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A Different Woman
This production by Texpatriate Productions comes to the Fringe all the way from Texas. Written, directed and performed by Veronica Russell, it’s a riveting story spun by a great story teller. Based on the true story of Gertrude Beasley, this show will have you hitting the history books to find out more, because when the show’s over, it’s not enough. It’s easy to revel in its dark, sarcastic humour.
Book Worm
Local Rascals Productions presents this one man show starring Corin Raymond and directed by Morgan Jones–Phillips. Raymond also wrote this homeage to books and his love for his father. Fathers bring your sons. Sons bring your fathers. This show is a cathartic experience and Raymond is an enigmatic, lovable narrator who takes us on a historical tour of his life down the road less travelled. I recommend this show to all ages.
Closing the Door
Written, directed and starring Jason Dick, this is Hammer Entertainment’s second round at Closing the Door in Hamilton, and this leopard has changed its spots for the better. Essentially a “breaking up is hard to do” story, it is heavily reliant on the chemistry between all parties. In this production the audience believes in the relationships Dick has created, and the stakes are high. It’s also nice to see the male perspective for a change and Chris Vergara singing to Gummie Bears doesn’t hurt either.
Dirk Darrow NCISS
Written, directed and performed by Tim Motely, this show comes to us from the land down under. Thankfully, they don’t take themselves too seriously down there, and Tim Motley strikes just the right balance of self–deprecating humour for the audience to relax and enjoy. Yes, he’s full of gags and corny jokes, but he’s also full of style and magic tricks. Come out and help him figure out “who done it.” It might even be you!
Don Quixote
Make.Art.Theatre presents this adaptation of Don Quixote written by Ryan Sero and Aaron Craig and directed by Tom Carson. I vote this show winner of the Best Use of a wheelbarrow award. The economy and creativity of props and costumes in this production shows the clever thinking that went into this production. Perhaps, it was a little long and might need some tweaking here and there, but it’s sheer energy and inspiration keep the audience steadily focused on the man in the paper hat.
The Funny Ones
Jenny Parsons and Steve Morel toddled over from Toronto to share a few tunes and observations. Their performance is slick, hysterically funny and not to be missed. Easily, the most professional production in the Fringe this season, it’s hard not to want more after their final bow. Parsons plays the washboard and the cheese grater. Morel plays the guitar and the ukulele. Together, they make your sides hurt from laughing. They tackle love, politics and Canadian rituals. Enjoy!
Waiting for the Go
Presented by The Corktown Player’s and written and directed by Ricky Rivait, this production is a bright twist on the classic Waiting for Godot. Set at the Hamilton Go station the actors find themselves in a not so unrealistic predicament. It’s cold and the bus is late. Will it come? What does it even look like? Strange antics and discussions ensue as the group decides collectively what to do. Excellent performances make this a superb and entertaining ensemble piece.
Escape
The best thing about Majik Man Productions’ piece, written by Robert Savoie, is the acting. The script needs more continuity but the accompanying music by Chris Cracknell draws the otherwise disconnected parts of the show together. An older man reflects on his incarceration in his youth and recounts the people responsible for helping him make a better life for himself. It tends to be a jumble of ideas with a good message, and a nice role for Brian Morton as the lovable Harry.
59 Minutes in the Maxwell Suite
Presented by the Bandler Corportation, this show was written by John Bandler and directed by Tom Mackan. Staring Elaine Hale and Jared Lanover, the production values couldn’t be better: Flawless acting, beautiful set and polished blocking. These elements help to push the notoriously complicated plot along. It is an engaging and dramatic journey; however, the audience needs a little more than 59 minutes to untangle the plot. I see a future for this work as a full length play. ADDITIONAL WARNING LADIES: Hot man in white pants!
Hear Nuclear Lies
Eco5 Creative Greens brings us this “playsentation” on nuclear energy and the reality we don’t always hear about in the news. Peter Ormond writes and directs this informational tale of Einstein’s return to modern day to address our society’s obsession with nuclear technology. A great show for the whole family, it has trivia and songs that keep you learning throughout. In this production, the message is the star and shouldn’t be missed. Come one, come all and decide for yourselves.
Mona Rita
White Rooster Theatre from St. John’s Newfoundland presents this show written by poet Shannon Bramer, starring Sara Tiley, Ruth Lawrence, Mark White. Like a good poem, you can take this show anyway you choose. It can be two women. It can be one woman’s inner psyche. It can be about needing our friends or being friends with ourselves. Either way it’s a hilarious and dark look at the different states a woman can get herself into. The solution, of course, involves a stylist and new hairdo.
Nick Wallace: The Mind Reader
Written by Nick Wallace and directed by Tony Wallace, this is a three–time Fringe success. Wallace delights the audience with his mesmerizing personality and mysterious tales. This is one for the whole family to enjoy. It’s professional, entertaining, skilled and a little spine tingling. Oh, and that little box will drive you wild. Will he open it or won’t he? Maybe you can come and help him decide.
Best of Venue:
Roller Derby Saved My Soul
Jellybelly Productions and Broken Turtle Productions from Ottawa present this one woman whirlwind tale of self realization through Derby initiation. Nancy Kenny writes and performs and Tania Levy directs. If you’ve ever wanted to break free and become more than you thought you could, this is the tale for you. Kenny mesmerizes as she exits her cocoon and drinks and rolls her way to new levels of self admiration. This is a must see: comedy, romance, violence and victory.
Sustainability: The Musical
Michael Nabert writes, directs and stars in what he calls the work of an “edutainer.” His message is vital. His presentation is earnest and knowledgeable. I recommend everyone see it. Nabert is passionate about our planet and he shares his extensive awareness of global issues through song and lecture. Every performance focuses on a different issue of our time from climate change to the life of plastic. He’s accessible and entertaining. His efforts deserve reward.
