As a former "involved" (read: obnoxious) sport parent, I could relate right away to the single dad (played by Kevin Kincaid) in Michael Melski's Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad. He's living through his eight-year-old son's hockey prowess and banking on NHL dreams. Natasha MacLellan plays a newly divorced mom who is sweet and shy and all about the fun of the game. This 90-minute two-hander follows the romantic trajectory of this pair, and besides being laugh-out-loud funny, the play manages to touch on some dark issues. The result is something much more substantial than a feather-light, forgettable romantic comedy. Kincaid and MacLellan are absolutely adorable together and sharp writing and direction gives them the latitude to really flesh out the characters. And as much as I'd love to end here with a tortured hockey pun, I think I'll just say great show. Go!
To August 11, Chester Playhouse, 22 Pleasant Street, Chester, 8pm (2pm matinee Saturday, August 11), $26/$22/$15, 275-3933
