Doris and Ivy in the Home is a heartwarming and hilariously insightful comedy from celebrated playwright Norm Foster, bringing audiences into the lively world of Paradise Village, a retirement home where second chances bloom in the most unexpected ways.
When Doris Mooney, a bold and spirited former prison guard, arrives with her trademark blunt charm, she immediately shakes up the quiet routines of her new surroundings. Her infectious energy quickly zeroes in on Ivy Hoffbauer, a reserved former world‑class skier whose past fame contrasts sharply with her desire for solitude.
As Doris chips away at Ivy’s icy exterior, the two women form an unlikely but deeply touching friendship, one built on honesty, vulnerability, and the shared surprises of aging. Their dynamic becomes even more entertaining with the arrival of Arthur Beech, a dapper retired professor whose romantic sights are set squarely on Ivy. His earnest pursuit adds a delightful layer of wit, warmth, and comedic tension to the trio’s evolving relationship.
Filled with Foster’s signature quick‑witted dialogue and generous heart, Doris and Ivy in the Home celebrates the joys, fears, and freedoms that come with growing older. It’s a story that proves life doesn’t slow down after 70, it simply gets funnier, richer, and more meaningful. Audiences will laugh, reflect, and fall in love with this charming tale of friendship, romance, and embracing every moment with courage and humour.
Doris and Ivy in the home is staged by arrangement with Pam Winter, Gary Goddard Agency - GG Agency
Ticket Price $35 plus applicable fees & taxes. Reserved Seating.
Meet the cast
Robin Clipsham as Doris
Actor, director, writer, stage manager, and theatre educator, Robin has spent most of her life in theatre. Robin’s career includes the creation and development of several new and unique comic characters, performed across Canada; the foundation and development of a theatre company for young people, (PRISM Theatre In The Park,); teaching theatre performance for Nipissing University; award-winning improvisational theatre coaching for all ages, and the Peaches series of shows all over the place!
Robin has over 25 years experience as a theatre educator Primary to Adult; and award winning improvisational theatre coaching, through Muskoka StageWorks. Winner of four awards for her work in locally developed community theatre, Robin has contributed her time and expertise to local initiatives for over 30 years. It takes a village.
Thank you to the helping hands in our community and beyond that have made this performance possible. It takes a village! - Robin
Kirsten Sixt as Ivy
Mom, Singer, Actor, Producer, Program Director (Teaching Awareness Through Puppetry). Kirsten’s recent roles include Sister Philomena in Drinking Habits (Highlands Summer Festival), Shirley Valentine in Shirley Valentine (HSF and Firefly Collective), Love, Loss & What I Wore (Firefly Collective), Sister Margaretta in The Sound of Music & Mrs. Corry in Mary Poppins (HSF), Audrey II (puppeteer) in Little Shop of Horrors (FAP). Kirsten works as an Occupational Therapist and directs Teaching Awareness through Puppetry (https://tap-toronto.com). She's grateful to her family, and this amazing cast and crew for all the laughter and support.
Roger Bird as Arthur
Roger has performed improvisation, written and performed sketch comedy, written for The Peaches Project, and written and performed in a series of multi-character satires with Robin. Other stage credits include Ted in The Foursome (Gravenhurst Opera House), Roat in Wait Until Dark, Albert in The Dinner Party, Mitch in Tuesdays with Morrie (Group Theatre) and Scrooge in Gravenhurst Christmas Carol (TimberBeast Productions). After working as a broadcast journalist at CFRB and Standard Broadcast News in Toronto, Roger taught at Huntsville High School. He hosts Fine Films Gravenhurst and is working on another draft of his novel.
Roger thanks his family for their love and support.
Evening Schedule & Details
Trillium Court 'The Rock Bar' Opens at 6:00 pm
Doors To Theatre Seating Open at 6:30 pm
Show Starts at 7:00 pm
Baked goods available from The Bakery available at intermission, cash bar available and music from the the Highway 11 Corridor Ukulele Players
Look forward to baked goods from our own local The Bakery at intermission!
