I took my own advice this weekend and waited out the monsoon in a matinee of “Souvenirs” at Presentation House Theatre in North Vancouver.

Turns out I got wet anyway since the brilliantly acted two-person show about an estranged father and daughter left me sniffling in my seat.

Produced by Vancouver’s Green Thumb Theatre, the play (written by local playwright Michele Riml and directed by Jennifer Brewin) is a tender and funny exploration of the emotional chasms that too often divide parents and children–and how they can begin to be crossed.

Ron Lea (you might recognize him from Street Legal and This is Wonderland) plays Gustav, a Czech immigrant to Canada whose ferocious desire to protect his family from the persecutions he endured ends up alienating him from the very people he most wants to hold close.

The story begins when his teenaged daughter (talented newcomber Rachel Aberle) literally crashes back into his life after a long separation. It ends with reconciliation–and a soaked hanky.

(After the show, one tear-stained stranger commented, “It must have been the onions they were chopping.” That, or every family you’ve ever known.)

This show will touch the heart of anyone who has ever had a mom or a dad. It’s a typical Green Thumb production in that it’s thematically accessible, but it’s not aimed squarely at the school-age set.

The Georgia Straight‘s recent review noted this is some of the best acting you’re going to see in this city this year and I won’t argue. This show hasn’t been getting the houses it deserves–but there’s still time to make up for it: it runs until Nov. 29.

Tickets are available through Presentation House, Tickets Tonight, or at the door.