Reviewed by Jo-Anne Bishop
In the intimate black box setting of Procunier Hall at the Palace Theatre, Harris Cashes Out offers a light comedy with a bittersweet premise and a few strong performances. Written by playwright Londos D’Arrigo and directed by Julianna Goertzen, the play centres on Harris Wellborn, a once-hopeful composer and writer whose brush with theatrical success came – and went – decades ago. Forty years after a musical of his closed almost as soon as it opened, Harris now scrapes by in a run-down apartment, relying on the reluctant generosity of his domineering sister, Maggie. His quiet existence is disrupted when Maggie enlists the help of an eccentric neighbour, Kim, and her scheming boyfriend sees an opportunity to profit from Harris’s long-ago brush with fame.
(Pictured: Tim Bourgard as Harris Wellborn. Photo: Ross Davidson.)
Tim Bourgard brings a grounded presence to the titular character, Harris. His performance leans quite comfortably into the character’s weary charm, and his comedic timing often lands well with the audience. Bourgard creates a believable portrait of a man who has spent years lingering with his thoughts of what might have been and pining for a time gone by.
(Jasmine Gunkel as Kim Sutton. Photo: Ross Davidson.)
Jasmine Gunkel as the eccentric neighbour, Kim, and Vivien King-Sherwood as the meddling sister, Maggie, each give commendable performances. But the standout performance of the evening comes from Sam Didi as Jason, whose energy and sharp delivery help elevate several scenes. Whenever Jason enters the stage, the rhythm of the show noticeably tightens, providing some of the play’s most engaging moments.
(Pictured: Sam Didi as Jason Sernach. Photo: Ross Davidson.)
And while the cast performs well together overall, occasionally the chemistry and pacing felt inconsistent. At times, the production struggled to maintain momentum, particularly during a few awkward scene transitions that momentarily disrupted the flow of the story. Scene continuity in those awkward moments would improve with music or lighting.
(Pictured: Vivien King-Sherwood as Maggie Bellows. Photo: Ross Davdson.)
Technically, the production suits the scale of Procunier Hall’s black box space. The costuming is particularly effective, helping define the characters clearly without overwhelming the intimate setting. The simplicity works in the show’s favour and keeps the focus squarely on the actors and the dialogue.
One of the evening’s highlights came before the show even began: the playwright himself was in attendance, a treat that added a special sense of occasion for the audience.
(Pictured: Playwright Londos D’Arrigo.)
While Harris Cashes Out! delivers some enjoyable comedic moments and a few memorable performances, the script itself feels uneven. The play builds toward a resolution that ultimately lands somewhat softly, leaving the ending feeling less satisfying than the setup might promise. Still, there is charm in this small-scale production. It may not be a show that completely wows you or wins you over, but it offers an evening of theatre with enough humour and heart to make the experience worthwhile—even if it never quite cashes in on its full potential.
IF YOU GO:
What: Harris Cashes Out by Londos D’Arrigo, Directed by Julianna Goertzen
Where: Procunier Hall at the Palace Theatre, 710 Dundas St, London, Ontario
When: March 5 – 15, 2026
Tickets: Adults: $33, Students/Seniors (55+): $30, Youth (under 18): $20, Preview: $22 2025-2026 Shows – Palace Theatre
Harris Cashes Out! Reviewed by Jo-Anne Bishop.
The Beat Magazine 2025 