Reviewed by Jo-Anne Bishop
The St. Marys Community Players’ production of Hilda’s Yard by Norm Foster is a warm, funny, and heartfelt slice of mid-century life that charms from start to finish. Before the play even begins, we see Hilda sitting in her yard with a glass of lemonade on the table, listening to music, tidying up and getting ready to go about her day – and the audience is immediately captivated by her presence.
Set in 1956, the story follows Hilda and Sam Fluck as they finally settle into their long-awaited empty nest, only to find it suddenly full again when their grown children return home, each with problems of their own.
The set is simple yet beautifully realized. From the moment the stage lights rise, the impeccable set design transports the audience straight into the Flucks’ backyard, complete with period-perfect details that make the story feel authentic and lived-in. There is so much attention to detail, from the lawn furniture to the clothesline, grass, and fence, that it creates a space that feels both nostalgic and intimate, allowing the audience to step right into Hilda’s world.
(Pictured: Cast of Hilda’s Yard. Photo credit: Jayne Fuller Photography)
The ensemble cast is truly outstanding. Edie Pedersen (Hilda) and Don Van Galen (Sam) convincingly portray the elder Flucks, a couple ready to while away their quiet hours in front of their new “major purchase” — a 21-inch, state-of-the-art television set. With their children out of the house, they finally believe they can afford a little luxury, and Sam is thrilled at the prospect of a reduced grocery bill (the costs of which he tends to fuss about) — at least until the children come home.
Their son, Gary (Matthew Schell), and daughter, Janey (Alex Pedersen), return, much to their parents’ dismay, each bringing chaos and comedy to the Fluck household. Gary is followed by Bobbi (Sarah Nixon), a hepcat trombone player who’s caught his eye, and Beverly (Derek Roberts), an articulate and surprisingly charming bookie determined to collect on Gary’s unpaid bets. Both Nixon and Roberts deliver outstanding supporting performances, leaving the audience in stitches throughout.
Each performer brings warmth, wit, and depth to their role, perfectly capturing Norm Foster’s trademark blend of humour and humanity. The chemistry among the actors keeps the energy vibrant, and their timing, both comedic and emotional, is impeccable. Costumes and props are spot-on for the era, further enhancing the show’s charm and realism. Every detail, from the 1950s wardrobe to the small domestic touches, contributes to the play’s delightful sense of time and place.
Norm Foster’s dialogue flows naturally, and Hilda’s Yard may well be one of his finest examples of relatable humour and heartfelt storytelling. The pacing is smooth and the transitions seamless, with just enough surprises along the way to keep audiences engaged. Conflicts are resolved in satisfying and believable ways, and the direction by Costin Manu makes excellent use of every inch of the stage. The result is a beautifully blocked, perfectly balanced production.
Hilda’s Yard is an evening of laughter, nostalgia, and heart, beautifully realized by a talented cast and creative team whose passion shines through in every moment. It’s a production that reminds us why community theatre matters and why Norm Foster’s plays continue to resonate with audiences across Canada. Don’t miss this funny and touching show that’s sure to leave you smiling.
If You Go:
What: Hilda’s Yard, presented by the St. Marys Community Players
Where: St. Marys Town Hall, 175 Queen St. East, St. Marys, Ontario
When: October 16 – November 2, 2025
Tickets: $20, available at Home | St. Marys Community Players or in person at Troyer’s Spices, 110 Queen St. E., St. Marys.
Reviewed by The Beat Magazine’s Jo-Anne Bishop
