Today was the last day of Fringe [sad tear], but I got to immerse myself in extreme amounts of theatre! [happy dance]
Today I had planned in my schedule to see a 2:00pm performance of The Flying Avro Arrow Musical Comedy, but realized that when I woke up a noon, had not done any laundry this weekend and had rehearsal at 5pm...that it just wasn't going to happen. That one last un-punched circle on my 5 Play Pass will be eye-balling me now.
I previously saw a reading of The Flying Avro Arrow Musical Comedy at Alumnae Theatre (Toronto) and found it both entertaining and educational. Just like Tightrope, I was sad to have missed out on a chance to be entertained all over again.
Seven days of Fringing.
Ten plays of varying style and story.
One amazing time.
I am already looking forward to Fringe 2011!!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Experiencing Fringe - July 10, 2010
Today was a big day; I lined up three shows to see:
> 12:30pm performance of 1/4 Life Crisis at Annex Theatre
> 7:30pm performance of Joe White & the Seven Divorcees at Bathurst Street Theatre
> 11:30pm performance of Craplicker at Tarragon Theatre Mainspace
1/4 Life Crisis
by Alison Lynne Ward
From the Fringe Program:
A funny, dynamic one person show taking the audience on an energetic journey of a young professional as she works to establish her career, hold onto her dreams, drown out the voices of parents, peers and friends, to eventually discover the importance of claiming yourself and being true to who you are.
This one woman show was like stand-up comedy/an informative lecture/a one-sided chat with your best girlfriend as you listen to her rant, rave and whine about her life. I laughed, as there were some great lines, but didn't find myself laughing as much as I thought I would. It was missing some of the funny/the poignant/the...I am not sure what. I was, however, slightly distracted by how in shape this chick was - she had great legs!
One of my favourite parts was when she compared three of her previous boyfriends to the Back To The Future trilogy. The first "movie" was great, classic and something that you'll always think of fondly. The second "movie" was just wrong...all wrong...ooh so wrong. And the third was pretty great; maybe even better than the first. So, just to double check, you go back and "watch" the first "movie" again...well actually you "watch" it a few times. Then, just to be sure the second one was really that bad you "watch" it again - and YES, it was a BIG mistake. Oh the shame! This logically leads you into the third "movie" again. And why didn't the third "movie" call me back? See, funny right?
Much of what was said during the performance hit home with me - these are things I've asked myself, I've told myself and I've wondered about myself and my future.
[SCREECHING HALT]
Change of plans as per above. Joe White was sold out. Yes, I should have left the apartment earlier. No, I didn't really make the connection of it's popularity and possible sold-out-ness with the fact that it had been picked as one of the "Best of" shows for 2010. Yes, duh.
Not a problem. I LOVE flying by the seat of my pants! Not wanting to go all the way back to the apartment and really not in the mood to find something non-Fringe to do to fill my time until my 11:30pm show, I required alternate Fringe show plans. At almost 7:30pm I moved briskly, cause I am just not a runner really, into the Main Box Office area to check out all the posters from other shows. One catches my eye and says, "Yo! I am awesome. I am playing right here in this building (The Solo Room) and I am starting at 8pm." Again, I moved briskly back outside to The Solo Room box office tent and purchased one shiny golden ticket. No, not really golden, more of a corn yellow colour. Details, details.
Psycho Bitch
by Tamara Lynn Robert
From the Fringe Program:
Tamara is a mood disordered, medicated sweetheart of a mess and she needs help. On her journey towards healing she battles a legion of demons, wacky therapists armed with ridiculous treatments and one shapeshifting, grotesque monster called Stigma. Her guardian angel is her ever present comfort as she tells her comedic, heartwarming tale of living with mental illness.
A very satisfying one woman show about mental illness. The first and, so far, the only play at the Fringe to make me cry sad tears. Well done!
I came to see Joe White, but it was sold out. I think it was fate for me to see Psycho Bitch. Well, fate or leaving later than I should have, but who's keeping track?
This show takes you on a journey of the life of Tamara: her illness, her attempts at diagnosis, her psychosis, her therapy, her medications, her highs, her lows and REAL lows. We also learn about her late friend, Aaron and her ever present guardian angel, Geraldine and how the two are so closely connected. Yet, even with all this serious talk she still managed to make us laugh...and by the end, cry. I heard sniffles and saw tissues dabbing at faces in the audience.
The "Psycho Bitch" done good. I do recommend this show, however, if you want to see it you'll have to travel to Winnipeg, MB or Victoria, BC for their Fringe Festivals as tonight's performance was her final for Toronto's Fringe.
With some time to kill before Craplicker at 11:30pm, I wander over to the Fringe Club just so I could say I came and I saw. I didn't stay. Not really a lone drinker. I am told that's a good thing. So instead of desolate drinking, I had sushi solo. Once I'd had my fill I made my way over to Bathurst Station to catch the #7 bus North to Tarragon only to find a mass amount of people waiting for the same bus. After waiting about 10 minutes and unsure if a bus would ever come to collect us, I started walking. Nice night and I needed to work off that sushi. It wasn't until I reached Dupont that the first #7 bus was spotted coming South. Glad I walked!
