When you need hope, sometimes it can be found in the most unexpected people and places.
In the Scarborough Player's latest show, The Rainmaker, a con man is the unlikely source of hope and help for one family that is in desperate need of both.A touching story about family and the pursuit of happiness that has the perfect combination of likeable characters, comedy and a well-written storyline, The Rainmaker, by N. Richard Nash, reminds us that blind faith and believing in yourself can go a long way.Set during The Depression, this story centres around the Curry family, the widower H.C (Tony McCann), sons Noah (Harry Lavigne) and Jimmy (Luke Slade) and his daughter Lizzie (Carolyn Tutchener), who are going through some hard times trying to keep their ranch afloat during a terrible drought.The Curry's have one thing they cling to more than the hope of rain - a strong family bond, and while the drought threatens their livelihood and their peace of mind, something else is threatening to divide them.H.C. is worried that Lizzie will never marry or be truly happy with her life. He even sends her out of town to help the process along and invites Deputy Sheriff File (Scott Simpson) for dinner. Both she and Noah disagree with their father's meddling but truth be told, while Lizzie, is smart and sweet, she's also plain and awkward around men, so her prospects seem dim. It's only until a charismatic man walks into their home promising to bring rain for the price of $100, do things start looking up for the Curry family. Bill Starbuck (Zach McKendrick), preaching like a televangelist, tells them about his miracle work, providing rain wherever it's needed. To Lizzie and Noah's shock, H.C. agrees to give him the money, and Bill has them do all kinds of silly things to bring on the magic of rain. But the real magic happens when we see that although Bill is clearly a con man, his belief in miracles, and in himself, is what's truly great about him. He passes that on to Lizzie and in turn, ends up helping the Curry family rediscover their bond.This show was interesting to watch and while the storyline sounds dated, it's really about family relationships and pulling together when the odds are against you, making the story relevant and modern.The strength in this show came from the acting as all the actors were so natural in their roles. Slade was the hilarious and entertaining as the immature but carefree Jimmy, Lavigne was so believable as the pillar of strength and voice of reason and McCann was great as a dad whose love, and concern, for his children was so obvious.There is also a great-sub-plot in this show; File, whose wife left him six years ago, is also looking to mend his heart and much like Lizzie needs something to believe in. Both Tutchener as Lizzie, and Simpson as File, were very honest, moving and a pleasure to watch.McKendrick was amazing as the con man Bill. His energy was electric and he really knew how to command the room's attention, much like this heart-warming production did, overall.The Rainmaker is now onstage with performances tonight until Saturday and March 20, 25, and 26 at 8 p.m. and matinees at 2 p.m. Sunday and March 27 at the Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Rd. For tickets call 416-267-9292.