YYZ to YWG (April30/11)

I’ve done it. I got on a plane and flew away from the city and the province. I am in Winnipeg.

I took TTC (Toronto public transit) to get to the airport, but it wasn’t until I saw a banking plane that had just taken off that it really hit me. I mean sure, I had a suitcase with me and every other person on the 192 Airport Rocket Express also had suitcases or bags. However, it wasn’t until seeing that plane in the air that the realization of what I was about to do hit me. I was excited!

For all the research and reading I did to pack for my trip it was sure over quick. I breezed through self-check in, baggage check in and security all in less than 10 minutes. So me and my carefully prepared Ziplock bag were now safely on the other side…with two and a half hours before boarding. Yup, early…real early. Yet, this gave me time to chill and let it all just soak in.

My first stop was to wander by the expansive windows in the waiting area around my departure gate. For someone who doesn’t travel by plane that much this was glorious. I really need to travel more.

After speaking with my parents, grabbing some dinner and just people watching I still had over an hour. What to do…hello free Wi-Fi. Yet, checking email and Facebook seemed a little less awesome while sitting in an airport. I did some research in the “what to do” section of one of the City of Winnipeg tourist websites to get some ideas for my stay. Finally, after wandering, sitting and more wandering, we were called to board.

OMG, I’m on a plane! This thought crossed my mind many times during my flight. The first time was when I was walking the gang plank to the entrance of the plane. I was able to take a brief gander into the cockpit while waiting for others to take their seats. So cool! I am a geek; deal. Our flight was full, as were many of the flights taking off that night. There was enough space to make us all buddy-buddy for our just over two hour flight. The personal TVs at each seat helped too. Thank you to City TV for playing Twilight, you made the flight seem very quick.

The last time I flew to Winnipeg was the last time I flew period. That was in 2003. At that time I flew with the now cancelled airline, JetsGo. At that time I required the belt extender to be able to fasten the belt safely. I am very proud to say that this time around, eight years later, I conquered the airplane seat belt like a champ, sans extender. I amaze even myself sometimes. Go Team Me!

Take-off and landing were such a rush; just the amazing fact that this large piece of metal with all these people is able to get up into the sky and stay there while moving at hundreds of miles an hour…awesome. Our pilot must have sped a little too as we landed a good 10 minutes early.

Flight Risk -- Vacation!

In less than 24 hours I'll be striking another risk off my 2011 Take More Risks Bucket List! Although Winnipeg isn't considered a risky vacation to go on, the last minute booking and lack of planning is what I consider a risk in this case. Strap yourself in cause we're flying by the seat of our pants!

Popping My Cherry-Oke

On the night of March 31, 2011, I sang karaoke for the first time ever. I am no longer a virgin of this crazy world of singing another's song in a room with drunken strangers. And thus, I am awesome.

Never before have I experienced such an overwhelmingly positive response to the phrase: "Excuse me, virgin coming through." Yet, I used this line tonight as I made my way to the mic.

There is nothing more that can impress a gal, other than applause and flowers, than having a stranger tap you on the back to let you know you are awesome. Or to have a random person say, "Hey it's the girl with the voice!" as you pass by them. What a rush; an epic injection of confidence. Possibly not as true in the sobering light of day, but I shall take awesome - thank you!

Karaoke, I might just see you again my friend.

And with that, I officially check another item on my 2011 Take More Risks Bucket List.

Short and Sweet...and Nuts

Brief update on my 2011 Bucket List Year:

Completed my Unsweetened February Challenge and by 8:50am the next day had already had my first piece of chocolate. I guess the reprogramming of my brain failed. Oh well, that first piece of chocolate after a month was the best chocolate ever!

Another bucket list item, being on stage in a live theatrical production, is coming to a close. "Nuts", at The Village Playhouse, has been running since March 11 and will end its run on April 2. It's been a epic adventure and I might just undertake another role in the future; especially if it means applause and flowers! And, of course, a sense of accomplishment.