Craplicker
by Steven Gallagher
From the Fringe Program:
Josh is gay. Josh is closeted. Josh is pushing 30. With humour and candor, Craplicker portrays the joyous friendship between a group of five gay men. When an unexpected illness forces Josh to make a decision to finally "come out", his fearless friends gleefully coax and pester him into becoming the man he is meant to be.
Heartwarming, hilarious and HAWT! Yup, that's all I got. Well, that and that fact that I have come to the realization that I need to acquire more gay friends if for no other reason than the hot eye-candy. Is that so wrong?
One of the bonuses of the show was actor, David Gale (from the TV show Loving Spoonfuls), playing one of the characters. This marks a sort of full circle with me and Fringe. Why? Well in 2002 I saw my first Fringe show, Sugar, and due to my tardiness there was only one seat left in the house - front row, right beside David Gale. Yup, full circle indeed.
This was definitely a good day, but gosh darn-it I gots to remember to apply the sunscreen. Oh ouch! Aloe Vera, STAT!
> 12:30pm performance of 1/4 Life Crisis at Annex Theatre
> 7:30pm performance of Joe White & the Seven Divorcees at Bathurst Street Theatre
> 11:30pm performance of Craplicker at Tarragon Theatre Mainspace
1/4 Life Crisis
by Alison Lynne Ward
From the Fringe Program:
A funny, dynamic one person show taking the audience on an energetic journey of a young professional as she works to establish her career, hold onto her dreams, drown out the voices of parents, peers and friends, to eventually discover the importance of claiming yourself and being true to who you are.
This one woman show was like stand-up comedy/an informative lecture/a one-sided chat with your best girlfriend as you listen to her rant, rave and whine about her life. I laughed, as there were some great lines, but didn't find myself laughing as much as I thought I would. It was missing some of the funny/the poignant/the...I am not sure what. I was, however, slightly distracted by how in shape this chick was - she had great legs!
One of my favourite parts was when she compared three of her previous boyfriends to the Back To The Future trilogy. The first "movie" was great, classic and something that you'll always think of fondly. The second "movie" was just wrong...all wrong...ooh so wrong. And the third was pretty great; maybe even better than the first. So, just to double check, you go back and "watch" the first "movie" again...well actually you "watch" it a few times. Then, just to be sure the second one was really that bad you "watch" it again - and YES, it was a BIG mistake. Oh the shame! This logically leads you into the third "movie" again. And why didn't the third "movie" call me back? See, funny right?
Much of what was said during the performance hit home with me - these are things I've asked myself, I've told myself and I've wondered about myself and my future.
[SCREECHING HALT]
Change of plans as per above. Joe White was sold out. Yes, I should have left the apartment earlier. No, I didn't really make the connection of it's popularity and possible sold-out-ness with the fact that it had been picked as one of the "Best of" shows for 2010. Yes, duh.
Not a problem. I LOVE flying by the seat of my pants! Not wanting to go all the way back to the apartment and really not in the mood to find something non-Fringe to do to fill my time until my 11:30pm show, I required alternate Fringe show plans. At almost 7:30pm I moved briskly, cause I am just not a runner really, into the Main Box Office area to check out all the posters from other shows. One catches my eye and says, "Yo! I am awesome. I am playing right here in this building (The Solo Room) and I am starting at 8pm." Again, I moved briskly back outside to The Solo Room box office tent and purchased one shiny golden ticket. No, not really golden, more of a corn yellow colour. Details, details.
Psycho Bitch
by Tamara Lynn Robert
From the Fringe Program:
Tamara is a mood disordered, medicated sweetheart of a mess and she needs help. On her journey towards healing she battles a legion of demons, wacky therapists armed with ridiculous treatments and one shapeshifting, grotesque monster called Stigma. Her guardian angel is her ever present comfort as she tells her comedic, heartwarming tale of living with mental illness.
A very satisfying one woman show about mental illness. The first and, so far, the only play at the Fringe to make me cry sad tears. Well done!
I came to see Joe White, but it was sold out. I think it was fate for me to see Psycho Bitch. Well, fate or leaving later than I should have, but who's keeping track?
This show takes you on a journey of the life of Tamara: her illness, her attempts at diagnosis, her psychosis, her therapy, her medications, her highs, her lows and REAL lows. We also learn about her late friend, Aaron and her ever present guardian angel, Geraldine and how the two are so closely connected. Yet, even with all this serious talk she still managed to make us laugh...and by the end, cry. I heard sniffles and saw tissues dabbing at faces in the audience.
The "Psycho Bitch" done good. I do recommend this show, however, if you want to see it you'll have to travel to Winnipeg, MB or Victoria, BC for their Fringe Festivals as tonight's performance was her final for Toronto's Fringe.
With some time to kill before Craplicker at 11:30pm, I wander over to the Fringe Club just so I could say I came and I saw. I didn't stay. Not really a lone drinker. I am told that's a good thing. So instead of desolate drinking, I had sushi solo. Once I'd had my fill I made my way over to Bathurst Station to catch the #7 bus North to Tarragon only to find a mass amount of people waiting for the same bus. After waiting about 10 minutes and unsure if a bus would ever come to collect us, I started walking. Nice night and I needed to work off that sushi. It wasn't until I reached Dupont that the first #7 bus was spotted coming South. Glad I walked!
