Finally had some time to begin my Toronto Fringe Festival experience this year. With the hot days we’ve been having, a day at the theatre is one sure way to enjoy oneself.
Thus far, I have attended 6 shows, all of which varied in style and content. Here are a few points on each one for you.
Alex Bailey Is On Fire (60min)
By: Adam Bailey
Company: Still Your Friend
St. Vladimir Theatre
Main point: Bailey shares his experience growing up the gay son of an Evangelical Minister.
My thoughts: Funny. Poignant. Moving. From the beginning Bailey invites us into ‘communion’ with him and embark on this story with him. We learn about his childhood, teen and university years, and finally about his adult years meeting the man he falls in love with. As we move through time, we laugh and some cry. Definitely a performance I enjoyed from beginning to end.
Two more shows left…
The Road to Santiago (60min)
By: Rory Ledbetter
Company: Rory Ledbetter
St. Vladimir Theatre
Main point: Ledbetter and his fiancé decide to go for a walk. They embark on El Camino de Santiago (800km in Spain) armed with a guidebook, shoes, backpacks, and a lot of issues concerning their relationship.
My thoughts: Autobiographical. LOL funny. Decided to see this show on a whim. Glad I went, as Ledbetter is funny and engaging as he leads us through this 800km pilgrimage through El Camino. We meet many people along the way. And we also come to know Ledbetter and his fiancée more intimately. The end of their pilgrimage is a good one.
Three more shows left…
**Just adding here that one-person shows are not easy to create. I often make a point of seeing one-person shows because they are risky. The person has to keep the audience engaged the entire time, and they’re intimate. I’ll also be catching Jon Bennet’s Fire In the Meth Lab, also a one-person show at St. Vladimir Theatre… with two more shoes left also.
Plus One (60min)
By Gavin Williams and Lindsay Mullan
Company: Backyard Spaceship
Tarragon – Solo Rm
Main point: Each show, Gavin is joined by a different improvisor and given a show challenge, but the twist is: He doesn’t know the improvisor or the challenge until the show starts.
My thoughts: Improv. Quirky. Awkward funny. Not for everyone but some parts are certainly funny. Improv is never easy and I give Williams a big shout-out for embarking on this journey; especially since the Fringe called him and improv partner, L. Mullan, 1 month before the festival offering him a spot at the fest. Depending on the guests, the show can take some interesting turns.
Three more shows left…
The Pirate Queen of Stars (60min)
By: Peter Cavell and Andrew Templeton
Company: megnpetemakecoolstuff
Factory – Mainspace
Main point: Epic space-battles, a robot with a secret crush, and an ass-kicking space-pirate fighting the galactic patriarchy.
My thoughts: Musical theatre. Enjoyable. Full disclosure here, I am no big fan of musical theatre. I took a chance on this show because of the sci-fi aspect. Does it work? Sort of. Some of the songs are quite catchy. The actors are good; standouts for me are Paul Barnes, Sarah Strange, and Daniel Abrahamson. A bit too long for my liking but… the lady behind me kept laughing super loudly, if that means anything.
Two more shows left…
Curious Contagious (60min)
By: Mind of a Snail
Factory Theatre Mainspace
Main point: A surreal quest into the microscopic innards of a mythical beast.
My thoughts: Nerdy. Fun for all ages. Shadow puppetry. I’ve been a fan of Mind of Snail’s work since I saw them in a much smaller venue years ago. Creators/Performers Chloe Ziner and Jessica Gabriel do literally everything. They create the characters, the art on the transparencies they use with the overhead projectors, the music and costumes. If you see any of their productions, let your imagination flow. It is so fun.
Three more shows left…
Be aware that my thoughts on each show are simply a few points to assist you in choosing your Fringe picks. There are many, many other shows worth catching. I’ll be continuing my Fringe experience this weekend.
Looking for other show listings and festival info? Click here. Head out and enjoy some cool indie theatre.
