Bingo!

John Beale and Sarah Dodd in Bingo! Photo by Joanna Akyol.

Set distinctly in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Daniel MacIvor's Bingo! follows a group of old friends at their 30th high school reunion. Directed by Nigel Shawn Williams, Factory Theatre's entertaining remount of this 2011 play features a top-notch ensemble as a recognizable cast of classroom characters: the bully Doug "Dookie" Duke (David Keely), the nerd Paul "Nurk" Kenney (John Beale), the jock Jeff "Heffer" MacInnis (Dov Mickelson), the tough girl Lauren "Boots" Boutlier (Jane Spidell), and the naive sweetheart Kathy "Bitsy" Cameron (Sarah Dodd).

Over the course of the night the gang plays "Bingo," a drinking game where the winner is the first one to throw up and yell "Bingo!" (so they can drink again, of course). Between shots, the friends reveal their hopes, fears, regrets and desires, proving that some things never change and other things change a lot. Getting to know this crowd of Cape Bretoners is a rowdy bit of fun.

Bingo! is lighter fare than MacIvor is known for, but still manages to touch a nerve. While aspects of the piece speak to a specific time and place, the broader themes will appeal to multiple generations. Don't miss this chance to reconnect with the good old days.

Bingo! runs until June 1 at Factory Theatre. Visit factorytheatre.ca for more information and to buy tickets.

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