Craplicker
by Steven Gallagher
From the Fringe Program:
Josh is gay. Josh is closeted. Josh is pushing 30. With humour and candor, Craplicker portrays the joyous friendship between a group of five gay men. When an unexpected illness forces Josh to make a decision to finally "come out", his fearless friends gleefully coax and pester him into becoming the man he is meant to be.
Heartwarming, hilarious and HAWT! Yup, that's all I got. Well, that and that fact that I have come to the realization that I need to acquire more gay friends if for no other reason than the hot eye-candy. Is that so wrong?
One of the bonuses of the show was actor, David Gale (from the TV show Loving Spoonfuls), playing one of the characters. This marks a sort of full circle with me and Fringe. Why? Well in 2002 I saw my first Fringe show, Sugar, and due to my tardiness there was only one seat left in the house - front row, right beside David Gale. Yup, full circle indeed.
This was definitely a good day, but gosh darn-it I gots to remember to apply the sunscreen. Oh ouch! Aloe Vera, STAT!
Experiencing Fringe - July 9, 2010
With work during the day, Present Laughter rehearsals on Tues and Thurs and a "fun" visit to the dentist on Wed, I've had three days of withdraw from Fringing. It was nice to get back into it tonight with a 9:30pm performance of ONEymoon at 918 Bathurst Culture, Arts, Media & Education Centre.
ONEymoon (A Honeymoon For One)
by Christel Bartelse & Jimmy Hogg
From the Fringe Program:
From the creator of the hit show CHAOTICA, a new comedy about a woman who marries herself.
If you marry yourself then sleep with someone else, should you feel cheated or was it like a threesome?
Seventh new show and seventh new space...quite a fitting one too as the interior looked like a church with a high peaked ceiling and an alter-like stage. A woman in line mentioned to me that it used to be a Buddhist temple, so it all kinda made sense.
This one woman show started out just like a wedding. We, the wedding guests, were asked to stand and watch in awe as the beautiful bride walked down the aisle to her waiting groom...wait...there's no groom! She married herself and even took a honeymoon!
This show had it all: a wedding, a tropical honeymoon, rapping in a wedding dress, drunken karaoke, fluent Dutch, a purple dildo named Eric (if I remember correctly) tap dancing, audience participation and even lap dances. No the audience participation and lap dances did not go together. A few audience members did participate in simple answer and question periods as well as pretending to be father-of-the-bride, step-father-of-the-bride and ex-boyfriend-of-the-bride; wedding speeches and all!
Christel Bartelse, who sort of reminded me of a cross between my theatre friend Elisha "Red" West and Molly Shannon, was a non-stop ball of energy and laugh-inducing entertainment. Some parts lagged or were over-done, but those were so few and far between. When you weren't laugh (or snorting as one audience member did oh so well) you were wiping away the laugh-induced tears.
My seventh show of Fringe 2010 and my seventh recommendation. Me thinks we are on a roll people!
P.S. If you haven't seen it, try and get your hands on a copy of the made-for-TV-movie I Me Wed which has a similar story line to ONEymoon.
ONEymoon (A Honeymoon For One)
by Christel Bartelse & Jimmy Hogg
From the Fringe Program:
From the creator of the hit show CHAOTICA, a new comedy about a woman who marries herself.
If you marry yourself then sleep with someone else, should you feel cheated or was it like a threesome?
Seventh new show and seventh new space...quite a fitting one too as the interior looked like a church with a high peaked ceiling and an alter-like stage. A woman in line mentioned to me that it used to be a Buddhist temple, so it all kinda made sense.
This one woman show started out just like a wedding. We, the wedding guests, were asked to stand and watch in awe as the beautiful bride walked down the aisle to her waiting groom...wait...there's no groom! She married herself and even took a honeymoon!
This show had it all: a wedding, a tropical honeymoon, rapping in a wedding dress, drunken karaoke, fluent Dutch, a purple dildo named Eric (if I remember correctly) tap dancing, audience participation and even lap dances. No the audience participation and lap dances did not go together. A few audience members did participate in simple answer and question periods as well as pretending to be father-of-the-bride, step-father-of-the-bride and ex-boyfriend-of-the-bride; wedding speeches and all!
Christel Bartelse, who sort of reminded me of a cross between my theatre friend Elisha "Red" West and Molly Shannon, was a non-stop ball of energy and laugh-inducing entertainment. Some parts lagged or were over-done, but those were so few and far between. When you weren't laugh (or snorting as one audience member did oh so well) you were wiping away the laugh-induced tears.
My seventh show of Fringe 2010 and my seventh recommendation. Me thinks we are on a roll people!
P.S. If you haven't seen it, try and get your hands on a copy of the made-for-TV-movie I Me Wed which has a similar story line to ONEymoon.
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Experiencing Fringe - July 5, 2010
Unfortunately, due to the power outage that occured just before 5pm on this day, at the time I checked in with the Fringe Box Office (approx 6pm), two theatres were down, without power. Of course, due to Murphy and his stupid Law, one of those theatres had to be Passe Muraille Mainspace where I was planning to catch an 8:30pm performance of Tightrope. I was encouraged to still go down to the theatre as there was a chance the cast might do the show outside. In my head I thought, who in their right mind would perform outside in (feels like) 44 degree weather.
