 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| THEATRE WORLD |
The 2008 Toronto Fringe Festival To find out more about the Fringe Toronto or the Fringe Tix service, call the Fringe Hotline at: 416-966-1062 or 1-866-515-7799 (Canada & USA). Tickets and Fringe Passes can also be ordered on www.fringetoronto.com
The very first Fringe Festival was held in Edmonton in 1982, adapted from the formula created by the Edinburgh Festival. The mandate of providing all artists, emerging and established, with the opportunity to produce their play no matter the content, form or style, and to make the event as affordable and accessible as possible for the members of the community, hasn't changed. Each festival has its own unique and distinctive flavor yet all are dedicated to the Fringe philosophy of accessible, inexpensive and fun theatre-going. As always, the Fringe operates as a non-profit organization ensuring that each year 100% of ticketed box office earnings are returned to Fringe performers and participants. This year’s festival programming brings a solid mix of eager newcomers and veteran Fringe artists, leaving us with the expectation that the Fringe’s reputation will be taken to a whole new level in 2008.
The Fringe Club. The Fringe knows how to party and is out to prove it this year with a birthday bash that will be so massive it can’t possibly fit into one night – instead, it’ll take 12. Those sleepless nights will consist of special late-night programming that will include comedy, music, and dance. Each night will feature something new and exciting, and we’ll be announcing more details as the festival approaches.
HIGHLIGHTS Here are some of the highlights of this year's Fringe Festival. For a complete listing please see www.fringetoronto.com
Big Shot. A twelve-year-old boy has just been killed. Shot in the head on the train, full speed, and we don't hide the details. The boy wants his life to be remembered, and he's making the pitch to you, the audience. Big Shot questions whether the flash of media and entertainment has cut off our ability, as urban dwellers, to breathe in everyday tragedies for what they are.Big Shot is a one-man-show that takes us inside the minds of five tainted characters of the city: from a seventy year old Japanese racist, to a male prostitute recovering from a heroin addiction, to the shmoozy filmmaker inspired by the boy's tragedy, the play is littered with tour-de-force. SurrealSoReal theatre is a young theatre company that was founded in 2004. We aim to pry open the eyelids of our audiences to current, relevant topics, using wild, high energy theatre that touches, distorts, and excites. Big Shot plays at St. Vladmir's Theatre, 620 Spadina Avenue. July 3 at 6:30pm; July 4 at 8:45pm; July 7 at 3:15pm; July 9 at 8pm; July 10 at3:30pm; July 11 at 11:30pm; July 13 at 1245pm.
Your comments are welcome! About Us | Reviews | Previews | Stratford | Shaw | Theatre World | Links of Interest | Contact Us | Home © 2007-2008 Jeniva Berger
|
Fringaholic Paradise: Unjuried, unexpected and unforgettable. In a city that boasts festival after festival, The Fringe is Toronto's largest theatre Festival. And my how it's grown! This year's Fringe hosts over 800 artists from Ontario, Canada and around the world, with over 135 unique productions in more than 25 venues. Productions range from dramas to musical extravaganzas to improv and take place in local theatres as well as in unusual spots: playgrounds, parking lots and more. A KidsVenue hosts eight plays exclusively for children and families. The festival also hosts a beer tent, two outdoor patios and a free nightly Cabaret. 
Talk about being part of a big family, the Fringe Toronto is one of 23 Fringe Festivals held in Canada, comprising the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals. And just for a little bit of proud flag raising, here are more Fringe Festivals held in Canada than in any other part of the world. 
Introducing The Dance Initiative. The Fringe Festival isn’t alone in celebrating a 20th anniversary this year – so is the Dance Umbrella of Ontario (DUO). To commemorate this landmark year, the two paired up to introduce the Dance Initiative to the Fringe stage, featuring nine dance companies drawn by lottery. The Dance Initiative continues the Fringe’s ongoing commitment to continuously deliver extraordinary and unanticipated performances. 
20 Hours for 20 Years. The always-popular 24-hour playwriting contest returns this year with a twist: the challenge this time around is to write a play in 20 hours to mark the Fringe’s special anniversary. We expect this will add further frenzy to this already adrenaline-fuelled Fringe event. As usual, renowned local performers will stage the winning play on the last day of the Fringe.
