Everyman Theatre's 'Heroes' an endearing adventure
This is their domain, where they can avoid the glance of the facility’s head nun, and, more importantly, where they can see the promise of a better world — just beyond the poplars on a distant ridge. “Heroes,” perfectly cast and sensitively directed by Donald Hicken, makes an apt choice for Everyman Theatre’s final production at its longtime Charles Street venue before moving to new digs downtown. Themes of memory and adventure run through the piece. James Fouchard’s simple set conveys ... 
Sure, they’re fooling themselves about how far they might actually go, just as they continually fool themselves about how much they know about women, or how attractive they still are to them. But even if there is just a tiny glimmer of a chance that they might actually enjoy any change in the weary routine of institutional life, they’ll seize and embellish it. You can’t help but root for them all the way. Philippe, ever so slightly paranoid and prone to pass out at awkward moments, is played by Carl Schurr with great charm. When he wanders in from a funeral, having had a spell in a particularly unfortunate spot, it’s awfully funny and endearing at the same time. As Henri, the one member of the trio used to exploring at least some of the terrain beyond the terrace, John Dow gives a beautifully nuanced performance. His eyes say a great deal, sparkling as he recounts his thank-heaven-for-little-girls discovery in a nearby village, darkening with wistfulness as he faces some tough facts. Completing the group is Gustave, so sure of everything, as quick with sarcasm as with flights of fancy. Wil Love handles the role deftly, letting the character’s quirks and qualms emerge in sly fashion. A scene involving Gustave’s attempt to learn an insouciant wink and nod pays comic dividends. The slightly nutty, heroic threesome is really a quartet, since the statue of a faithful dog on the terrace figures into their lives and schemes. Keep an eye on that canine. PHOTO BY STAN BAROUH 
The aging heroes are aware of their limitations — each one has one handicap or another — but they can’t shake the urge to break free of routine, to taste something new and fresh, to demonstrate to one and all that there is a spark left.
Categories: Drama Queens, Everyman Theatre
