A deep look into theatrical great Sky Gilbert’s life, playing at Toronto’s Videofag

Typically, when I choose a show which looks dynamic, interesting and topical to review, I write about it after seeing it. But once I chose To Myself at 28 taking place at videofag for an extremely limited run, I received an email stating that Friday’s To Myself at 28 is more workshop than fully fleshed production, “feedback is welcome but a full review is not appropriate.” Perfect. I can just sit back and relax when I watch this one.

To Myself at 28 sounds like legendary playwright Sky Gilbert‘s theatrical requiem – a letter from the now 60-year-old to his 28-year-old self (played by Spencer Charles Smith). The idea came about at Gilbert’s December birthday party, where he sang “I’m Still Here” to bday buddies. Maybe this piece will be a self-indulgent foray into the aging artist/homosexual archetype, but I was interested to see how something advertised as personal lamentation could be relevant to the rest of us. According to Gilbert, To Myself at 28 is “one of the most embarrassing, humiliating, and masochistic confessional plays ever written.”

But like all good stories, the more personal the account, the more profound its reach. I’m excited.

Details:

To Myself at 28 by Sky Gilbert @ VIDEOFAG (187 Augusta Avenue.)

Friday February 15th @ 8pm, Saturday February 16th @ 2pm and 8pm.

Admission PWYC, to reserve tickets email jordan@videofag.com – with ‘ticket reservation’ in the subject line and number of tickets requested and date / time of desired performance to reserve a seat. (venue only seats 30- 35 people so best to reserve)