I have already seen Tightrope presented at Alumnae Theatre (Toronto) earlier this year and really enjoyed the story, but also really enjoyed the lead actress who plays the daughter. If you get a chance to see Tightrope, take it - don't hesitate!
With the power still out in the West end, where I reside, I needed to find a place to cool off and get some dinner. Fortunately, on my way to do this I bumped into a theatre friend, Steve, and he became my chillaxing buddy.
In honour of doing/seeing new stuff, we tried "Hey Lucy" on Bloor West at Howland. They had air conditioning and cold beverages. They won us over. Service was good. Food was a bit like pub food trying to be snotty/high class. It worked in some ways, but not others. The best thing about the place (besides the a/c) was the decor. Mixture of wood and brick and other materials fused together into an enjoyable place to dine. If you find yourself in the area, stop in for a bite!
I have already seen Tightrope presented at Alumnae Theatre (Toronto) earlier this year and really enjoyed the story, but also really enjoyed the lead actress who plays the daughter. If you get a chance to see Tightrope, take it - don't hesitate!
With the power still out in the West end, where I reside, I needed to find a place to cool off and get some dinner. Fortunately, on my way to do this I bumped into a theatre friend, Steve, and he became my chillaxing buddy.
In honour of doing/seeing new stuff, we tried "Hey Lucy" on Bloor West at Howland. They had air conditioning and cold beverages. They won us over. Service was good. Food was a bit like pub food trying to be snotty/high class. It worked in some ways, but not others. The best thing about the place (besides the a/c) was the decor. Mixture of wood and brick and other materials fused together into an enjoyable place to dine. If you find yourself in the area, stop in for a bite!
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Experiencing Fringe - July 4, 2010
Another day of Fringing and two more new spaces. If y'all are keeping track that's six shows and...six new spaces.
Today's selection included a 1:00pm performance of Eternal Friendship With A Spotless Smile @ Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace and a 3:30pm performance of Metro at the Bathurst Street Theatre.
Eternal Friendship With A Spotless Smile
by Matt McCready
From the Fringe Program:
Jessie and Matt are two best friends that share a great room together in an insane asylum. Their last nurse died under suspicious circumstances, but that's ok. They have a new nurse and, best of all, they're both in love with her! An existential romp! A machiavellian rom-com!
An excellent little space - small black box with steep carpeted bench seating and the stage way down at the bottom. I have to say this space made me very happy. Plus, for such a hot day, as it was on Sunday, this small windowless non-air conditioned space was surprisingly and thankfully cool!
Only three talented actors playing a total of 8 roles combined. Due to the excellent acting and the great script, and being tossed around from one story or scene to the next, I actually felt like I was going slightly insane just watching. Fabulous!!
The Jesse character had some of the best stories and some great dialogue. One of the Matt character's lines that stuck with me was (along the lines of): "Your mind is like a coffin buried just long enough to let the decay in." The actress (Janelle Hanna) who played the new nurse, among other characters, had the voice of one of the many Disney Princess characters. She was so bubbly! The combination of the three actors worked very well for this show.
At a couple of points the story the characters take you down the dark path of serious, but they whip you back into the funny before you know what's happening.
Highly recommended. Glad I saw it!
Without delay, I headed back Northbound to the Bathurst Street Theatre, got my ticket for Metro and found some shade until we were let inside.
Metro
by Creator - Linette Doherty
From the Fringe Program:
A hilarious look at public transportation in the big city. From breaking dancing cops to bored office drones, the subway is where they city comes together; our joys, loves, fears, and frustrations become shared collective experiences. With a cast of zany characters blending hard hitting street styles and haunting contemporary works, Linette Doherty creates dance that's accessible, technically innovative, and unique.
Very cool space - both in architecture and temperature.
This show was not what I expected at all. I knew there would be dancing, of course. I just figured it would be a play with dancing. You know, like a play with singing is a musical? Well this would have been a dancical...or something.
There. Were. No. Words.
It was fabulous and creative and amazing dancing to different songs that got people, including me, bopping in our seats. The dancers themselves were of different ages, different (dancer) body types and different dance style backgrounds.
The lead lady and creator, Linette Doherty, trained with two dancers who, in my mind, are tap Gods - Savion Glover and Gregory Hines. At one point in the show she also wore sneakers with tap shoe bottoms - how cool is that?! I haven't tapped since I was a kid, but I kinda wanna try it again.
One of the male dancers, Gary Lucich, was amazing in looks and dance technique. He was veryyummy enjoyable to watch.
The body definition, especially in the legs, of both the men and the women on stage would put many of us to shame. However, they were all beautiful with fluid motions and extreme flexibility and I was happy to enjoy the visual artistry.
What got me really excited about this show was the fact that it was taking place in the subway. When you begin writing your own script about the subway, what's in your head doesn't always work on the stage. Once I saw the simple set of subway seating up there on stage, I knew my script vision could become reality.
Whether you're a dance fan or not, go and see this show!
Today's selection included a 1:00pm performance of Eternal Friendship With A Spotless Smile @ Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace and a 3:30pm performance of Metro at the Bathurst Street Theatre.
