The early days of adulthood, when young people set out to make it on their own, free of the guiding hand of their parents, aren’t always as freeing as they would appear. At the young age of 18, playwright John Fray, even before he himself had ventured out on his own, set out to tell the story of a young man named Lenny and his failed attempt to make it on his own. In the play Lenny Moves In, John tells Lenny’s story in a hilarious and heartwarming way that speaks of the charm of inter-generational relationships.
Lenny Moves In was first performed on stage at the Guelph Little Theatre as a 40-minute comedy, starring John and his high school buddies. Since then John, now an accomplished playwright and actor, and his father, Meaford ’s own playwright and actor Brian Fray, have collaborated on a full-length version of Lenny Moves In.
“John and I have a similar writing styles,” said Brian. “He once commented that he wrote the play with his me and his grandfather – that is, my father – in mind. I could see that I could lend the older person perspective. The new version is a blend of young Lenny and an old guy like me in his 70s.”
The end result is a comedy that is both hilarious and insightful, from both sides of the coin. On one hand, there is 20-year-old Lenny who expects to have to put his love life on hold when he begrudgingly moves into his grandparents’ house. On the other hand, there is Grandpa Howard, who fumbles his way through new adventures with his grandson.
“When you bring young and old together, you may discover that both have value,” said Brian.
There will be six performances at Woodford Community Centre on October 16, 17, 18, and 23, 24, and 25.
Tickets are available online at www.3common.com/MeafordTheatreCompany, at Craig’s Gallery in Meaford, and at the door. Adults $25, youth $15. Show time 7:30 p.m.
For more information, contact tickets1.mtc@gmail.com.
