Alberta Theatre Projects (ATP) concluded its season with a remarkable success in Mark Crawford’s The Birds and the Bees. Under Lauren Taylor’s direction, this hilarious and heartwarming sex farce resonated with audiences, capturing the unpredictability of life with precision. The opening night I attended was a memorable evening, where laughter and emotional connections blended seamlessly, leaving a lasting impression on all who experienced it.
Originally premiering at the Blyth Festival in 2016, The Birds and the Bees has become one of the most widely produced new Canadian plays. The production at the Martha Cohen Theatre marked the final stop on a tour that began as a runaway hit in Vancouver with the Arts Club Theatre Company in 2019 before its critically acclaimed remount in 2023.
The narrative revolves around Gail, portrayed with stunning nuance by Nancy Kerr, a beekeeper grappling with the mysterious death of her bees—a situation that serves as a subtle metaphor for environmental crises. Complications arise when her middle-aged daughter Sarah, played by the effervescent Arghavan Jenati, arrives at her doorstep after leaving her husband. With the addition of Earl, an oversexed farmer expertly portrayed by Gerry Mackay, and Ben, a naive university student brought to life by Riley Hardwick, Crawford sets the stage for an old-fashioned yet refreshingly modern sex comedy.
The opening night commenced with Sarah’s arrival, leading to a hilariously candid mother-daughter conversation about their respective sex lives—or lack thereof. Gail’s and Sarah’s past hurts come to light, further enriched by the comedic friction of their strained relationship.
As the play progresses, the introduction of Earl, Gail’s neighbour and farm tenant, adds depth to the narrative. Earl is a serial womanizer attempting to rekindle a romantic interest in Gail, adding layers of comedy and reflection on past relationships.
The plot thickens with the arrival of Ben, an athletic 23-year-old student studying collapsing bee colonies, which ties into Gail’s concerns about her dying bees. Ben’s innocence and secret virginity provide comic relief, particularly in his interactions with the other characters. Ben’s presence also symbolizes hope and renewal, reflecting the younger generation’s quest for understanding environmental issues.
Gail’s struggle to understand why her honeybees are dying symbolizes broader environmental issues. It mirrors her internal journey toward reconciling her past, her strained relationship with Sarah, and her reluctance to open up to Earl.
Tensions rise as the Turkey Days Festival approaches, and comedic antics escalate. The blend of farce and genuine emotion culminates in revelatory moments. Gail confronts her fears of vulnerability, leading to a tentative reconnection with Earl. Simultaneously, Sarah’s blossoming connection with Ben offers her a new perspective on love and self-worth. This connection takes an unexpected turn when Sarah discovers she is pregnant with Ben’s child, adding another layer of complexity and hope.
By the conclusion of The Birds and the Bees, the characters have addressed their struggles and formed a makeshift community that underscores the importance of connection and shared vulnerability. Crawford’s work resonates by intertwining humour with heartfelt moments, juxtaposing personal dramas with environmental consciousness, ensuring the themes extend beyond the immediate narrative.
The cast’s performances were integral to the production’s impact. Jenati’s portrayal of Sarah as an anxious and repressed woman was beautifully contrasted by Hardwick’s embodiment of innocent, wide-eyed Ben. Their chemistry was electric, making their eventual bond both believable and delightful.
Kerr’s interpretation of Gail showcased a woman reclaiming control over her life, with her scenes opposite Mackay’s Earl brimming with humour and emotional depth. Mackay excelled in portraying Earl’s redneck bravado while revealing his underlying vulnerability. These layered performances added richness to what could have been straightforward comedic roles.
Director Lauren Taylor’s vision for The Birds and the Bees was brilliant. She transformed the production into an engaging, sitcom-like experience that resonated deeply with the audience. Taylor’s direction was a masterclass in balancing comedy and poignancy, drawing out nuanced performances from the cast and creating a production that was both entertaining and thought-provoking. Her exceptional handling of Crawford’s script solidified her reputation as a masterful director.
Overall, The Birds and the Bees was a monumental success, blending unrestrained humour, heartfelt storytelling, and insightful direction. Lauren Taylor’s masterful handling of the production and Crawford’s writing created a theatrical experience where audiences found both laughter and solace in life’s unpredictability.