Best of Venue 1:
WHEN HARRY MET HARRY
Wow. This one–man show is a sensational hour of abrupt talent splashed boldly upon a stage. The play was written and performed by Allan Girod, a man longer and larger than life, who seems to have no instinct whatsoever to hold back. Coming all the way from Perth, Australia, Girod has calculated this presentation with brilliant creativity and control of space. A unique prize of a show.
BEYOND PUPPETS WHO KILL
I absolutely loved this show, and intend to go back for a second viewing. From “Fraggle Rock,” John Pattison shows off fantastic puppetry skills, plus his ventriloquism and characterizations are superb. Also, it was a warm fuzzy treat to hear a first–hand account of who Jim Henson really was. Pattison’s personal stories work perfectly as space between his hilarious, top–rate puppet sequences. Bravo. A joy.
MINCED
Hamilton talent Peter Gruner has created a lovely little one–act play about a mother and daughter’s peppery relationship. Shari Vandermolen – the stage simply loves her, it’s magic – is delightful and funny as daughter Fiona. Jo Skilton gives a standout, stunning performance as the contentious Cait, whose warmth ultimately surfaces. A solid play, with effortless direction from local gem Al French. Not to be missed.
CONFESSIONS OF A FAIRY’S DAUGHTER
With abounding humour and positive stage energy, Alison Wearing recalls, chapter by chapter, what it meant discovering that her father was gay. Perhaps in need of a razor–sharp edit, this one–woman show is a delightfully colourful account of life, ‘70s culture and hallucinogenic family Thanksgivings. Peterborough–native Wearing gives a loveable, daring, heartfelt performance.
AN INCONVENIENT TRUTHINESS
This one–woman comedy about being a die–hard Jon Stewart fan flows nicely for a while at a pleasant pace. However, the show takes a sudden surprising downturn in tone two thirds of the way through, and never appropriately recovers. Though I laughed a good deal, I am left wondering just how emotionally stable this woman actually is.
WRITER’S BLOCK
Three unnamed characters find themselves on stage together without a script, locked in the imagination of their uninspired writer. A creative dynamic unfolds as the characters discover their abilities and restraints within this imagination, and hilarious consequences ensue. An energetic forward–motion comedy, the show is full of funny props and is well–performed – though as a play it ultimately comes off as an empty container.
FAR FROM THE TREE
This is an interesting, albeit slightly emotionally erratic, sort of barebones theatre piece.Very intently acted by four sturdy female presences, the story of a family dynamic is revealed through three interchanging timelines and next to no set. Graceful dancelike movement is used to convey energy, which won me over by the end. A strong effort, though more of a workshop–level presentation.
Best of Venue 2:
MISSED CONNECTIONS
This is a very funny and enjoyable, well–rounded production. Dynamic character portrayals – especially by Allison Price as Sue, Rob Norman as easygoing office boss Sam, and Toni Maggio as photographer/nerd Mabel – make this show a must–see. A series of couples try to find each other through bright song, goofy situations and hopeful plotting. Strong Toronto fare. Lots of fun. Highly recommended.
SHLONG FORM IMPROV
High–energy improv comedy, straight up. You’re guaranteed laughs from this young crew of two men, two women, and nothing other than an unpredictable barrage of suggestions from the audience. The hour of games rolls by without a dull moment, and of course no two shows are the same. This is where you want to be if you’re looking to simply sit back and have a chuckle.
SUICIDE(S) IN VEGAS
An unlikely pair of women (one vivacious, one dowdy) each describe how they came to form a suicide pact with one another. Although this story is well–created and the director had great use of space, the portrayals (by Elinza Pretorius and Amber Green) were unflatteringly dissimilar. There was an aesthetic hiccup between the women that left too–deep traces of incongruity between them on stage. A neat play nonetheless.
INTERFACE
A highly unique theatre experience, Interface was the winning entry in this year’s Hamilton Fringe playwright contest. Creator Stephen Near is at the helm in this sci–fi scenario as THE VOICE, interrogating a machine that discovers a way to spontaneously interact with a human scientist. The cast is strong, the show is effectively directed, and some quirky qualities add to the interplay of the existential realities. A good offering.
4.48 PSYCHOSIS
This play is a big undertaking for newbie director Damion Leclair, recently brought to life through Black Box Fire’s Emerging Artist Series. Although overacted by lead Allison Warwick, kudos go to Leclair for piecing a script together from a mere scattering of depressed notes. The ‘playwright’ Sarah Kane, who committed suicide shortly after writing these thoughts, takes the audience down a traumatic path of self–destructive introspection.
A HARMLESS GAME
This play follows a strange, unexpected path. It takes place in a typical sleepover setting, wherein four young teen girls get weird and admit extremely dark secrets to one another. The secrets are over–the–top and come up unprecendently, peaking in an absurd dramatic breakdown. Although the script is somewhat contrived, Hannah Ladwig, Michaela Boyd, Kit Simmons and Kassie Benoit are solid actresses. Well performed.
SCAREDY KAT
Enter Scaredy Kat (the germaphobe)’s song-filled, poppingly colourful world of primaries, glowing neons and black lights. The one kid–friendly show at Aquarius, this is a fun puppet universe filled with unanticipated moments and wildly creative characters (Stephanie Rietman as Herman was my fave). The highlight is the monster psychiatrist; kudos to Julia Hunter and Kim Moreira for their puppeteering work. A sparklingly original presentation.
HAMILTON FRINGE FESTIVAL
through July 24.
@ Theatre Aquarius.
28 Rebecca St., Hamilton.
hamiltonfringe.ca
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