Lakeshore Players on a Fools errand

Fools by Neil Simon “is an over-the-top fantasy, a fairy tale with some of the same comic elements as the traditional British pantomime,” explained Steve Gillam, who is directing his sixth production for the community theatre troupe. “The story is set in 1890 in a village which believes it has been cursed with stupidity for 200 years, and where ignorance is bliss,” said the Beaconsfield resident, who has also appeared in 15 shows since he joined the company in 1996.

While it may be one of the award-winning writer’s more obscure plays, “it’s sweet and quite humourous, with a very funny script,” Gillam said.

Fools is also typical of Simon’s works in that in between the one-liners is an undertone of caustic social commentary. The last Simon play the company mounted was the well-known comedy London Suite during the 1998-’99 season.

The play opens next Wednesday at John Rennie High School in Pointe Claire, with a special benefit performance on Feb. 9. Recipients are the Stewart Hall Singers, the West Island Palliative Care Residence, and the Montreal Lakeshore University Women’s Club.

A cast of 10 comprises seasoned Lakeshore Players actors, as well as newer talent.

Fools marks Dorval resident Joe Dineen’s first time on stage with the troupe. “My character is Gregor, the count and outsider of the village. He’s the supposed villain, but all he wants is to be loved,” said Dineen, adding, “it’s a cute, light play, very sitcom-ish. “I came to the West Island from New York, where I worked off Broadway for about 15 years. After moving here I decided to get back into acting. I had seen a few Lakeshore Players productions, and while they might not have the budget of some other theatre companies, the quality is the same.”

Fools runs through Feb. 7, and from the 11th to the 14th. Curtain time is 8 p.m. The theatre is located at 501 St. John’s Blvd. Tickets may be purchased at the door, or can be reserved by calling 514-631-8718.