by Sam Mooney

The world premiere of Mimi, or A Poisoner’s Comedy, now playing at Tarragon is very funny.  Clever music and lyrics, strong performances from all the cast, and an outrageous subject all combined to deliver an entertaining evening.  As I’m writing a snippet of the song “Pigeon Pie” is running through my head.  I’m pretty sure it’ll be there for days.

Best line in a song – ‘Slap my ass and pass the brie’.  I haven’t figured out yet how I’m going to work it into a conversation but I will.

Best name for a character – ‘Torceaux’ – a blind beggar with no arms and no legs.

OK, I’m going to stop.  You have to go see Mimi to find out the answer to ‘what is France without food?’  It’s that kind of show, you start to think about it and all these great lines pop into your head and you want to tell everyone.

As a musical it made me think more of Gilbert and Sullivan than it did of Rodgers and Hart. Lots of singing, not so much talking.  It might be more accurate to call it a musical farce. The lyrics were seriously funny.  Allen Cole, Melody A. Johnson and Rick Roberts must have had a lot of fun writing it.  The audience certainly had fun watching it.

My show partner – my mother – thoroughly enjoyed herself.  Neither of us could think of anything we liked least.  I’d like to see it again because I’m sure there were things I missed.

If you go make sure that you don’t take Bathurst.  That end of Bridgman is closed.

Details:

– Mimi, or A Poisoner’s Comedy is playing at Tarragon Theatre Mainspace (30 Bridgman Ave) until October 25
– Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday matinee at 2.30
– Prices start at $19.00, seniors’ and students’ prices are available, Friday night rush seats are $10.00
– Tickets are available online or at the box office, 416-531-1827

photo of Martin Julien, Tamara Bernier Evans, Ron pederson and Trish Lindstrom by Cylla von Tiedemann