Life Lessons

Reviewed by Debbie McClure

Life is full of unexpected challenges that often lead to personal growth in ways not envisioned previously. Throw in the expectations of people of different generations or socio-economic backgrounds, and change is inevitable. That’s the premise of Powers and Gloria, which has now opened on the outdoor Harvest Stage at the Blyth Festival.

When Gloria, a young woman from the poorer side of town, comes to work for Edward Powers, the town’s largest employer and business owner, she’s impressed with his wealth and beautiful home. Never one to be intimidated, Gloria quickly establishes herself as someone Edward cannot manipulate. Throughout the year, they work together to restore Edward’s mobility after a stroke. In the process, the two build an unexpected friendship rooted in respect and genuine caring. Gloria learns that there’s more to life and what she’s capable of than what she’d envisioned. Edward learns to trust Gloria, appreciate her quick wit, and rely on her ability to help him recover. The quips and banter between the two are downright funny, allowing the relationship between the old man and the young woman to deepen.

Unfortunately, sparks fly and angry words erupt between Edward and his son, James. Father and son are at cross-purposes regarding how James should run his family’s business. Edward’s traditional values and ways of doing business clash with James’s idea of how things should be done. The love between Edward and James is evident, but learning to respect and understand the other is difficult.

Gloria’s blue-collar fiancé, Darryl, is hard-pressed to understand Gloria’s growing respect and caring for her employer, or her growing independence. When he wins the lottery, he’s sure that life will now be easy. He’s excited to get married, buy a house, and start a family. However, Gloria has begun to stretch the limits of what she envisions her life can be if she returns to school and pursues a future beyond a house and family.

Powers and Gloria is a funny, yet introspective look at the relationships between people faced with life-altering decisions and challenges. Each can learn valuable lessons from the other, if they’re willing to listen. I’d highly recommend this excellent portrayal of human frailty, resilience, and acceptance.

Beautifully written by playwright Keith Roulston and directed by Peter Hinton-Davis, with outstanding performances by Richard Comeau as Darryl, Randy Hughson as Edward Powers, Madeline Kennedy as Gloria, and James Dallas Smith as James Powers.

Powers and Gloria runs in repertory at the Harvest Stage, Blyth Festival Theatre until August 23rd. Tickets are available at 519-523-9300/1-877-862-5984 or go to www.blythfestival.com.

Photo: Randy Hughson as Edward Powers(left) and Madeline Kennedy as Gloria (right)

Powers and Gloria
By Keith Roulston
Directed by Peter Hinton-Davis
Performed by Richard Comeau, Randy Hughson, Madeline Kennedy, James Dallas Smith
Blyth Festival, Harvest Stage, 377 Gypsy Lane, Blyth, Ontario
July 30th to August 30th, 2025
Reviewed by Debbie McClure