There are a few ingredients needed to make a great sketch show. You need talent, a point of view, strong writing and competent directing. Simply put, Pick of the Fringe has it all.

There’s the talent.  Ashley Botting with an angelic voice and the best performance of a teenager ever. Karen Parker, who conjures the likes of Catherine O’Hara with bold and deviant choices.  And finally Leslie Seiler, who could make the phone book funny.

These three wonder women are in it for each other, making the audience in it for them.  Their writing is pointed and fresh, especially a sketch where they personify social networking to perfection.

The direction is crisp, though more attention should have been paid to sound levels, as especially in the songs, it was difficult to hear.

It was a pleasure to see this show at Factory. Pick of the Fringe is without a doubt the most aptly named show in the fringe.

They are also the Patron’s Pick for their venue, which means you get another chance to see them.  All the tickets for Patron’s Pick shows are available in advance, so, if you want to get in, I suggest you order them right away.

Details:

– Pick of the Fringe is playing at The Factory Studio Theatre.

– It’s final show – The Patron’s Pick – is at 6:45 on Sunday (July 11, 2010)

– 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 ($10+$1 convenience fee)