The Naked Truth

Reviewed by Debbie McClure

In 1988, Stony Valley, Saskatchewan, was in the middle of one of the worst droughts anyone can remember. With crops at high risk of failing, John Richards (Adrian Shepherd-Gawinski) decides to return home to his family’s farm and brings along his new girlfriend, Kate (Brontae Hunter). Kate is not a farm girl though; she’s a punk-rock-loving vegetarian from the city who agrees to join John for the summer. Intrigued by the idea of farm life, she’s eager to ride the big combine and learn about living on the land. Getting to know John’s family and figuring out how to fit in isn’t quite so easy. Kate has different ideas that John’s sister and brother applaud, but his parents struggle to accept and understand.

The intense heat and dust have everyone in town on edge. Praying for rain has become the main topic of conversation. After joining John, his brother, Charlie (Cameron Laurie), and the local newspaper editor/mayor, Rob (David Kirby), Kate blurts out that if it finally rains, she’ll run naked down Main Street in celebration. To the horror of John and his parents, Rob prints an article about Kate’s boast. When they learn that word of Kate’s promise has quickly spread around town and to other news outlets across the province, they’re sure Kate will retract her statement. However, Kate and John’s sister see the humour and potential opportunity to sell tickets to the event as a fundraiser for the town. Kate enthusiastically gets behind the idea, but when the day for the streak arrives and nerves set in, will Kate go through with her promise?

Delightfully written by playwright Leeann Minogue and directed by Kate Lynch, Dry Streak is a terrifically witty comedy that had the audience chuckling throughout and then bursting out in raucous laughter as Kate, with the aid of John’s mother, prepares to bare all in a stunt that has everyone praying for rain. Local farm families will relate to the very real concerns of failing crops and small-town living, giving this story a close-to-home feeling. It’s a feel-good portrayal of life in rural Canada that the audience clearly appreciated, and that I would highly recommend.

Dry Streak continues at the Blyth Festival Theatre until August 16th.  Tickets are available at 519-523-9300 / 1-877-862-5984 or go to https://blythfestival.com/ .

Photo: Benedict Campbell (Peter Richards), David Kirby (Rob Armstrong), Cameron Laurie (Charlie Richards), Hallie Seline (Denise (Richards) Smith), and Adrian Shepherd-Gawinski (John Richards).  Photo by Lyon Smith.

Dry Streak
By Leeann Minogue
Directed by Kate Lynch
Performed by Benedict Campbell, Robin Craig, Brontae Hunter, David Kirby, Cameron Laurie, Hallie Seline, Adrian Shepherd-Gawinski
Blyth Festival, Margaret Stephens Stage at Memorial Hall. Blyth, Ontario
Reviewed by Debbie McClure