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Venue One: Theatre Aquarius Studio Theatre
Dianne and Me
Written by Ron Fromstein, directed by Jaclyn Scobie Scoger and starring Taryn Jorgensen, Dianne and Me is a teenager’s perspective on sex, pregnancy, single parenthood and parental relations. It’s funny, sad, enlightening and true. Jorgensen engages us throughout her journey in a stand–out performance. Mothers will understand their daughters. Daughters will understand their mothers. This is essential theatre and is my pick for the Best Show in Venue One.
The End
With a script by Sarah Weber and direction by A.J. Haygarth, The End focuses on a couple separating shortly before the birth of their child. Funny at times and sad at others, the actors lacked the chemistry needed to sell their relationship. That said, they still had strong individual moments and the show is sure to leave you thinking—rather stewing– over its outcome. It also promises a sequel next season, which I won’t miss.
10,000,000 to One
Nicholas Wallace strikes the Fringe again with his charm, humour and probability...possibly…magic? It’s up to you. It was painful to choose a best of venue this year because quality was so high. Wallace is responsible in part for this struggle. It all comes down to your interests. The show is slick, confident and entertaining. It’s a multi–generational crowd–pleaser and Wallace is an excellent showman.
Everything You Need to Know About Women for Dummies
Once again, this trio (Tomy Bewick, Leviathan Grant, and Dwayne Morgan) tops the Fringe with their style, high energy and deep understanding of life. This year they tell men and women what it’s all about in a semi–instructional presentation that allows for both laughter and knowing sighs. Profound reflections and important lessons make this a must see. Ladies: these are three men who understand women and care.
I’ll Be Seeing You
The Aquarius Studio is really rockin’ this year and this show is part of the reason. Truth be told, there should be at least five best productions in this venue. This show has it all: two great performances, a gorgeous dame, a handsome devil, a great little twist, and some classic tunes which all lead to a spontaneous standing ovation. Tap your toes and bring a Kleenex.
Joe’s Café
This show would fall under the category of musical revue; however, expect some top–notch storytelling as well. Rupert Wates, Stacy Lorin and Valorie Miller create lasting images with their songs. Let go and follow the journeys they fashion with their music. It is truly magical when voices come together and the particular chemistry of this trio is undeniable. Some might say this isn’t theatre, but it certainly isn’t just for music lovers. Try it out!
Saucy Jack
Who knew Jack the Ripper was an environmentalist? Check this play out and discover the stunning philosophy of his crimes and how they match up against the crimes of modern society. I was riveted by the horror of his valid points. Doug McLauchlan is like a word magician: building his case, engaging his audience and finally revealing the truth. It was dark, but no darker than our own souls. This is a solid work of art.
Venue Two – Theatre Aquarius Backstage
The Boat People
Written by Sylvia Voung and directed by Jeff Yung, this is a refreshingly different story. If you are tired of the same old themes and generic characters, come and check out this collective portrayal of the plight of a Vietnamese family and their journey to Canada. The set is creative and multifunctional and the acting sincere. Despite some awkward segues and scene changes, this is still a strong work.
Grouch on a Couch
This is a one–man panorama of rage and pop culture. Jeff Cottrill has high energy, but needs to adjust his levels to help punctuate his moments. Funny and sometimes frightening, this work seems to say, “Hey! What about the angry people? Are they not reality too? Isn’t reality something we created?”
It’s easy to throw away something when you don’t want to take responsibility for it. This show includes crudity, fowl language and sacrilegious references to Elmo: if that sounds like it might appeal, come and play!
Purple
This show is a collaborative effort presented by Grant Winestock and Max Rose Begg Goodis. Warning: don’t follow the plot; it may leave you dazed. Enjoy the vignettes and excellent characterizations: Tyler Brent as Hugh and Brett Winestock as Randy Randolph, who consistently steals the show as he grows a snout, and simultaneously loses another important appendage brought on by his mysterious purple rash. A great ensemble piece.
In.between.places
This madcap comedy, written by Aaron Joel Craig and Ryan M. Sero sports a dedicated and ambitious cast in a little tale about regaining your creative mojo and getting your life back on track. Sounds pretty straightforward until the raccoon from your childhood imagination arrives with his strange buddies for an intervention. What follows is absurdly entertaining. Performances vary, with a special nod to Ryan M. Sero for his great comic timing. Best Show in Venue Two.
Attics
Written and directed by Sondra Learn, Attics is the reminiscing of three women in their attic spaces. It can seem heavy–handed at times, with no laughter or joy to break the tension, but it’s still a well conceived and thoughtful piece. In particular, the use of live music as an underscore created delicate transitions. Performers gave their all and the dedication to the project is palpable.
Just So Stories
This is a great one–woman–show ideal for all family members and specifically perfect for children. One woman, three stories and a scarf take us all over the world, discovering the tales of strange and wild animals. Stories are engaging and well–crafted, with precise characterizations and an arsenal of accents for audience entertainment. This production was a lovely comment on the power of storytelling.
Venue Three: Downtown Arts Centre Theatre
The State of New York V. Peter Pan
I won’t mince words, since I only have 50. This is not a good play; it didn’t even matter that the technical side utterly failed when I saw it. A criminal case against Peter Pan? It’s a silly idea, and it is falteringly directed to be reminiscent of shows like “C.S.I” and “Law & Order.” Ultimately confused and not seriously acted, this is for die–hard fans of James Barrie and formulaic TV cop shows only.
