Tinfoil Dinosaur, a one-man show performed by Sam S Mullins as part of the Toronto Fringe Festival at the Solo Room, is both funny and confusing.  It’s a show about a young, struggling actor’s journey to the Toronto Fringe Festival. And even though I laughed, I was unsure of what exactly I was watching.

Mullins is undeniably endearing and earnest.  As he says in his show, he’s an actor, comedian, and writer.  Perhaps this is why Tinfoil never quite finds its footing.  The show can’t seem to decide whether it’s a play, a stand-up act, or straight story telling.  It has enough potential for all three, but in trying to be everything the show doesn’t reach the full glory of either.

There are definitely funny moments, as Mullins’ comic timing is great and well honed, but when he makes a joke he has a tendency to almost apologize for it, which diminishes the funny. His charm and personality carry the show through the 55 minutes, and thank goodness for that since it’s a one man piece!  Finally, his obvious sincerity regarding the subject matter is at times very compelling.  Despite all the natural charisma that Mullins brings, the piece lacks overall polish.  Though funny and full of promise, to me, Tinfoil Dinosaur feels more like a personal testimonial from a young man than a play performed by an actor.

Details:

– Tinfoil Dinosaur plays at Venue 3 –  Solo Room, 30 Bridgman Ave. (North of Dupont St., East of Bathurst St.)
– Playing July 05 06:00 PM, July 06 04:45 PM, July 07 10:15 PM, July 08 02:45 PM, July 10 08:30 PM, July 11 06:30 PM, July 13 10:30 PM, July 14 08:00 PM.
– All individual Fringe tickets are $10 ($5 for FringeKids) at the door (cash only). Tickets are available online at www.fringetoronto.com, by phone at  416-966-1062, in person at The Randolph Centre for the Arts, 736 Bathurst Street (Advance tickets are $11 – $9+$2 service charge)
– Value packs are available if you plan to see at least 5 shows.

– photo of Sam S Mullins by Unknown.