Eternal Friendship With A Spotless Smile
by Matt McCready
From the Fringe Program:
Jessie and Matt are two best friends that share a great room together in an insane asylum. Their last nurse died under suspicious circumstances, but that's ok. They have a new nurse and, best of all, they're both in love with her! An existential romp! A machiavellian rom-com!
An excellent little space - small black box with steep carpeted bench seating and the stage way down at the bottom. I have to say this space made me very happy. Plus, for such a hot day, as it was on Sunday, this small windowless non-air conditioned space was surprisingly and thankfully cool!
Only three talented actors playing a total of 8 roles combined. Due to the excellent acting and the great script, and being tossed around from one story or scene to the next, I actually felt like I was going slightly insane just watching. Fabulous!!
The Jesse character had some of the best stories and some great dialogue. One of the Matt character's lines that stuck with me was (along the lines of): "Your mind is like a coffin buried just long enough to let the decay in." The actress (Janelle Hanna) who played the new nurse, among other characters, had the voice of one of the many Disney Princess characters. She was so bubbly! The combination of the three actors worked very well for this show.
At a couple of points the story the characters take you down the dark path of serious, but they whip you back into the funny before you know what's happening.
Highly recommended. Glad I saw it!
Without delay, I headed back Northbound to the Bathurst Street Theatre, got my ticket for Metro and found some shade until we were let inside.
Metro
by Creator - Linette Doherty
From the Fringe Program:
A hilarious look at public transportation in the big city. From breaking dancing cops to bored office drones, the subway is where they city comes together; our joys, loves, fears, and frustrations become shared collective experiences. With a cast of zany characters blending hard hitting street styles and haunting contemporary works, Linette Doherty creates dance that's accessible, technically innovative, and unique.
Very cool space - both in architecture and temperature.
This show was not what I expected at all. I knew there would be dancing, of course. I just figured it would be a play with dancing. You know, like a play with singing is a musical? Well this would have been a dancical...or something.
There. Were. No. Words.
It was fabulous and creative and amazing dancing to different songs that got people, including me, bopping in our seats. The dancers themselves were of different ages, different (dancer) body types and different dance style backgrounds.
The lead lady and creator, Linette Doherty, trained with two dancers who, in my mind, are tap Gods - Savion Glover and Gregory Hines. At one point in the show she also wore sneakers with tap shoe bottoms - how cool is that?! I haven't tapped since I was a kid, but I kinda wanna try it again.
One of the male dancers, Gary Lucich, was amazing in looks and dance technique. He was very
The body definition, especially in the legs, of both the men and the women on stage would put many of us to shame. However, they were all beautiful with fluid motions and extreme flexibility and I was happy to enjoy the visual artistry.
What got me really excited about this show was the fact that it was taking place in the subway. When you begin writing your own script about the subway, what's in your head doesn't always work on the stage. Once I saw the simple set of subway seating up there on stage, I knew my script vision could become reality.
Whether you're a dance fan or not, go and see this show!
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Experiencing Fringe - July 3, 2010
Due to the fact I actually have a life - shocking, I know - today's adventure into theatre included only one show - 11:00pm performance of Me, My Stuff and I @ George Ignatieff Theatre.
If you're keeping track, this is the fourth play I've seen at the festival thus far and this now marks the fourth new space I've had the pleasure of being in. All the space's I've been in have been different, but they all have one thing in common - they are all excellent spaces with such possibility. The George Ignatieff Theatre space even has little tables attached to each chair. I assume this is because the space is also used by the university for lectures.
Me, My Stuff and I: A Multimedia Comedy
by Barry Smith
From the Fringe Program:
From the creator of "Jesus in Montana" (5 stars - EYE and NOW) and "American Squatter" (4 stars - EYE and NOW) comes a disturbingly funny multimedia comedy about...stuff. Lots of stuff. Writer/performer Barry Smith began documenting every detail of his existence from an early age. His young passion morphed into a bizarre obsession. And now he wonders, "Who saves this stuff?"
His shit is FUNNY! I laughed so hard I cried...almost the entire time. I was literally wiping away tears. I can't remember the last time I laughed this much during a show.
As you walk into the theatre to find your seat, you notice the very minimal amount on the stage: a stool with a bottle of water beside a microphone in a stand, downstage is a Mac laptop and a projector and upstage is a large screen on which is projected the title of the show you are about to see with numerous graphics of photos and stamps and bits of this and that - stuff.
The entire show is based on this performer's life and is told in such a way that you are doubled over laughing and cry and trying to catch your breath. There are no jump cuts from his live on stage performance to the projected media on the screen - it's all very smooth in its transition with the help of his voice, his storytelling and good lighting operation. The projection screen really becomes like a second performer on stage.
One sentence: Stand up comedy plus wonderfully creative Power Point style presentation equals Me, My Stuff and I.
One word: Hilarious!
If you are reading this you must go and see this show.
If you're keeping track, this is the fourth play I've seen at the festival thus far and this now marks the fourth new space I've had the pleasure of being in. All the space's I've been in have been different, but they all have one thing in common - they are all excellent spaces with such possibility. The George Ignatieff Theatre space even has little tables attached to each chair. I assume this is because the space is also used by the university for lectures.
