Finding the Man of Your Dreams
Reviewed by Mary Alderson
Norm Foster’s A Woman’s Love List is a departure from his usual “slice of life” comedies, where the play is funny because you recognize the people or see yourself in it. But Foster has moved into fantasy with this offering, now on stage at the Globus Theatre, just south of Bobcaygeon.
In 2012, I saw The Love List, a story about two men in the same plot, also by Foster. Back then, I pointed out that he had written 45 comedies, certainly a record for a Canadian playwright. Well, Norm’s blown that record away; he has now written more than 90 plays.
The men’s Love List and the women’s version are very similar in concept, but each play has its own clever dialogue and quick wit, with one laugh after another.
Two women, Carly and Megan have become best friends. Carly is a sports writer and Megan is a hairdresser. Neither have a current boyfriend, and finding Carly a man becomes Megan’s vocation. Megan meets up with a shaman (or witch) matchmaker, and has a special piece of paper where Carly has to write down the top 10 things she wants in her perfect man. Much to their surprise that guy shows up, even before Megan has a chance to return the piece of paper to the shaman.
Once Carly believes that this could be the perfect mate for her, Megan changes some of the 10 items so she can find her perfect man. But unfortunately, reworking the list changes some of Carly’s man’s attributes. For example, Carly likes to leave her current research material scattered about the living room, creating a very messy-looking place. But at the same time, she knows which magazine is where and can immediately put her hands on the information she needs. Megan changes the list to her preference for “tidy”. Suddenly Carly’s man is cleaning every thing and moving all her research material to another room, all in a neat stack.
Obviously, this is going to create a big problem. The women differ in what makes the perfect mate, which creates comedy. Plus, there are a few salacious items on the list, which get lots of laughs from the audience. When “sense of humour” is removed from the list, the man suddenly does not get any of the jokes the two women are bandying about.
Elana Post is excellent as Carly. At first, she is very skeptical and almost angry about the list, but when he suddenly appears and has the qualities she liked about Blaze, a surfer dude she once had a summer fling with in California, she falls for him.
Sarah Quick plays Megan, the sassy hairdresser. She handles the quick jabs and funny retorts perfectly.
Allan Cooke is Blaze, Carly’s perfect man. His quick pivots as the list changes are hilarious. All three have perfect comedic timing, and the audience loves the witty banter.
For this production, the seating was set up for theatre in the round. The audience circles Carly’s apartment. The blocking makes excellent use of the space and the cast turns about to make sure everyone catches the action.
As each scene ends, there is clever use of appropriate music. A pop tune plays for a moment, with lyrics that sum up what has just taken place.
The notion of a magic love list also pokes fun at the use of online dating websites. Can you really find the person of your dreams looking at photos and filling out a form online? How many frogs do you have to kiss before Prince Charming comes along? Maybe we do need shaman matchmakers.
As usual, a delicious dinner is offered pre-show. The appetizers are a choice of cauliflower soup, Caesar salad or my favourite, delectable, garlicy escargot. The main course offerings included pork, salmon, or vegetarian, and for dessert, I can only remember my choice, probably because I didn’t read any further on the menu – yummy sticky toffee pudding with smooth, delicious ice cream.
Don’t miss this cute and clever comedy. The quick wit is pure Norm Foster. Add on the dinner and you have a perfect night out, maybe even with your perfect mate.
A Woman’s Love List continues at the Globus Theatre near Bobcaygeon, until October 10. Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at 705-738-2037 or 1-800-304-7897 or visit https://www.globustheatre.com/
Photo: Sarah Quick as Megan, Elana Post as Carly and Allan Cooke as Blaze. Carly’s Love List includes kisses on the neck.
A Woman’s Love List
By Norm Foster
Directed by James Barrett
Performed by Elena Post, Sarah Quick, Allan Cooke.
Globus Theatre, 2300 Pigeon Lake Road, Bobcaygeon
September 30 to October 10, 2026
Reviewed by Mary Alderson