Turne Around
Here is a unique, quirky play about superheros in 1940s New York. Good start, right? Well, it keeps up. Well–acted and well–formulated as a short play, this is a fun offering and a great family choice. I would have enjoyed some creative superhero costuming though – after all, isn’t that half the draw? Nonetheless, this is a sweet little treat.
Soul Song
If you would enjoy a soft, feminist sermon, go see this play. It’s a bunch of women at a baby shower quoting famous people and giving life advice. So, kind of boring, redundant and even bordering on condescending to men. The message is that hard times make you stronger, but these chicks are talking about a run in their pantihose. Not my cup of tea at all.
Lambs In Winter
Performed with nudity, zest and realism, Ray River’s comedic tale of sex and politics stares you right in the face – and tickles you, too. A love triangle between three aging flower children is explored and exposed for all its wrinkles, and each must decide their true feelings. Here is a diverse, complimentary acting trio that shouldn’t be missed. Best Show in Venue Three.
Married to a Jackass Blues
This lady has spunk, but it would be best served at karaoke night. A series of songs about being an ultimately dissatisfied divorcée could only be great if you have real punch on stage. Ottawa–based singer Serena Williamson wrote and performs this one–woman show herself, but there is not enough here to hold us for an hour. A bold effort, but by no means a must–see.
The Mixed Tape
Sean Hauk, fresh from Rocky Horror (he was a fantastic Brad), is onstage every night singing a different bunch of songs, each show featuring a special guest. Every show is unique! Awesome! To give you an idea, he does a bitchin’ Elvis, and a soulful Phantom. What a delight on stage, and Hauk has a great sense of humour. Absolute fun! Highly recommended.
Canada’s Heroic Farces
This show isn’t ready for the stage, nor is it really a show. It’s a good–humoured lecture about Canadian history, and it barely features farces. Quite simply, it’s two people reading from their notes about Canadian heroes, giving one sentence about each with a leftist political agenda. It was pretty hard to sit through. Well–intentioned, but unprepared.
Venue 4: Downtown Arts Centre Studio
Christmas Eve at the Julibee Motel
Two strangers, thrown together by a storm, fueled by sexual tension and personal mystery, navigate their way through each other’s subtext. Monica Cairney and Duncan Thompson do an admirable job with the bare–knuckle script, though their dynamic is erratic. They need a tighter understanding of the progression. Very raw performances; definitely worth seeing though.
The Hefner Monologues
Hugh Hefner’s estranged cousin John Hefner presents a 60–minute identity crisis. Other–Hef’s show is made up of really hilarious anecdotes that he swears are true, the full monty and all. There were many moments when I laughed out loud, but never did I stop feeling sorry for this poor, confused soul. A fabulous 10–car pileup. Stage presence out the wazoo.
The Whores
This is a raw theatre experience that will impress those with more experience, and will shock and disturb those who are still green. Discover the lives of five totally different types of prostitutes, each one intertwining with the others but remaining ultimately alone. All five actresses gave exceptional performances, with Clare Blackwood’s heroin addicted Sam being the standout. A sobering gem and classic fringe fare.
New Talent
In an anticipated return to Hamilton, Brian Morton’s gritty play ropes you into the darker side of our city. Effectively framed by the Plastimet fire of ‘97, this is a straightforward look at prostitution and the consequences that it has on one’s soul. Memorable are honest, quality performances from Morton and Anna Ross. Emotions so thick you can’t breathe. A rare piece.
Emotional Baggage
Wow! Shock and awe. What a surprising and interesting play. Both written and performed by David Langlois, this solo bus station experience imprints colourfully on the brain; I highly recommend checking it out. The resolution should be stouter, but really, not enough can be said about the vivid freshness of this. Check it out.
Fishbowl
Toronto’s Mark Shyzer enthusiastically presents a fantastic one–man, five–character comedy. With a chameleon–like transformative body and face, Shyzer slips effortlessly between a progression of monologues. Meet nerd girl, aerobics instructor, sour old man, goth teen and martini lounger – every joke is better than the last. A truly professional show; don’t miss it. Absolutely hilarious! Best Show in Venue Four.
Visa Called This Morning
This is a solo show by mercurial actor / playwright Jen Gallant about the struggles of owing a small fortune to a credit card company. Seemingly based upon her experiences dealing with creditors and collection agencies, this lovely play hits many of the right notes, and features a spot on sound design. The ending though devolved into a puppet show with a Kermit–like puppet named Cash, and was less satisfying then the great physical comedy at the top of the show.
Venue Five – Nickel Brook Fringe Club
Larry’s Laugh Lounge
Rubber faced gnomelike comic Larry Smith does a twisted combination of standup and David Letterman styled talk show interviewing other artists in the fringe and anyone else in the room who becomes the foil for his jokes. Exclusively playing after all the other shows have ended in the festival’s only licensed venue, Smith is proving himself the favorite of the late night crowd. V
2010 HAMILTON FRINGE FESTIVAL
194 performances of 27 productions.
Until Sunday, July 26.
@ Theatre Aquarius and the Downtown Arts Centre.
hamiltonfringe.ca
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