As memory fades, family secrets emerge

The Fringe production of Remember, Maggy? uses the tagline “Like Golden Girls with addiction and Alzheimer’s” on its promotional material and program. The show is hilariously funny – and also incredibly poignant and even a bit haunting.

Co-written by mother/son team Carol Anne Murray and Matt Murray (Matt also directed), the story unfolds in the living room of Kate’s Toronto apartment. Kate is the classic “good girl,” widowed at a relatively young age and looking after her mother Niamh, who has Alzheimer’s Disease but still manages to get her Irish mother licks in. Kate’s younger sister Maggy, a hard-talking, alcoholic Vancouver-based actress, flits in and out of their lives as their mother’s condition worsens. Kate’s goofy and warm-hearted friend Irene is more like a sister – and proves to be a rock for Kate as time goes on. Throughout the five-year span of the action, family secrets emerge even as Niamh’s memory fades. Kate’s scenes at the top and bottom of the play bookend the action nicely – with shades of things to come.

The excellent ensemble cast features Rosemary Doyle (Maggy), Joan Gregson (Niamh), Denise Oucharek (Kate) and Alanis Peart (Irene) – and they earned a standing ovation from the sold-out house last night.

Remember, Maggy? runs until Saturday, July 16 at the Tarragon Theatre Extra Space – and I’d strongly suggest either purchasing your tix in advance or lining up early. These golden girls will likely sell out again.