​Randy Hughson is stellar as grumpy old man in Blyth Festival’s “Powers and Gloria”

If you’ve ever had to deal with a grumpy old man, or if you’ve been that grumpy old man, you will certainly enjoy the Blyth Festival Theatre’s production of “Powers and Gloria.”

It’s worth the price of admission just to watch Randy Hughson as the aforementioned grumpy old man, Edward Powers, who has built a successful furniture business and is proud to provide his employees with honest work and a decent living.

Meanwhile, his son, James (played by James Dallas Smith), wants to take the company global and maximize profit over people.

When Edward suffers a stroke, James seizes control of the business, leaving his father to depend on Gloria, a sassy home-care worker (played beautifully by Madeline Kennedy), who has been hired to get him back on his feet.

And if you’ve ever dealt with a grouchy old man who is sick and doesn’t want to be helpless and laid up in a wheelchair, you can well imagine the fiery exchanges between the two – much to the delight of the audience.

Edward doesn’t want to admit that he needs help, with his rehabilitation or with his business, and Hughson’s performance is superb, right down to the struggle with getting back on his feet, the hassle of dealing with a wheelchair he doesn’t want, medicine he doesn’t need, and a caregiver that he would gladly send packing!

Kennedy is the perfect foil as Gloria who can give as good as she gets, with her fierce wit and contrary views. During their discussions, she manages to open Edward’s mind (and his heart) to the possibility of a real relationship with his son.

Added into the mix is Gloria’s lazy, good-for-nothing boyfriend, Darryl (played by Richard Comeau), who wins the lottery and thinks it would be easy to start a business, much to Edward’s dismay as he can see a much better future for Gloria.

As Edward gets back on his feet, the arguments ensue between him and his son, until the story takes a sudden jolt and the future doesn’t look as bright.

Will the father and son reconcile and move ahead together with the business, and what happens to Gloria when her help is no longer needed? You’ll have to get a ticket to find out.

“Powers and Gloria,” a revival of the popular 2005 piece by local playwright and Blyth Festival founding general manager, Keith Roulston, continues to Aug. 30 on the Margaret Stephens Stage in Memorial Hall.

For specific dates and times, and to purchase tickets, visit blythfestival.com.