A & E

The show, which opens tonight, tells the story of John Campbell, a testy Scotsman, and Maude Kinch, an uptight English woman. The two meet at the marriage of John's ward and Maude's niece. An aversion to each other develops almost instantly. Despite their dislike for one another, the pair decides to travel to the United States to help the younger couple with an adoption process. As fate would have it, they find themselves stranded in San Francisco for several weeks caring for the infant.

"They argue, grow short and angry with each other, but also grow to like each other," says director Joe Reilly. "It's a wonderful progression. "

David Cabot plays John, a character who is years older than the seasoned Saint Vincent Theatre actor. However, Cabot says despite the age difference, his role is very entertaining.

"It's a real fun character, because I get to act in a way that I don't normally act in everyday life. John's grumpy and unpleasant," Cabot says. "And then the play gets a heart as it takes a lovely turn as the two characters have this wonderful journey."

Playing the part of the British aristocrat, Maude, is Patricia Reilly, co-founder of Saint Vincent Theatre. Patricia Reilly says that being a mother herself has helped her relate to her character.

"In the show, the couple falls in love with the baby almost instantaneously. That's pretty much what happens with your own baby," she says.

Patricia Reilly's baby is all grown up now, and still has a place in the show, despite the fact that she's miles away.

"I have a British accent in the show. So it helps that my daughter is going to school in England," she says. "I've been calling back and forth asking her about particular words to perfect my accent."

The play is set in the 1960s, and while stuck in San Francisco, the two must not only get through their own differences, but also adapt to American life. Medical complications, mishaps in day-to-day life and learning to like each other add to the humor of the play.

As the milestone season comes to an end, Joe Reilly says he's been pleased with the shows.

"The shows did very well and were well received. They were magnificent shows," he says. "This one unlike the others is not a farce. It's a warm comedy and it's my favorite right now. It's an excellent closer, and it's filled with laughter."

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