Larry Philbin is a (fictional) well-known Canadian artist who can no longer paint because of arthritis. He is angry at his inability to paint and has cut himself completely from the art world. He is still grieving the loss of his wife and is bitter because his agent cheated him and he has very little left in terms of money and artworks. His son, Chris, an aspiring filmmaker, is devoted to his father, but he is running out of patience as Larry has driven away several home support workers. The agency gives Larry one last chance before cutting his services. They send Melissa, an attractive young single mother who has studied art history. Things start to improve until Larry refuses to be part of his son's new documentary. This story touches on the challenges associated with aging, the importance of family and on what it means to be an artist.
Keywords: art, artist, Canadian art, grief, guilt, widower, aging, seniors, home support, food, father-son, father, son, film, comedy, drama, love, family, relationships, loss, elderly, sickness, arthritis, disease, loneliness, hope, care
Produced under original title Mr. Philbin by The Oakville Players, Oakville ON in 2012 and by Studio Theatre, Perth ON in 2019
Genre: Dramatic Comedy
Running Time:Â 40 minutes
Acts: 1
Suitable for students 14+
Cast size: 3 actors
Male Cast: 2
Female Cast: 1