Modern Medieval! Company: David Tyson's: Weaver of Tales Theatre, Created & Performed by: David Tyson. Summary: A contemporary Jester takes us back to the past to make sense of the present. Social & Political Satire abound as we see that the world still needs its fools to stand up to the kings, giants, and demons that surround us. Tyson plays a variety of characters in this fast paced interactive storytelling performance revealing the humor and wisdom of days gone by.These Dark Ages never had so much light! Location: The George Ignatieff Theater (at Trinity College in the University of Toronto) 15 Devonshire Place (East of Spadina, south of Bloor) Schedule: July 4 th 3:30 PM; July 5 th 11:00 PM; July 6 th 8:45 PM; July 9 th 9:30 PM; July 10 th Noon; July 11 th 6:15 PM; July 12 th 1:45 PM . 
David. 'David' is a one-man show about sex. But not just sex as in who's having it and with whom. But sex as in: what is sex? What does it mean? Why do we have sex? Sex as lust. Sex as love. Sex as power. Sex as self-worth. Sex as self-destruction. Sex as status. Sex as failure. Nick doesn't know it, but on this Friday night he's working his way through all these positions. Over the last two years Joseph Bembridge (the performer) and Bryn Symonds (the writer) have worked closely developing theme and character, setting and style, crafting a voice and story. Inspired by the work of Marie Brassard, the two Montrealers are doing away with traditional set and props, preferring to use projected video art to give context and texture to the story being told on stage. David plays atSt.Vladimir's Theatre, (Toronto) 620 Spadina Ave (South of Harbord), July 3rd, 10:30 pm; July 4th, 7:00 pm;SJuly 5th, 12:00 pm (noon);M July 7th, 5:00 pm; July 9th, 11:30pm; July 11th, 9:45pm; July 13th, 2:30pm.
The Honeymoon Period is Officially Over. Gemma Wilcox (London, UK) portrays 20 characters in this humorous, poignant, captivating tale of love and letting go. Telling the story of Sandra and her world of complex relationships, Wilcox transforms seamlessly from male to female, from feline to mysterious fowl, in her not-to-be-missed, award winning, one woman show. "Wilcox moves easily through the nuances of London's class-tinged dialects and accents, mixing vocal virtuosity with imaginative expressions and postures to herald each new personality, establishing a set of instantly recognizable icons that facilitate quick-paced, multi-character conversations." - Variety. The Honeymoon Period is Officially Over plays at the Glen Morris Theatre, 4 Glen Morris Street (east of Spadina) on July 3 at 7:30PM; July 4 at 12:30PM, July 6 at 1:30PM; July 8 at 5:30PM; July 9 at 10:00PM; July 10 at 3:30PM; July 11 7:00PM.
The Reservation. Filet for thought—have you ever questioned your existence? Gone aboutyour daily routine wishing you were elsewhere? Maybe taken refuge in fantasy? Been neurotically happy? Or just plain neurotic? This quirky, contemporary dance-theatre production is directed andserved up with hot sauce by Elizabeth Dawn Snell, artistic director of Artists’ Play and director of the infectious delirium of The Reservation. Using gesture, dramatic facial expression, and dance forms including contact, jazz, contemporary, and Artists’ Play’s signature theatrical style, The Reservation tells a story about who people are, and who they could be: the powerful potential within each of us. The Reservation plays at Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave. July 4: 9:15 p.m.; July 5: 4:00 p.m; July 6: 5:45 p.m; July 8:1pm; July 9: 11:15 p.m; July 11: 9:45 p.m; July 13: 2:45 p.m. 
Nursery School Musical. Second City meets South Park in this irreverent and hilarious musical take on kids, their parents and the first day of school… nursery school! Anyone who has kids, is thinking of having kids, or has a crush on Stewie from The Family Guy must see this show. Parental Advisory: Get A Babysitter. With songs like I Shit My Pants and a musical sequence asking Why Are Disney Princesses' All Such Whores?, this is definitely NOT Dora The Explorer !!