Me, My Stuff and I: A Multimedia Comedy
by Barry Smith
From the Fringe Program:
From the creator of "Jesus in Montana" (5 stars - EYE and NOW) and "American Squatter" (4 stars - EYE and NOW) comes a disturbingly funny multimedia comedy about...stuff. Lots of stuff. Writer/performer Barry Smith began documenting every detail of his existence from an early age. His young passion morphed into a bizarre obsession. And now he wonders, "Who saves this stuff?"
His shit is FUNNY! I laughed so hard I cried...almost the entire time. I was literally wiping away tears. I can't remember the last time I laughed this much during a show.
As you walk into the theatre to find your seat, you notice the very minimal amount on the stage: a stool with a bottle of water beside a microphone in a stand, downstage is a Mac laptop and a projector and upstage is a large screen on which is projected the title of the show you are about to see with numerous graphics of photos and stamps and bits of this and that - stuff.
The entire show is based on this performer's life and is told in such a way that you are doubled over laughing and cry and trying to catch your breath. There are no jump cuts from his live on stage performance to the projected media on the screen - it's all very smooth in its transition with the help of his voice, his storytelling and good lighting operation. The projection screen really becomes like a second performer on stage.
One sentence: Stand up comedy plus wonderfully creative Power Point style presentation equals Me, My Stuff and I.
One word: Hilarious!
If you are reading this you must go and see this show.
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Experiencing Fringe - July 2, 2010
For my second day of Fringing I had planned to see three shows:
> a 1:15pm of Tightrope @ Theatre Pass Muraille Mainspace
> a 7pm of The Making Of @ Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace
> an 11pm of Wedding Night In Canada @ St. Vladimir's Theatre.
To say the least my body had other plans and my viewing of Tightrope has been shuffled to Monday night.
So for this July 2 of Fringe I saw The Making Of (yes, "Making" not "Marking" as it says in the program) and Wedding Night In Canada.
The Making Of
by The Ensemble
Creator & Director: Michael Murphy
From the Fringe program:
A mokumentary that follows an inept film crew making a misguided documentary about the "untold plight of Toronto's poor" and who completely miss the point.
From the people who watched "Waiting for Guffman" and "The Office" - and thought they were both pretty funny - comes a comedy that'll make you wish you never found out what goes on behind the scenes.
First time in this space and what a great space it is. The A/C was on full blast, which would have been more effective had it been a really hot day out. However, I am not complaining...it was nice. [sigh]
The show was a combination of live on stage acting and prerecorded film that was projected onto a large screen upstage. It was a good combo of both, albeit a bit jumpy at some points - moving your focus from live actors to the screen and then back again. However, the jumpiness wasn't too noticeable because you were laughing almost all the time.
Laughs happened from the beginning to the end. Insane, illogical, stupid and silly lines came out of the "Rick" character's mouth and were then matched with witty and sometimes goofy remarks from the remaining cast of misfits.
Remarkably, some of Toronto's city councilors allowed themselves to be interviewed for portions of the prerecorded parts. It came across as a less gangster version of Ali G, but with all the dumb.
If you're looking for a laugh "Didju" know this is definitely the show for you!
After the show, I found my way to St. Vlad's for my next Fringing adventure - Wedding Night In Canada. Since it was at least an hour and a half before tickets went on sale I sauntered over to Momo's (on Harbord, West of Spadina) for some falafal and other food greatness. I haven't been to Momo's in years, but the food is still just as great and the beautiful night and patio provided for great people watching.
Wedding Night In Canada
by Francine Dick
From the Fringe Program:
Heddy has been planning the perfect wedding for more than two years. The Toronto Maple Leafs haven't won the Stanley Cup in over a lifetime. When the dreams of a bride face off against the Leafs, a game away from glory, who will emerge victorious? And will the groom get to watch at least some of the game?
I saw this play once already this year in the form of a reading at Alumnae Theatre (Toronto) and loved the script. The women who played "Heddy" at the reading had a great voice to listen to and played the character with wonderful vocal tones and expressive body language. I also know the actor who read for the "Karim" part. Now a whole new set of actors, and costumes too!
Another new space; this one cozy with a high set stage. First show thus far with pre-show music. Only three songs on repeat, but very appropriate ones.
Heddy's wedding dress was beautiful and can actually be purchased from the designer, after Fringe is over obviously!
I found the chemistry between Karim (the best man) and Heddy was better than that between Nick (the groom) and Heddy. I guess you could say that it played well in showing how upset Heddy was with her new husband, but not really.
Karim was "over gay." Yes, his character is gay, but this was overkill. It did, however, add to the comedy of it all with his hand gestures, limp wrist action and "oh girl" body language. He reminded me a bit too much of Bobby Lee from MadTV.
The actress playing Heddy was enjoyable and had good line delivery. However, I found her, as Heddy, to be too whiny.
Nick had good delivery and he was funny, but I wasn't excited about him.
Awesome stuff:
- Nick in the hockey jersey over his wedding outfit.
- Curtain call with Heddy and Nick still making out/making up and Karim all ready to take a bow.
I guess I am bias because I enjoyed the actors who did the reading more than the Fringe staged production. The same script with different actors and you get a completely different show.
Great laughs and poignant with cute moments. Highly recommended.
