In the midst of wondering why things are the way they are, at some point we realize that while we may not have gotten what we wanted, we got exactly what we needed.
This scenario is beautifully portrayed in the Scarborough Theatre Guild's latest show, Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun by Scarborough's Norm Foster, an amazing story about real people, with real issues whose joy comes from genuinely loving and caring for one another.
This heartfelt story centres around two special relationships: Claire (Candi Zell), a middle-aged mother of the mentally-challenged Robert (Tommy Boston), who at 35 has the mind of an eight year old, and Holly (Julie Jarrett) and her deadbeat boyfriend Simon (Stephen Noll), who is hesitant to man up after Holly becomes pregnant.
Claire does everything for her son, reminding him of things over and over again as he's forgetful, and helping him with the little things that overwhelm him. Robert has a job at a copy place and each morning his mother sees him off by timing his bus route so he isn't late.
But one morning, he misses the bus and meets a crying Holly at the bus stop. She's just been told by Simon that a baby would complicate his impending divorce so she's on her own. A teacher by trade, Holly has a job at a sports store and is terrified at her prospects.
Robert, with his child-like innocence, tries everything to cheer her up even after she tells him she doesn't want to talk about it. However, Holly soon realizes Robert is special, is cheered up, and they become fast friends.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Robert, his mother has cancer and is frantic at his future prospects after she's gone. He has no friends, forgets his way, and is as needy as a child. So after hearing about Holly, she tells Robert to invite her over for dinner.
After their meal, Claire tells Holly they once took in boarders for extra money and Holly, trying to save money, decides to move in. Months go by and the four of them, including her new baby, are living happily as a family unit until one day, Simon shows up.
Holly is then faced with a hard decision; to leave with Simon and leave Robert behind or stay with the people who have given her love and a home after she was abandoned.
The performances in this show are what made it enjoyable.
The female leads give strong and genuine performances as they take responsibility for the situations they're in.
Newcomer, Boston was flawless as Robert. His performance was so moving, and you couldn't help but love and worry about Robert.
There are several great scenes, especially the ones between Jarrett as Holly, and Robert. They touch upon topics from sex and saying goodbye to giving birth, and the patience she shows Robert, and the quiet dignity during her own dire time, showed Jarrett's amazing talent.
In his directorial debut, Kevin Shaver did an excellent job, and picked a realistic story containing a mixture of humour and drama with a far-reaching message.
If you're looking to watch a touching story about perseverance and true love in an unconventional form, this show is perfect for you.
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The remaining shows for Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun are March 12-14, 18-20, 8 p.m., and one 2 p.m. matinee on March 15, at the Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Rd. Tickets are $17 and $14 for students and seniors on Thursdays and Sundays only. For tickets call 416-396-4049.