Nursery School Musical is written by Racheal and Brett McCaig, with music by Anthony Bastianon and starsPaul Constable, Kylee Evans, Elodie Gillett, Sandy Jobin-Bevans, Brett McCaig, Racheal McCaig and Sarah Slywchuk. Nursery School Musical plays at Factory Theatre Mainspace, 125 Bathurst Street. July 4 at 7 pm; July 5 at 12 noon; July 7 at 6:45 pm; July 9 at 11 pm; July 10 at 9:15 pm; July 12 at 2:15 pm; July 13 at 1:45 pm.
Time To Put My Socks On. Celebrated disabled actor, Alan Shain, dazzles audiences with his perspectives on sex, love, marriage, and socks (not necessarily in that order!) at a sneak preview Fringe run of his newest solo-performance, Time To Put My Socks On
Time To Put My Socks On follows Marc – a 30-something man with cerebral palsy – who is about to celebrate his first anniversary with his nondisabled partner, Linda. On one hand, he is bursting with excitement. He loves Linda! Linda loves him! She wants to move in! On the other hand, Marc is plagued with doubts. Is he really happy enough with Linda – a non-disabled woman – to live with her? Is he happy enough to actually get married to her? Time To Put My Socks On is about the conflicts that emerge within Marc as he contemplates his independence as a disabled man about to take the plunge with an able-bodied woman. Time to Put My Sock On plays at the Tarragon Theatre Extra Space,
July 3 @ 6:30 PM; July 4 @ 11:00 PM; July 8 @ 2:45 PM; July 9 @ 7:45 PM; July 10 @ 1:45 PM; July 11 @ 12:30 PM; July 12 @ 7:00 PM. 
Lupe Undone. Lupe, a South American immigrant who sees the world through rose-coloured margarita glasses, waits for her boyfriend— David Mirvish, to arrive for their date. Come and see the Honest Ed's Alleyway transformed into a boudoir of love. Warning: Extreme Latin Heat!
Lupe: Undone is written and performed by Melissa D'Agostino (Fringe pick Inanna , Sudbury Theatre Centre's Mambo Italiano , The Lupe Show) and directed by Adam Lazarus ( Boxhead for Crow's Theatre, Appetite Volcano/Theatre Passe Muraille), who also acts as co-creator. Lupe Undone plays at The Honest Ed's Alleyway ( 581 Bloor Street West ). Wednesday July 2 nd to Monday July 7 th and Wednesday July 9 th to Sunday July 13 th. All shows at 8:30pm. .jpg)
Acis and Galatea.
The Fat Lady of opera has finally arrived at this year's FR!NGE in the form of an ambitious, contemporary production of G.F. Handel's erotic pastoral, Acis and Galatea . Toronto's Classical Music Consort performs the 1718 tale of love shattered by murderous jealousy on period instruments, along with an international cast of singers, through a web of surreal video projections designed by director Patrick Young. Galatea, a beautiful, immortal wood nymph, falls in love with the young shepherd Acis. But the Cyclops Polyphemus has also fallen in love with Galatea. When she scorns the giant's advances, his lust is transformed into a vengeful rage, and he kills his mortal rival, Acis. A mournful Galatea then pleads with the gods of Olympus, who metamorphose Acis into a mountain stream, immortalizing the spirit of her ill-fated lover. Artistic Director Ashiq. Aziz, who will be conducting, has assembled an impressive cast of ascendant young vocalists from Canada and the U.K. including tenor Tom Macleay, soprano Rosie Coad, tenor John Bacon,and baritone David Roth. Factory Theatre Mainspace : 125 Bathurst Street (South of Queen, at Adelaide) When: Thursday July 3, 8:15pm; Sunday July 6, 4:45pm; Tuesday July 8, 10:30pm; Thursday July 10, Noon; Saturday July 12, 7:30pm. 
