Mumsical is the output of sketch comedy veteran Moniquea Marion‘s furious 2014 writing, producing, and performing efforts (where she created and starred in over half a dozen one-woman shows).  The play follows Marion as she struggles with the decision to become a mother or remain childless.  She embarks on an odyssey of unusual motherly scenarios set against the ominous ticking of her own biological clock. 

Accompanied by a pot-smoking pianist, Marion weighs the pros and cons of motherhood, observing it through the eyes of domesticated mothers of the 70s, hockey moms, soccer moms, unexpectedly expectant menopausal moms, and a host of other characters compellingly captured in just a few minutes of song apiece.

It’s easy enough to cliché a topic as frequently discussed as the decision to become a parent, but Marion expertly sidesteps these pitfalls.  While some of the characters are the cookie-cutter variety, Marion infuses them with enough of her own aspirations and concerns to make them unique.

Most of the play’s music is based on songs from popular culture – everything from West Side Story’s “I Feel Pretty” to Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise – and are peppered with insightful skewerings of modern domestic life.  Occasionally it was hard to hear Marion over the background music, but this was opening night and the performance will likely be fine-tuned as Fringe continues.

Despite minor gaffes, Marion winds the threads of her comedy into an occasionally dark, often touching, and ultimately affirming narrative. Musicals at the Toronto Fringe Festival are often hit and miss, and while Mumsical at times lacks polish, its humor and narrative are sure to strike a chord with anyone who is, has, or is considering becoming a mom.

Details

• Mumsical is playing at the Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace until July 12.
• 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.
• This performance is not accessible for non-English speakers.

Remaining Showtimes
July 05 at 07:00 PM
July 06 at 04:45 PM
July 07 at 02:45 PM
July 09 at 11:30 PM
July 10 at 09:45 PM
July 12 at 04:30 PM