Theatre Forty is noted for its consistency in providing a series of interesting plays to challenge its many excellent performers. They are kicking off their Sixtieth Season with just such a play. Norm Foster, the Canadian “Neil Simon” as he is called, is noted for his ability to find the heart in any situation.
In Lakefront, Foster portrays what happens as folks try to adjust from their youthful vigor to a more sedate self-image in middle age. He plucks two guests from yet-another second wedding of an acquaintance of theirs to a mutually agreed-upon quest for that certain something they once had.
If that sounds enigmatic, then you will love the uncertainty that Christina (Mouchette van Helsdingen) and Robert Foreman (Daniel Leslie) feel as they begin their adventure in a hide-away by the lake. Robert is particularly keen to test his prowess, while Christine is more concerned with her sags and wrinkles. The Lakefront’s handyman, Duane (Michael Gabiano) isn’t much help as he trips on his own unfortunate commentaries, mistaking them for “over the hill” newly-weds. Director Larry Eisenberg keeps a steady hand on this gentle comedic look at love the second (or third) time around. And his actors make for a tight-knit ensemble, balancing the central question, “Will they or won’t they” effectively to the very end.
With their traditional expertise, Theatre Forty designers have combined to establish the environment for this tryst by the rustic set design by Jeff G. Rack, with lighting by Derrick McDaniel, Michael Mullen’s vaguely twentieth century garb, and a soundscape by Nick Foran. Because I come from Canadian stock, I especially appreciate the dialect coaching by Glenda Morgan Brown, so that we can remember we’re “oot and aboot,” and not in Beverly Hills anymore.
If anything, Lakefront is almost too gentle a comedy, and when I saw it opening weekend, I noticed the grins, if not vociferous laughter, coming from the audience. But if you too are reaching, or have reached that precarious mid-point that we all must face, you’ll appreciate this journey.
Lakefront continues at Theatre Forty, on the Beverly Hills High School campus, 241 S. Moreno Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90212; Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm through August 23, 2026. All tickets, $35. For information, call (310) 364-0535; or for online ticketing: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lakefront-by-norm-foster-at-theatre-40-tickets-1991424113130
