The Toronto Fringe Theatre Festival has wrapped up. I did not get to see a lot of plays that I wanted to; they had 155 shows after all! I did, however, manage to find 5 top shows that made my “Fringeing” experience very enjoyable.
Here are my faves shows this year…
Pornstar
By: Chris Craddock
Starring: Heather Marie Annis, Amy Lee, Lynne Griffin and Sarah Mennell.
“This a story from a simpler time, when sex‐shame and homophobia seemed to be the worst things the religious right could do to us.” This is the story of librarian (Heather Marie Annis) turned amateur pornstar from Saskatchewan, whose mother (Lynne Griffin) is a religious zealot living in the USA rooting for Sarah Palin to become the next President. Both still ‘grieving’ from having lost a sister & daughter (Amy Lee) at too young an age. Intrigued? Yes and that’s only the beginning.
Smartly written, witty, funny and with many truths hidden in between. I enjoyed Pornstar for all this but also for the strong all-female cast. I, of course, enjoyed Annis’ performance as the ‘sexy librarian’ but also the chemistry between her & Sarah Mennell (who plays a sex expert turned radioshow host). All four characters are memorable. They each gave very strong performances that made me want to go back a second time. Definitely a strong,
Pomme Is French For Apple
By & Starring: Liza Paul and Bahia Watson
The show takes a “look at womanhood in all its glory: its perils, its pleasures, and all kinda madness in between.” Paul and Watson nailed the female experience with humour, wit and honesty. The duo brought us to laughter and tears throughout the whole hour…they are that funny! And for those of us with Caribbean friends, it’s even funnier because we pick up on the nuances as well.
The vignettes include talking female body parts, dating scenarios and mother-daughter interactions. They are all funny and also very honest. I loved that the audience really let them have it with laughing loudly and cheering them on. Definitely worth the price of admission and a second viewing.
Dina: The Burlapped Crusader
By: Claire Acott and Jenny Salisbury
Starring: Claire Ascott
“In a city vexed by congestion, pollution, smart phones, and one angry mayor, Toronto cried out for a hero.” And here’s Dina to the rescue! I loved this one-woman show because of its social commentary on how we, as urbanites, are not interacting with each other as we used to due to our ‘dependence’ on technology and social media.
I also liked Ascott’s use of texting during the show to assist her but also to prove how quick we are to pick up our cell phones if given the chance to do so. Ascott has great stamina and her interaction throughout the play made it so much more enjoyable. I commend her and Jenny Salisbury on a well written play.
TICK
By: Matthew Mackenzie
Starring: Members of Lallygag Theatre Co.
“Kids are the most oppressed group on the planet, and ten year old Tickailia Summers (Tick) has had enough.” A play about finding friendship, family and growing up.
I loved this play because it was fun and engaging for any age group. As we follow Tick and her pals in their quest to save their local library from closing, we see the importance of reading, using one’s imagination and having great pals to share these with. A fun show for the whole family.
The Super Secret Subway Society
By: Katherine Sanders with Kaitlin Winslow
Starring: Kevin Dowse, Brittney Filek-Gibson, Freddie Rivas
“Nothing exciting ever happens on the subway. Everyone plugs into their electronic devices and stares at their shoes. Until The Super Secret Subway Society comes into existence to shake things up.” Simple yet full of great adventures, this play got my imagination working overtime.
I watched this show with a large group of children in the audience and they made it so much more fun! The cast members encourage the children to partake in their adventures while hoping to find the Spadina Diamond. Shows that encourage the use of imagination are some of favourites. This one did not disappoint.