If two bucket list items ain't enough for the first 3 months of 2011, let's check off one more: Karaoke. On Thursday (March 31) some of us "Nuts" plan to head downtown after the show to partake in some karaoke fun. We'll see if I have the balls to get up there and belt out a tune or two. It can't be any worse than being on stage for the first time, right? Right?! *faint*

Unsweetened Challenge - 8 Days To Go

Well, I've lasted almost a whole month of my Unsweetened 30 Day Challenge and only have 8 more days before the month is up.

My only failings thus far:
1) Ketchup - used twice.
2) Whiskey Sours & Lychee Martinis - used more than twice.

This food challenge didn't go quite as I had planned. I probably ate just as much sugar as I normally would have, but my sugar intake came from "naturally occurring sugars" instead of the processed kind.

Things I've learned thus far:
1) Maltitol, in excess, will kick your ass - literally.
2) Just because you've decreased your sugar intake does mean you should increase your fat intake. (Possible upcoming Food Challenge: No Junk In My Trunk.)
3) Cravings will never dissipate, no matter how much you will them to.
4) Distraction and keeping busy are the answer because idle hands and mind will always get you into trouble.
5) I can survive without all that extra sugar. Others; however, may experience impending doom from my "lack of sweets" bitchiness.
6) Unsweetened Soy Milk is not as bad I as I thought.

I am already planning future food challenges for 2011. This one has kept me on my toes and made me that much more aware of what I put in my mouth.

Public Displays of Animosity

Any conversation that involves the words/phrases: "You're not being fucking fair!" or "You're an asshole." should not be had on a cell phone on a very busy street corner. No matter how pretty you are, it's just not something that should happen. Private conversation as just that -- private -- and no one really wants to hear that sort of language on a lovely Sunday afternoon.

Along the same lines, no matter how drunk and belligerent you are continually holding up your middle finger at someone and then spitting on the floor in front of that person and cursing them just before getting off the bus it not a "human" thing to do. Oh, you're not human? Well then, my bad.

I rode the bus this evening, sitting beside the drunk and in front of the Portuguese/Spanish/Italian gentleman on his cell phone who was the mysterious source of the drunk's aggravation. I've seen this spitting/cursing action done before on film or TV, but never in real life and up close; it was surreal. The only words I could understand from the Portuguese/Spanish/Italian gentleman were "behave" and "policia" so I assume he meant business. Just before the drunk got off the bus I overheard, "That was not nice." What I can't tell (because I would not dare look in his direction) was if it came from his potentially drunken friend or if the bus driver was attempting to respond to the situation in some way.

The two things that passed through my mind during the mild altercation were: 1) "I bite my thumb at you!" and 2) How can you take the reaction/shock you just had and use it in your on-stage performance?

Yes, I might need therapy.

Ah, life in the city, and on public transit, is always entertaining!

A Happy Heart Day Half Way Point

Today marks the half way point between the beginning of this food challenge and the end of the month. Today also marks one of the toughest days of the challenge thus far.

It's a Monday. (evil)
It's Valentine's Day. (single)
It was a challenge. (Go Team Sara!)

I resisted the urge to tear into the gifted Hershey's Chocolate Kisses, which now sit all wrapped up snug at the back of my freezer. I didn't allow my epic grumpiness and my tired, frustrated Monday self to ruin this challenge for me.

I did, however, purchase Chapman's No Sugar Added Ice Cream and thoroughly enjoyed it. Enjoyed it more so than I have ever enjoyed any ice cream before. It truly was a treat...and there's still more left for my next almost mental breakdown.

I am looking forward to the next three days: back to being Nuts on Tues and Thurs and adventures in The Secret Garden on Wed. Now there's one challenge I would most definitely fail: cold turkey on all things theatre. Thank goodness theatre is good for the soul.

My heart is happy and I hope yours is too!

Sweets & Treats

Another "unsweetened" week down and so far so good -- among many challenges. In the past week I've baked twice for a theatre fundraiser, I've stood in a favourite bakery of mine waiting for my soup-and-sandwich dinner, I have resisted the urge to dive into sugary gifts, I turned down Green Tea Ice Cream and I operated lights in a small booth that contained a very enticing container of jujubes.

