Plan A Theatre Company’s Sizzle and Spin is a modern-day love story that tackles feminism and the general absurdities of the corporate world. This light-hearted comedy is now playing at the Toronto Fringe Festival.

Former flames Charlotte and Ethan coincidentally reunite while waiting for an interview for the same PR job. After they each experiencing a disastrous interview (Ethan was sexually harassed by the interviewer), Ethan and Charlotte re-establish their friendship.

I generally liked Sizzle and Spin. It was funny and light while providing social commentary and poking fun at the public relations industry. The characters were believable and relatable.

The two lead characters, played by Lena Maripuu and Johnathon Lovett were my favourite part. They had great chemistry and worked well together. I liked their relationship dynamic and back-and-forth dialogue (kudos to playwright, Sandra Cardinal).

Feminism was a key component of the play. Characters talked about instances of corporate sexual harassment and everyday sexism. I think feminism needs to be talked about more in the media, and I liked that it was central to the story here.

However, the feminist dialogue sometimes felt a little out of place and forced. Ethan’s experience of sexual harassment felt brushed under the carpet by the end of the play.

One other disconnect for me was the role of Charlotte’s mother, Sadie, played by Sandra Cardinal. Sadie was described as a feminist powerhouse by other characters. While Cardinal put on a great performance, the character’s personality didn’t match what it was built up to be.

Sizzle and Spin was funny while conquering some serious topics. Fantastic performances from the cast, flirtatious chemistry, and clever dialogue really made the play sizzle.

Details

• Sizzle and Spin is playing until July 12 at the Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse. (79 St. George St)
• Tickets are $12 in advance, $10 at the door. The festival also offers a range of money-saving passes for serious Fringers.
• Tickets can be purchased online, by phone (416-966-1062), from the festival box office down Honest Ed’s Alley (581 Bloor West), or from the venue box office starting one hour before the performance. Venue sales are cash-only.
• Be advised that Fringe performances always start exactly on time, and latecomers are never admitted. Set your watch to CBC time, and arrive a few minutes early to avoid disappointment.

Remaining Showtimes
July 04 at 01:45 PM
July 06 at 09:00 PM
July 08 at 04:00 PM
July 10 at 11:00 PM
July 11 at 05:15 PM
July 12 at 12:00 PM

Photo of Lena Maripuu, Christina Song, and John Lovett by Jackson Picard