Off-Kilter and On Point: ’37 Postcards’ Charms at OLT

From the moment the curtain rises to reveal a charmingly skewed interior, it’s clear the audience is in for a whimsical treat.

In this farcical comedy, sisters Evelyn (Dianna Renée Yorke) and Ester (Andree Benson) prepare for the long-awaited return of Avery (Dawson Fleming)—Evelyn’s beloved son, who has spent the last eight years exploring Europe.

Avery arrives with his new fiancée, Gillian (Lindsey Keene), only to find his childhood home both literally and figuratively off-kilter. Though warmly received by his family, nothing quite makes sense in the Sutton household. From mysteriously timed phone calls to delightfully inappropriate comments, the oddities abound.

The audience soon realizes that coming home is not just a physical act—it’s emotional too. Though it was believed Avery had kept in touch by sending 37 postcards during his travels, it turns out he never actually sent any. The postcards serve as a metaphor for fragmented, surface-level communication and the emotional distance that grew in his absence.

Aunt Ester is particularly curious. Her sweet demeanour and fixation on phone calls take a humorous turn when she compliments Gillian’s voice and innocently asks her to say “fellatio.” It’s a perfect cue that this old lady has a very colourful side hustle.

Lindsey Keene shines as the unflappable Gillian, bringing warmth and authenticity to the role. Her chemistry with Fleming is so convincing, you could believe they were a couple offstage. Fleming, who wowed OLT audiences as Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, gives another standout performance as the perplexed son navigating his family’s oddball antics.

Yorke and Benson provide solid turns as the eccentric sisters, while Sarah Hearn brings comic fire as the crotchety, pyjama-clad grandmother who’s very much alive, despite her daughter and son-in-law’s mistaken belief.

Lawrence Evenchick rounds out the cast with a strong performance as Stanford P. Sutton, the upbeat patriarch who prefers to ignore life’s darker moments, so much so that he’s taken up night golfing. He, like the rest of the family, communicates without truly engaging.

Gillean Denny Bernier’s wonderfully askew set design perfectly reflects the family’s charming dysfunction, which is revealed to stem from a deeper, shared trauma. Director Riley Stewart steers this zany ship with confidence and flair. A significant departure from his performance as Red in the emotionally weighty Shawshank Redemption. Stewart proves his impressive range with this buoyant and bizarre comedy.

At just under two hours, 37 Postcards is fast-paced, clever, and full of laugh-out-loud moments. Judging by the standing ovation on opening night, this offbeat family has certainly struck a chord.

Catch 37 Postcards, Wednesday to Saturday, at Ottawa Little Theatre until June 28.

Tickets are available at www.ottawalittletheatre.com or by calling 613-233-8948.

Photo: Maria Vartanova