One of the first things a new cast for a play must do is get to know each other along with the characters they will be playing on the stage.

It’s been the case for every play the Kaatza Lakeside Players have done since the mid-1980s and it’s certainly the case for their next production, The Foursome, because none of the cast met before the auditions.

Already, though, there is a special connection between Erin Butler, Brandon DePol, Paul Kleinschmidt and Daryle Proulx as they get themselves ready for their May play that will include a Mother’s Day special.

After several rehearsals, artistic director Dena McPhee as been able to fit the actors to the characters in the play.

Butler is Donnie, a family man who never shuts up about his five kids, the hardware store and his rural home.

DePol is Ted, a seemingly cheerful, cradle robbing computer vender who moves to his second beer in a matter of minutes.

Kleinschmidt is Cameron, the foursome’s corporate worry-wort who dresses in plaid and a golf emergency kit hat.

Proulx is Rick, a wisecracking blowhard who is a self-styled stud who connives to get rich through various half-baked schemes.

The four of them are at a 20-year school reunion and have decided to get in a game of golf. The Foursome is less about the golf, though, and more about what happens between shots.

“Most of golf is between shots, which means there’s a lot of socializing,” said DePol. “That’s what this play is about, the conversations they have.”

In addition to learning their lines, during twice-a-week rehearsals at McPhee’s place, Butler, DePol, Kleinschmidt and Proulx plan to play a round at March Meadows Golf Club.

“Yea, I think it will be kind of fun to get out for a game of golf,” said Kleinschmidt.

McPhee said she is very excited about the cast including four performers new to the Lakeside Players.

“It’s just wonderful to have the new people with us,” she said.

A long tradition of the Lakeside Players is trying to localize parts of the plays they do, such as including local issues or landmarks in parts of the dialogue.

Although the play, by Canadian playwright Norm Foster, probably takes place on a golf course somewhere a in Ontario or perhaps New Brunswick, for the Lakeside Players production it will be set at March Meadows in Honeymoon Bay.

When the play runs, the set in Centennial Hall will even feature poster-size photos of March Meadows as back drops on the set.

The Foursome is one of the most often produced plays in the history of Canadian theatre.

The production will also include Alice Bateman as the director’s assistant, Colin Wylie as the assistant director and in charge of sound design, with Eric Olson as the cue technician.

Go to www.kaatzalakesideplayers.ca to learn more about the Kaatza Lakeside Players.