Foreman shines as Mrs. Prendergast in Kincardine Theatre Guild world premiere of "Office Politics"

From the moment she steps on stage and starts talking in that southern drawl, Nichole Foreman captivates the audience as Mrs. Meredith Prendergast, in the Kincardine Theatre Guild's world premiere of “Office Politics.”

Written and directed by Corinne Robertson-Brown of Kincardine, the play focuses on a typical day at the office where all kinds of shenanigans are happening amidst a cast of characters that includes the overbearing office manager, the employee who is just waiting out the clock until he can retire, the perky intern who wants everyone to be happy, and the boss who is oblivious to everything.

Foreman is brilliant, stealing centre stage as Mrs. P., the wealthy, sought-after client, with her dry wit and droll sarcasm.

Joining her on stage, are the gang of co-workers at the ISAYSO creative firm, each one trying to outdo the other, while attempting to maintain the “team” approach, which is entirely laughable.

Jaki Mayer-Duggan is superb as Eleanor Livingston, the office manager, who wants to do the same work in the same old traditional way.

Rob Millar is hilarious as Brad who is so close to retirement, he can taste it. He has no interest whatsoever in the current project, and makes no bones about it.

Julie Lafond is wonderful as Tiffany, the perky intern who feels badly for anyone who feels badly, and wants everyone to be involved and part of the team.

Chris Mercanti is perfect as the clueless boss whose focus is suddenly glued on retirement rather than work. As he cleans out all the toys from his office, he has to admit that he hasn't done much work for the past two years anyway.

Rounding out the cast, are Shane Middelkamp as Ed Laing, Jared Petrie as JoJo Jones, Sarah Hoyland as Belinda, Mrs. P.'s assistant, Paul Dennis as Reginald, the Ringmaster, and Sid Duggan and Amber Rawlings as the clowns, band members and ninjas.

The story is well-crafted, laying out the inner workings and office dynamics, and including some violence, in the first act which is quick and sharp.

As three members of ISAYSO are chosen to work for Mrs. P., two are retired off, and the third left to find her own way, the second act tends to sprawl along on its way to the main event, the fund-raiser, with circus acts, lights, cameras and action.

And then the show sort of ends, with the final member of the merry band scooped up to help kick-start another company in the Prendergast dynasty, by becoming the common enemy that unites the rest.

It's a quirky comedy that will relate to everyone who has ever worked in an office and tried to get along with a vast assortment of co-workers.

"Office Politics" continues Feb. 16-17 at 8 p.m.; Feb. 18 at 2 p.m.; Feb. 24 at 8 p.m.; and Feb. 25 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $20 each; available at J'Adorn in downtown Kincardine or by calling the box office at 519-396-9000.

This production features cabaret seating and is licensed for all performances. Purchase tickets for a table of four and get some friends together to share this fun evening.