Damages. Aperian Stage Company, in association with the Toronto Fringe Festival, is proud to present Damages, a new play by Michael Posner. Starring Harvey Atkin and Howard Jerome, two veterans of Canadian stage, film and television, DAMAGES is directed by award-winning Kayla Gordon, former artistic director of Winnipeg Jewish Theatre. The play tells the story of Jacob and Ezra, estranged for 30 years, now in their twilight years. One cold October afternoon, Ezra comes to pay a visit. As he gradually discloses his reasons for the reunion, the two are forced to confront demons they had conveniently left behind, including an act of supreme betrayal and the appropriate compensation that may be due. What is the statute of limitations on personal wrongs? If a crime is not technically illegal, how can justice be done? And is it possible to forgive, even when guilt is acknowledged? At the George Ignatieff Theatre, 15 Devonshire Place (east of St. George, north of Hoskin, south of Bloor, across from Massey College) Performance Schedule: July 4 at 8:45 pm;July 5 at 9:15 pm; July 6 at 5:15 pm;July 8 at 3:15 pm; July 9 at 12:15 pm; July 10 at 9:15 pm; July 12 at 3:30 pm. 
Balls! When Bastian's best friend Paul gets testicular cancer, they find out that sometimes being a man feels a lot like getting kicked in the nuts, in Balls! a unique coming-of-age story that skewers masculinity, competition, and spirituality through the voices of young men finding their place in the world. A comedy-turned tragedy that hits below the belt, Balls! leaves audiences alternately in stitches and tears. The play, put on by Toronto's Ten Foot Pole productions, was written by journalist Rob Salerno who based the play on the true story of a close friend who died of testicular cancer in 2004. Noting the growing number of people who are affected by cancer, and the reluctance many people have toward discussing issues of sexual health, Salerno decided to produce a show that addresses these issues head-on. Salerno stars with Adam Goldhamer as the two young men facing down cancer in the show. Where: Factory Theatre – Mainspace (125 Bathurst St) When: Thu July 3 at 10:30pm; Sat July 5 at 1:45pm; Sun July 6 at 7:00pm; Tues July 8 at 4:45pm; Thu July 10 at 5:45pm; Fri Jul 11 at 2:15; Sat July 12 at 9:45 (show is 60 min long).
About an Hour. About an Hour, the critically acclaimed improvised comedy, has been nominated for “Best Improv Troupe” by the 2008 Canadian Comedy Awards. But the nominations don't stop there. Nominations abound for the About An Hour crew in their other endeavours, including: “Show Stopping Number,” (Best Improv Troupe,) “Monkey Toast: The Improvised Talk Show” (Best Improv Troupe,) “Dreadwood: Stories of the Canadian Klondike” (Best Comedic Play) and “Facebook of Relevations” (Best Comedic Play), as well as a nod to director Lisa Merchant in the “Best Female Improviser” category. About an Hour truly is a powerhouse of comedic talent. Don't believe us? Come see for yourself. Jim Annan, Rob Baker, Jan Caruana and Alex Hatz star in “About an Hour”, directed by Lisa Merchant. About an Hour is on every night of the Fringe at 8 p.m. at The Fringe Club, 292 Brunswick Ave. 
Singing at the Top of the World. 'Best of Fringe' winner Randy Rutherford makes his Toronto debut at the 2008 Fringe Festival with Singing at the Edge of the World. What do you do when a wall of silence comes between you and your dreams? As a popular folk singer in 1970's Anchorage, Alaska, Randy Rutherford was living his dream, then congenital hearing loss sucked the sound from his world forever… Filled with humor, vivid imagery and unforgettable characters, Singing at the Edge of the World is an inspiring tale of one man's ability to overcome adversity. Singing at the Edge of the World. Singing at the Top of the World plays at the George Ignatieff Theatre, 15Devonshire Place (east of St. George, north of Hoskin, south of Bloor, across from Massey College)Thurs, July 3, 10:30pm;Sat, July 5, 3:30pm; Mon, July 7, 8:30pm Tue, July 8, 5pm;Wed, July 9, 2pm;Thurs, July 10, 5:15pm; Sat, July 12, 7pm. For tickets call 416-966-1062 .
