Next month, Simcoe Little Theatre proudly presents Jessica’s Fine Adventure, a heartfelt and hilarious new comedy by playwright Robert More. Jessica’s Fine Adventure has yet to have a professional premiere, this special presentation at Simcoe Little Theatre will be a unique opportunity for SLT patrons to see a brand-new play, with Val Smith’s direction as the first interpretation of Robert’s story.
We sat down with Robert to learn more about his inspiration, his writing process, and why this story speaks so powerfully to audiences of all ages. First, we offer congratulations to Robert, Jessica’s Fine Adventure is the 2023 recipient of the Tom Hendry Comedy Award, presented by the Playwrights Guild of Canada and recognizing the most notable new works created for the stage. SLT is honoured to be presenting this award-winning story on our stage.
The spark for Jessica’s Fine Adventure is traced back over two decades, to a quirky newspaper article Robert came across in 2002. It told the story of a 68-year-old woman in Michigan who boldly placed a newspaper ad seeking “Suitors for Sex.” While the tale was intriguing and Robert knew it had the making of a great comedic play, he didn’t want to write a simple comedy about seniors rediscovering their sex lives. Years passed, but the idea lingered—until 2021, when a new character emerged in his mind: Jessica Quartermaine.
“Jessica was different,” Robert explains. “Yes, she longed for intimacy after 52 years of what she calls ‘sensual deprivation,’ but her quest was not just for sex. She wanted to feel seen. She wanted to experience ‘sweet closeness’—to connect with someone who would truly discover who she was.”
Right away Robert knew Jessica was an “innocent”, a “dreamer” who had mostly suppressed her dreams in order to behave in a very controlled, steady as she goes, by the book way. She was a dedicated wife and mother who for her entire life had sacrificed everything for her marriage, her family. She did this willingly and was grateful for the solid life she had with all the comforts that a solid marriage can bring.
But as Jessica moves into her 60’s, more and more she feels she has never discovered who she really is and has never truly lived as her whole self with joy in her heart. Through her quest for romance, Jessica discovers unexpected, wonderful gifts.
Jessica’s transformation—from a reserved, self-sacrificing woman into someone joyfully embracing her full self—is the emotional heartbeat of the play. “By the end,” Robert says, “she becomes the person she always wanted to be, and she feels at peace and gloriously alive.”
At its core, Jessica’s Fine Adventure is about life’s possibilities. Robert hopes audiences leave feeling inspired—no matter their age. When looking to capture this spirit, he drew inspiration from Tomson Highway, Indigenous Canadian playwright, novelist, children’s author and musician, who once said that in his 70s, he lives in a state of ‘perpetual astonishment’ because life is so endlessly interesting. “That’s what Jessica discovers, and I’d love for audiences to walk away with that same sense of wonder.”
While Jessica arrived fully formed in Robert’s imagination, her three wildly different suitors soon followed. “There’s Alessandro Romani Corelli,” Robert says with a smile, “the confident, sensitive fashion model who introduces Jessica to the euphoria of intimacy. Then Edward Stills, a nervous, mild-mannered librarian—a complete contrast. And finally, Jock MacTeague, the boisterous, larger-than-life Scotsman. I didn’t base them on anyone. They just bubbled up from the subconscious and took over!”
When asked about the writing process, Robert describes the first stages as a creative rush. “The early scenes spilled onto the page fast. Then, of course, this all slowed down as gradually the story line evolved and the three suitors came into being.” Through it all, Jessica remained his guide: “She led the way, and I just followed.” On the whole, although the blank page can be a daunting challenge, Robert says Jessica was a joy to write.
It’s a rare treat for SLT to be presenting a play that is entirely new. Robert shared what it means to have this partnership with SLT. “This is a great opportunity for me to see the play on its feet”, something that is critically important for Robert, allowing him to give the script any final grace notes before being premiered professionally. “I can be sure that the action of the play moves forward from beginning to end without ever bogging down”.
He’s also thrilled to be working with familiar faces. “I’ve worked with Val Smith and directed several SLT actors before, and I know they’ll bring enthusiasm, skill, and pizzazz to the show”.
Robert and director Val Smith share a long creative history. They collaborated closely when Val led a theatre arts program at the high school in Port Dover, with Robert, at the time the Artistic Director for Lighthouse Theatre, providing stage space and technical support so the students could experience a professional theatre space.
“I saw Val work magic with her students,” he recalls. “She has a gift for working a text and helping actors find the truth of their characters—two of the most important ingredients in any successful production”. Robert feels confident that Val will bring these creative strengths to Jessica’s Fine Adventure giving the audience a very special experience.
Jessica’s Fine Adventure is on stage from May 8th to 18th. Tickets start at $25. You can purchase tickets online by using the button below or by calling the box office at 519-583-0505.