and striped wallpaper immediately signal that these folks are fairly well off. A shining moment would have to be the dresses which Shelley brings home for Rachel to try on; they all have this slightly 80’s vibe to them, although the second dress looks like Cinderella’s dress that she made for the ball! The final result is stunning, and is complimented by the floral arrangements around the room. I enjoyed Siobhán Sleath’s lighting design, particularly the scene transitions; by spotlighting certain characters we’re able to connect with them and stay in the moment while the scene is changing over.

Bringing this beautiful story to life is a stellar cast of talented actors. Ron Lea stars as Sam. Lea brings a vulnerability, as well as determination, to Sam which cements him as the patriarch while also showing beautiful growth throughout the play. Shaina Silver-Baird plays Rachel, his daughter. Her nuanced and passionate performance gives us one emotionally charged moment after another. Mairi Babb plays Shelley, and I loved how she kept up the sweet suburban housewife facade for so much of the play, making the moments where she tells her truth so powerful and moving. Brendan McMurtry-Howlett’s Darren really is a good guy. McMurtry-Howlett’s sincerity and charm shine through this character, and give us hope for his and Rachel’s future. Rounding out the cast is Ralph Small as Eli. His chemistry with Lea makes their scenes together some of my favourites, and he has a warmth to him which pervades through the darkness of the situation.

In Seven Days is not to be missed theatre; poignant, moving, and amusing all at once, you won’t want to miss this production. In Seven Days runs until May 16 at the Greenwin Theatre at the Meridian Arts Centre. For more information and tickets, visit: http://www.hgjewishtheatre.com/2023-2024-InSevenDays.html

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Cover Photo: Mairi Babb and Ron Lea. Photo by Dahlia Katz

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