Wake. Exclamation Productions Inc . and macIDeas are proud to bring Wake to the Toronto Fringe Festival this summer. Director Kelly Straughan ( Timebomb -Toronto Fringe Festival 2007 “Patron's Pick”. Now Magazine's “Best Ensemble” and “Best Director”) returns to the Festival once again. Winner of the 2008 Fringe New Play Contest , Wake is a touching drama which delves into the lives of three brothers who reunite for their father's funeral after a terrible crime tore them apart. Who is responsible for the event that changed their lives forever? How far do the bonds of family extend? New p laywright Rachel Blair explores complexities of family and forgiveness. Wake features Derek Moran, Frank Cox O'Connell, and Christian Bellsmith. Wake runs at the Tarragon Extra Space (30 Bridgman Ave, Bathurst and Dupont) July 3 rd at 8:15pm, July 5 th at 9:45pm, July 6 th at 1:45pm July 8 th at 10:45pm, July 9 th at 6:00pm, T July 10 th at 3:30pm and July 11 th at 6:15pm. 
Tyrolia. Highball Theatre Company and The Fringe of Toronto Festival are pleased to present the world premiere of playwright Hope Thompson's new comedy Tyrolia. Experience winter in July in the hilarious new comedy by one of Toronto's finest writers. Rapier wit, fast paced action, a warm fire and some fine ski fashions are highlighted in this new 90-minute comedy at The Fringe of Toronto Festival .Tyrolia is a farcical comedy where sex, cross-country skiing and art history turn a romantic ski holiday into a snowbound nightmare. Set in the Austrian Alps, Tyrolia features the superb cast of Moynan King , David Tomlinson , David Roche and also showcases two brilliant breakout actors Brittany Wright and Mark Koelsch . Tyrolia is designed by Joanna Yu and Theatre icon Sky Gilbert directs this queer comedy written by Hope Thompson .
Tyrolia plays at the Factory Theatre – Studio, 125 Bathurst Street on July 3 @10:30pm; July 4 @3:15pm; July 7 @ 8:45pm;July 8 @2:45pm; July 9 @ 5:45pm; July 11 @ 7:15pm; July 13 @ 4:30pm.
Sitting in a Tree. In a sunny park, Steve and Cindy sit in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes love, next comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage… only not quite the way either of them had imagined, as the various characters who inhabit the playground—some real, some larger-than-life surreal—interact, collide, and fall in and out of love with each other. Sitting in a Tree is a quirky, funny play that examines all the things love is, and all it can be—straight, gay, idealized, lost, and even an all-consuming passion for soldering. Written by Ronit Rubinstein and directed directed by Mindy Eklove , starring are
Philip Cairns, Stephen Flett, Tom Girling, Janelle Hanna, Jenna Harris, Michael Posthumus, Charlene Rockwell, Ronit Rubinstein, Johnny Simeonakis, Richard Souce , Jason Zinger. Sitting in a Tree plays at the Robert Gill Theatre, 214 College St, 3rd Floor (St. George St. entrance) on July 2 @ 10:30 PM; July 6 @ 6:30 PM; July 7 @ 2:45 PM; July 8 @ 3:30 PM ; July 9 @ 11:00 PM; July 11 @ Noon; July 12 @ 8:45 PM.
Opera on the Rocks. Artist collective The Ambient Opera Society presents Opera on the Rocks. Witness guerrilla opera while enjoying a pint and pub grub – no formal wear required! The all-star team of librettists are Leanna Brodie, Dave Carley, Lisa Codrington, and Krista Dalby. This is contemporary opera at its gritty best. Characters sit amidst the bar patrons, singing passionately of love and loss, hockey and karaoke. Music is composed and performed by renowned sound artist David Ogborn using a physically and electronically modified classical guitar which he plays with a variety of unusual accessories, including a set of kitchen knives! Directed by Dora Award-winner Liza Balkan, and featuring four of Canada’s hottest opera talents: Neil Aronoff, Neema Bickersteth, Jessica Lloyd and Keith Klassen. Opera on the Rock plays at Pauper’s Pub, 539 Bloor St. W., 2nd floor, Toronto, July 2, 3, 4 @ 9pm July 5 @ 4pm July 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 @ 9pm July 12 @ 4pm July 13 @ 9pm.