> a 1:15pm of Tightrope @ Theatre Pass Muraille Mainspace
> a 7pm of The Making Of @ Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace
> an 11pm of Wedding Night In Canada @ St. Vladimir's Theatre.
To say the least my body had other plans and my viewing of Tightrope has been shuffled to Monday night.
So for this July 2 of Fringe I saw The Making Of (yes, "Making" not "Marking" as it says in the program) and Wedding Night In Canada.
The Making Of
by The Ensemble
Creator & Director: Michael Murphy
From the Fringe program:
A mokumentary that follows an inept film crew making a misguided documentary about the "untold plight of Toronto's poor" and who completely miss the point.
From the people who watched "Waiting for Guffman" and "The Office" - and thought they were both pretty funny - comes a comedy that'll make you wish you never found out what goes on behind the scenes.
First time in this space and what a great space it is. The A/C was on full blast, which would have been more effective had it been a really hot day out. However, I am not complaining...it was nice. [sigh]
The show was a combination of live on stage acting and prerecorded film that was projected onto a large screen upstage. It was a good combo of both, albeit a bit jumpy at some points - moving your focus from live actors to the screen and then back again. However, the jumpiness wasn't too noticeable because you were laughing almost all the time.
Laughs happened from the beginning to the end. Insane, illogical, stupid and silly lines came out of the "Rick" character's mouth and were then matched with witty and sometimes goofy remarks from the remaining cast of misfits.
Remarkably, some of Toronto's city councilors allowed themselves to be interviewed for portions of the prerecorded parts. It came across as a less gangster version of Ali G, but with all the dumb.
If you're looking for a laugh "Didju" know this is definitely the show for you!
After the show, I found my way to St. Vlad's for my next Fringing adventure - Wedding Night In Canada. Since it was at least an hour and a half before tickets went on sale I sauntered over to Momo's (on Harbord, West of Spadina) for some falafal and other food greatness. I haven't been to Momo's in years, but the food is still just as great and the beautiful night and patio provided for great people watching.
Wedding Night In Canada
by Francine Dick
From the Fringe Program:
Heddy has been planning the perfect wedding for more than two years. The Toronto Maple Leafs haven't won the Stanley Cup in over a lifetime. When the dreams of a bride face off against the Leafs, a game away from glory, who will emerge victorious? And will the groom get to watch at least some of the game?
I saw this play once already this year in the form of a reading at Alumnae Theatre (Toronto) and loved the script. The women who played "Heddy" at the reading had a great voice to listen to and played the character with wonderful vocal tones and expressive body language. I also know the actor who read for the "Karim" part. Now a whole new set of actors, and costumes too!
Another new space; this one cozy with a high set stage. First show thus far with pre-show music. Only three songs on repeat, but very appropriate ones.
Heddy's wedding dress was beautiful and can actually be purchased from the designer, after Fringe is over obviously!
I found the chemistry between Karim (the best man) and Heddy was better than that between Nick (the groom) and Heddy. I guess you could say that it played well in showing how upset Heddy was with her new husband, but not really.
Karim was "over gay." Yes, his character is gay, but this was overkill. It did, however, add to the comedy of it all with his hand gestures, limp wrist action and "oh girl" body language. He reminded me a bit too much of Bobby Lee from MadTV.
The actress playing Heddy was enjoyable and had good line delivery. However, I found her, as Heddy, to be too whiny.
Nick had good delivery and he was funny, but I wasn't excited about him.
Awesome stuff:
- Nick in the hockey jersey over his wedding outfit.
- Curtain call with Heddy and Nick still making out/making up and Karim all ready to take a bow.
I guess I am bias because I enjoyed the actors who did the reading more than the Fringe staged production. The same script with different actors and you get a completely different show.
Great laughs and poignant with cute moments. Highly recommended.
Friday, July 02, 2010
Experiencing Fringe - July 1, 2010
False start to Fringing. Seems the body needs this thing called "sleep." Who'da thunk it? Eternal Friendship For A Spotless Smile will have to wait until later this weekend or next week.
My first adventure into Fringe 2010 - a 10:30pm showing of Breadwinner @ the Annex Theatre.
Breadwinner
a musical by Megan Benjafield
From the Fringe Program:
Four old university friends meet up every year for their annual girls' weekend and discuss the unique struggles that they all encounter as the main breadwinners in their family. Sex in the City ten years later without Manhattan and designer clothes.
"If we could be whatever we wanted to be, why did we end up here?"
An excellent way for me to kick off Fringe 2010! Great line (one of many) from the show: "Metro-sexual urban Dad."
This was my first visit to this space and what a small, but great space it is. My first impression of its two chandeliers and double staircase is that it would be perfect for a production of The Sound of Music. Perfect for the "So Long, Farewell" number or the entrance of the children for their first meeting with Maria.
The cast: four women.
The setting: a back patio of a house or getaway location somewhere in Ontario.
Interesting story lines with good laughs. The "Harold" actress reminded me a lot of Camryn Manheim. The "Pat" actress was a bit of a speed talker when it came to her lines. Also, the actors need to increase their pauses for applause and laughter - things get missed in dialogue because their words are eaten by the noise.
I enjoyed the play and laughed; that's important in my books. I recommend seeing this one; especially all you women!
My first adventure into Fringe 2010 - a 10:30pm showing of Breadwinner @ the Annex Theatre.