My only "fail" this week (and since the beginning of this experiment/challenge) was the three whiskey sours I had. Oops! It's another one of those things you forget about, that are an automatic part of a bar trip for some, and contain sugar -- mixed drinks.

I have somehow convinced myself that since I have decreased my consumption of the extra "candy/chocolate/Starbucks coffees" processed sugars that I can increase my consumption of carbs (bread, pasta, etc.) -- something I had under control prior to this month. I believe this to be the reason I am not feeling or seeing results as expected. (Read: No significant dip in scale numbers and still feel bloated at times. Hello! Carbs!) So, to that end, I vow to seriously decrease my consumption of carbs from now until the end of the month. I want to be able to see and feel some sort of a difference from this challenge, gosh darn-it! To assist in the "weening" process, I did purchase a gluten-free, no sugar tea biscuit dry mix from the health food store that I am going to try out.

Another thing I've noticed is my increase in regular black tea with Splenda. I hardly ever used Splenda, or drank black tea prior to this Unsweetened February. I am not as concerned with this, although, too much artificial sweetener is not a good thing. (Read: Sara really needs to cut down/out diet cola.)

After talking with a friend today, I am going to look more into Stevia. It's always been on my radar, but I've never tried it.

This challenge is not only a physical one, but a mental one too. I am educating myself on better ways of living and better health practices surrounding my food intake. I do hope I get something meaningful and useful out of this challenge.

Adventures in Snacking

Today marks Day 6 of my Unsweetened February food challenge, a risk which is part of my 2011 Take More Risks Bucket List.



My goal today, was to source out different kinds of snacks that would provide that sugary kick I wanted without all the sugar I didn't need. Up until now grapes, bananas, raisins and no sugar added cookies, along with diet cola, had been my snacking tools. I want to increase those choices and give myself more variety.



Cereal and Soy Milk:
Even before this self-imposed challenge, I had always purchased lower sugar and high fibre cereals. This is one area I am not being to hard on myself about. Although the cereals currently in my cupboard (Life Multigrains, Kashi Go Lean, Shreddies) do have sugar in the list of ingredients, the amount of it is low and the fibre content balances it all out...somewhat. Technicalities. My soy milk selection however needed a review. Just prior to February 1st I had purchase chocolate soy milk. As of today, that is now gone (having been consumed) and for the rest of the month I will be consuming unsweetened soy milk. We'll see how this goes. *shutter*

Nature's Candy:
Increasing the intake of fruits (proportionally, within reason) and veggies is all part of the reprogramming process. That's a given. Today was about finding fun stuff that I can keep in my desk at work or in my bag as snacks. I have hidden away my granola bars at least until the end of the month, so I needed some other non-sugar/natural sugar snacks.



Shoppers Drug Mart's Life Brand products, and most recently Simply Food line of products, provided me with some great variety. I already have Life Brand dried apricots in my desk at work. The apricots were the only bags dried fruit at Shoppers that did not have added sugar. For shame Shoppers. I like cranberries too you know! I also invested in those cute little boxes of raisins that most of us got for Halloween as kids. I know I could have just purchased raisins in bulk, but it's the presentation that makes it. A cute little box of raisins is more pleasing to the eye than a Ziploc bag of them. I also scored some dried prunes (no sugar added -- yay Shoppers), no sugar added fruit juice drinking boxes, no sugar added chewy fruit snacks and more cute little boxes of raisins.



Health Food Store:
More expensive, yes, but more variety...even with no sugar chocolate! "Fruit to Go" fruit leather, unsweetened granola and yes, chocolate. I purchased the chocolate as an I-can't-take-it-anymore last resort because, from what I have read and past experience of candy and chocolate made with Maltitol, it can cause...loose poop. Like I said, last resort.

Let the adventures in snacking begin!

The Unsweetened February - Day 6

Six days so far. Some have been easier than others. Thursday and Friday were pretty smooth as I kept myself busier at work, which took my mind from thinking about it to thinking about something else.

