Community Welcomes The Foreigner: A Play on Acceptance

A new theatrical production is set to engage the community as the **Algoma Repertory Theatre** presents Larry Shue’s acclaimed play, **The Foreigner**, from **February 11 to 14, 2024**. The show will take place at the **Quattro Hotel**, offering an entertaining night that combines fine dining with a compelling narrative.

The plot revolves around two friends, Charlie and Froggy, who embark on a vacation to a secluded fishing lodge in Georgia. Charlie, portrayed by cast member **Marc Beaudette**, is characterized as extremely shy and hesitant to engage with strangers. To help his friend, Froggy concocts a scheme to introduce Charlie as a foreigner who cannot speak English. “A lot of secrets are revealed in front of Charlie,” Beaudette explained.

This clever premise allows the play to explore themes of acceptance and the treatment of outsiders. As the story unfolds, it employs satire and comedy to highlight the prejudices that often surface in society. Beaudette noted that the play resonates particularly well with contemporary audiences, stating, “There’s a lot of misdirection. It’s very funny, it’s heartwarming, and it’s very apropos to today’s times in terms of how society comes to accept outsiders.”

In addition to its comedic elements, the play offers a poignant reminder of shared humanity, according to cast member **Nuala Kenny**. “It’s funny and it’s very human and very warm,” Kenny remarked. “In a time where we’re hearing so much about borders and about immigration and about laws, it’s really refreshing to go back to the basics – that we’re all human beings.”

For those interested in attending, dinner and the show can be enjoyed together for **$85**, or tickets for the show alone are available for **$40**. Beaudette emphasized the quality of the experience, noting, “Quattro puts on a great spread. It’s a four-course dinner. It’s really a one-stop shop for a night of entertainment.”

The evening will begin with doors opening at **17:45**, followed by dinner service at **18:15**, and the performance commencing at **20:00**. Tickets for this timely production can be purchased through the **Algoma Repertory Theatre** website.

As the community prepares for this engaging theatrical experience, the message of **The Foreigner** serves as a timely reminder of the importance of understanding and accepting those who may be different from ourselves.