Breadwinner
a musical by Megan Benjafield
From the Fringe Program:
Four old university friends meet up every year for their annual girls' weekend and discuss the unique struggles that they all encounter as the main breadwinners in their family. Sex in the City ten years later without Manhattan and designer clothes.
"If we could be whatever we wanted to be, why did we end up here?"
An excellent way for me to kick off Fringe 2010! Great line (one of many) from the show: "Metro-sexual urban Dad."
This was my first visit to this space and what a small, but great space it is. My first impression of its two chandeliers and double staircase is that it would be perfect for a production of The Sound of Music. Perfect for the "So Long, Farewell" number or the entrance of the children for their first meeting with Maria.
The cast: four women.
The setting: a back patio of a house or getaway location somewhere in Ontario.
Interesting story lines with good laughs. The "Harold" actress reminded me a lot of Camryn Manheim. The "Pat" actress was a bit of a speed talker when it came to her lines. Also, the actors need to increase their pauses for applause and laughter - things get missed in dialogue because their words are eaten by the noise.
I enjoyed the play and laughed; that's important in my books. I recommend seeing this one; especially all you women!
The Sparks of Life
It's been a while since I posted on my blog and much has happened.
On June 29, I reached my one year anniversary at my "new" job. My boss says I'm a "lifer" now and that's just fine with me.
I am in the beginning processes of stage managing my third production at The Village Playhouse. The play is Noel Coward's "Present Laughter." First rehearsal is this coming Tuesday July 6 and we go up on Friday Sept 17. It's a long show with 10 cast members so I foresee lack of sleep, but happy "Theatre Sara" over the next couple months. Time will move so quickly that before I know it we'll be half way through the run and I'll be wondering where the time has gone.
Also, as part of my "See More Stuff" motto for 2010, I am Fringing -- watching shows at the Toronto Fringe Festival. The festival started yesterday (June 30) and runs until Sunday July 11. I figured with work and stage managing at The Village I would leave the Fringe volunteering for this year and just enjoy the shows I can. I am going to try and post little reviews of each show I see. Why? Because I can. It'll be fun and writing more can't hurt.
Speaking of writing, I am in the midst of writing my first official script with my theatre friend, Tina. It's for the stage and it's a short. I don't want to give too much away, but we met last weekend at my place for lunch and got a really good handle on the characters and the story line. Excitement! We want to try and have it ready for submission in September. Fingers crossed.
Lastly, I am giving the BIG on Bloor Street Festival (The New Bloor Festival is its new name) another shot this year. If you remember from last year, it rained...a lot. I swore I would only do it again if they promised no rain. No such promise has been made and the cost of renting a table went up; so I guess I am just crazy and a glutton for possible punishment. Let's hope for good weather. The date of this year's festival is Saturday July 24 and takes place on Bloor Street West, between Dufferin and Lansdowne. Come and check out my table!
In preparation for the festival, I made my first visit to Bizzy B's Stamp and Scrapbook store in Bloor West Village. They have crop space that is free to use between 6pm and 10pm on Tues, Thurs and Friday - depending on classes being held and space available. You can bring your own materials (or buy from them) and they let you use their tools and equipment. It was very awesome and very inspiring. I am definitely going back again, soon!
On June 29, I reached my one year anniversary at my "new" job. My boss says I'm a "lifer" now and that's just fine with me.
I am in the beginning processes of stage managing my third production at The Village Playhouse. The play is Noel Coward's "Present Laughter." First rehearsal is this coming Tuesday July 6 and we go up on Friday Sept 17. It's a long show with 10 cast members so I foresee lack of sleep, but happy "Theatre Sara" over the next couple months. Time will move so quickly that before I know it we'll be half way through the run and I'll be wondering where the time has gone.
Also, as part of my "See More Stuff" motto for 2010, I am Fringing -- watching shows at the Toronto Fringe Festival. The festival started yesterday (June 30) and runs until Sunday July 11. I figured with work and stage managing at The Village I would leave the Fringe volunteering for this year and just enjoy the shows I can. I am going to try and post little reviews of each show I see. Why? Because I can. It'll be fun and writing more can't hurt.
Speaking of writing, I am in the midst of writing my first official script with my theatre friend, Tina. It's for the stage and it's a short. I don't want to give too much away, but we met last weekend at my place for lunch and got a really good handle on the characters and the story line. Excitement! We want to try and have it ready for submission in September. Fingers crossed.
Lastly, I am giving the BIG on Bloor Street Festival (The New Bloor Festival is its new name) another shot this year. If you remember from last year, it rained...a lot. I swore I would only do it again if they promised no rain. No such promise has been made and the cost of renting a table went up; so I guess I am just crazy and a glutton for possible punishment. Let's hope for good weather. The date of this year's festival is Saturday July 24 and takes place on Bloor Street West, between Dufferin and Lansdowne. Come and check out my table!
In preparation for the festival, I made my first visit to Bizzy B's Stamp and Scrapbook store in Bloor West Village. They have crop space that is free to use between 6pm and 10pm on Tues, Thurs and Friday - depending on classes being held and space available. You can bring your own materials (or buy from them) and they let you use their tools and equipment. It was very awesome and very inspiring. I am definitely going back again, soon!
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