This was the first weekend of my Unsweetened Challenge. It was tough, just as I thought it would be. The sweetness of fruit helped, but my saving grace was black tea with Splenda. I drank three large mugs of it on Saturday...and then peed like a race horse. Although during this challenge I have allowed myself diet soda, at the same time, I don't want to rely on that for my "sugar" fix. Adventures into different kinds of tea and making my own homemade iced tea will help.

It occurred to me on Day 2 that the Raspberry Sauce I had just consumed with my chicken had more than its fair share of sugar. No more Raspberry Sauce. Similarly, on Day 5 after plating my hot and delicious looking grilled cheese, it hit me that the Ketchup I had just retrieved from the fridge had an epic amount of sugar. No Ketchup on the grilled cheese; hot sauce instead. Not as good without the Ketchup, but doable.

After Day 5's sugary sauce revelation, I have decided to "up my game" in this challenge. Throughout the remainder of this month I will increase the challenge by adding more "sugar" items to the list of no-nos. One of the biggest will be white flour and negative carbs in general. If I can get to February 28th (sanity in tact) with a serious reduction of negative carbs maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to retrain my brain to accept this as the norm.

The Unsweetened 30 Day Challenge

I am now well into rehearsals for my role as The Recorder for the production of "Nuts" at The Village Playhouse. This will take care of one of the risks on my current 2011 bucket list.

So now what? Well, let's scratch another risk off the list. Today, February 1st, marked Day One of my first 30 Day Challenge. I know, I know, February only has 28 days. Technicalities. My first 30 Day Challenge is a food challenge...or lack of a certain food - sugar.

For the next month I am going to decrease considerably the amount of sugar I intake on a daily basis. No candy or chocolate, no hot chocolate or special Starbucks coffees, no baked goods. I am allowing myself diet sodas, Crystal Light type drinks and Splenda for sweetening any regular coffee or tea that needs it, but NO SUGAR! Naturally occurring sugar, yes. Any other kind of sugar, no.

Now, you're probably saying, "Sara, this doesn't seem like a risk." To that I say, "Oh yes it is, for me." In only my first day, I had to stop myself no less than 4 times from going for that sugar item that I didn't think twice about before. If I can do this for a whole month think about the health benefits and maybe even the good habits I will be introducing to my life.

"But still Sara, where's the risk in it all?" Well maybe put aside the word "risk" and let's use "temptation".

February is a chocolate month due to Valentine's Day. Also, this month I am involved in a fundraiser called "Sweets & Treats". People will come to see staged productions and then enjoy fresh baked desserts with their coffee and tea. I am one of the volunteered bakers. I volunteered before coming up with this challenge. I think I might be crazy.

I am not doing this for anyone else but me so if I sneak a sugar item I am not failing anyone else but myself. We'll see how long I can fight against temptation. GO TEAM ME!

Taking More Risks in 2011

I don't do the New Years Resolution thing anymore. What do I do? I follow a motto for the year. Yup, that's right, a motto. Last year's motto was: Do More Stuff. Pretty generalized motto, but it worked...I had an epic and busy 2010!

This year's motto is: Take More Risks.

What I've decided to do is create a list; a "2011 Take More Risks Bucket List" to be exact. This list will be on going, growing in "risks" as I think of them (or as they are recommended to me). No risk will be removed from the list, but not all risks may be completed -- they are simply a guideline or supply from which to dip.

The list thus far is:
- Perform karaoke.
- Take part in a live theatre production...ON STAGE.
- Travel, away from the city/province/country, at least once, maybe twice.
- Join a club.
- Take a class.
- Say "yes" more often than "no".
- Do at least 2 "30 Day" challenges.
- Get a tattoo.

Other than the tattoo these all might seem like "safe" risks, but I think I can shake things up. It's still early in the year. Plus, the list is ever growing...

Experiencing Fringe - July 11, 2010

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!!

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!

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.

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!

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 very yummy 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!

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.

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.

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!