This play is one of those old theatrical warhorses that really doesn't miss. 

Grandpa Martin Vanderhof (Dennis Hayes) hasn’t worked in 35 years — or paid income tax; Essie (Cynthia Dempster) is an aspiring ballerina; her husband, Ed (David Paul) secretes quotations from Trotsky into sweet boxes.

Swirling around are the housekeeper Rheba (Claire Sullivan), and the dance teacher Mr. Kolenkhov (Bill Thompson). The only person reasonably sane is daughter Alice (Kiah Cato), in love with the boss’s son Tony (Andrew Turnbull).  These two crazy kids have an idea — both families should meet. Mr. Kirby (Allan Feldman) and his society doyenne wife (Val Clements) walk into the Vanderhof house and the mayhem is in full swing; needless to say, the Kirbys are not charmed, especially when Kolenkhov tackles Mr. Kirby in an impromptu wrestling demonstration.

Yet, by the end even stiff old Mr. Kirby has become a convert to Grandpa’s philosophy that you “shouldn’t do anything that you’re not going to enjoy doing.”

The humour in this good-hearted play arises through the taut, witty dialogue, as well as the sprightly pace with which the production unfolds.  Directed at a great lick by Jim Smagata, with Joe Stofko as a long-suffering narrator, this is an ideal Thanksgiving treat.