From press release:
EXCUSE ME, WOULD YOU LIKE TO BUY A BAR?Tarragon Theatre’s contest winner selected for Toronto Fringe Youth Outreach Program
June 9, 2011. Toronto ON… It’s better than llama cats. Don’t Panic Productions is thrilled to present the winner of Tarragon Theatre’s Under 20 by Under 20’s Playwriting Competition as part of this year’s Toronto Fringe Festival, Excuse Me, Would You Like to Buy a Bar?
Outside of time, six people are trapped in an absurd cycle of broken dreams and regret. Their only hope: One boy on a mission to sell the most chocolate bars and be the best. This “dark chocolate comedy” by up-and-coming playwright Wesley J. Colford explores the theme of perfectionism in art, education, families, and relationships in ways that are both comically surreal and intimately familiar.The show has already had an extensive development process. It debuted in Nova Scotia in 2009 as part of the Cape Breton Hits the Streets Summer Festival, before winning Tarragon Theatre’s Under 20 by Under 20’s Playwriting Competition in 2010, when it received a workshop performance directed by Andrew Lamb. Following this, it was accepted into Tarragon’s 2011 Paprika Festival, for which it was extensively re-worked with dramaturgical mentorship by Nigel Shawn Williams. Following this successful Paprika run, Excuse Me, Would You Like To Buy a Bar? was selected to represent emerging artists in this summer’s Fringe Festival as part of the Toronto Fringe’s 10x10x10 outreach program.
The cast is comprised of recent graduates and current theatre students of Sheridan and George Brown Colleges, both of which Colford attended. Directing is Marc Richard, who recently directed the Fringe hit musical comedy Funny Business (Best of Fringe 2007).
This provocative and at times challenging play represents the first major work of a new playwright who is only beginning to sweep Toronto and features a diverse group of young actors from across Canada. But more than that, it reflects society’s current obsession with perfectionism and confronts parents, children, teachers, students, and lovers about thepressures they put on themselves and their loved ones.
Don’t Panic Productions
in association with The Toronto Fringe Festival presents
Excuse Me, Would You Like to Buy a Bar?
Written by Wesley J. Colford
Directed by Marc Richard
Featuring: Hannah Anderson, Wesley J. Colford, Kate Etienne, Vaughn Harris, Celine Michaud, Kent Nolan And Rachel Tokayer.
Opens July 6th, 2011 runs to July 17th, 2011
At the Solo Room, Randolph Center for the Arts, 736 Bathurst St.
Performances:
July 6th, 8:15
July 9th, 8:30
July 11th, 7:30
July 12th, 6:45
July 14th, 9:45
July 15th, 5:15
July 17th, 5:45
Media members please note that there is absolutely no latecomer seating. Performances will be air conditioned.
Ticket Prices:
Advance Tickets: $11
At the Door: $10
Tickets:After June 15th tickets can be purchase online at www.fringetoronto.com
or by phone at (416) 966-1062
Payment options: Visa or Mastercard
After July 6th tickets can be purchased in person at the Fringe Tent behind Honest Ed’s (34 Lennox Ave.)