Bowling for Dollars and Bragging Rights
Reviewed by Mary Alderson
Opening Night Excitement: After preparing her usual delicious dinners for theatre goers prior to the performance, director Sarah Quick made an important announcement. Not only was it opening night on Bobcaygeon’s Globus stage for a new comedy, Sore Losers, it was actually a world premier! Quick proudly pointed out that whenever this play is presented in the future, it will bear the information that it was first presented at the Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon.
Adding to this exciting announcement was the fact that the playwright himself was a character in this production. It’s a charming little story involving four characters, plus a bowling alley that almost seems to have a life of its own.
Burt is the third generation to own the bowling alley, and little has changed over the years. Pink flamingoes decorate the bright turquoise walls, and presumably they’ve been there forever. Burt’s buddy Jim is a devoted bowler who seems to make the bowling alley his home. But sadly, the beloved old bowling alley is facing strong competition from the impressive new Galaxy Bowl in town.
Jim and Burt struggle to live up to the past. Both their fathers were championship bowlers, and the trophy casts attests to that fact. But they have never achieved their own bowling goals. Jim wants to take a crack at the provincial bowling championship and Burt’s niece Angie is on board. Burt takes more convincing but he finally agrees. Then they have to find a fourth. The only hope is a new dentist. He agrees because he wants to meet new people. What he doesn’t share is the information that he has never bowled before!
Playwright Bradley Austin is Burt and of course, he handles the role exactly as it should be. Having invented the character, Austin can only be perfect at portraying him. The laughs come from Burt’s inability to reign in Jim, played by Globus’s Artistic Producer James Barrett. Barrett is adept at roles where he can be laughed at, without becoming the fool. In those roles, he can also tug our heartstrings with his backstory. This part shows his comedic timing and while also making us feel for him.
Mallory Brumm as Angie brings energy to the character, and like Jim, her backstory makes the audience want to see her protected. Kyle Claeys as Greg, the new dentist, adds to the comedy with his disastrous bowling technique.
That’s all I can say with spoiling the surprise ending, but the four characters, under Quick’s direction, work together very well.
Sore Losers is funny and heartwarming at the same time, light entertainment for a perfect evening out. Anyone who grew up in a small town will recognize these characters and appreciate the sweet story.
Sore Losers continues at the Globus Theatre near Bobcaygeon, until July 25. Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at 705-738-2037 or 1-800-304-7897 or visit https://www.globustheatre.com/
Photo: Bradley Austin as Burt, Mallory Brumm as Angie, James Barrett as Jim, and Kyle Claeys as Greg at the bowling alley’s juke box.
Sore Losers
By Bradley Austin
Directed by Sarah Quick
Performed by Bradle Austin, James Barrett, Mallory Brumm, Kyle Claeys.
Globus Theatre, Bobcaygeon
July 15 to 25, 2026
Reviewed by Mary Alderson