There are the worst plans, and then better plans, and then you have yes problemo’s Best Made Plans, a short fantasy adventure through Toronto, at the 2016 Toronto Fringe Festival.
Best Made Plans is seemingly a story of Prince Tad on a quest to save his dear bride, Princess Patricia, only to have his plans manipulated by the haphazard Wizard Craig, and his evil brother Emperor Ron.
I feel like I missed a level of understanding with this show. The plot was straight forward enough, though my issue came with the presentation. It played like a farce, yet at points, it also seemed to be playing as a straight up comedy.
This led me down a confusing path, where I felt as though the action and dialogue were heading towards a punchline and laugh, but the opposite was the case and I could only smile. That being said, there were other moments – the majority involving Andrew Chapman as Prince Tad, and Ben Siapas as Wizard Craig – where I genuinely laughed out loud.
One moment in particular involved Siapas haplessly cooing over an entirely clueless Chapman, a plot development I did not see coming. At first it seemed too far out of left field, however, as the show progressed, Siapas and Chapman sold it with the Wizard Craig becoming more pathetic in his quest to woo the evermore oblivious prince.
Chapman was the standout performer, playing the comedically incognizant Prince Tad to perfection. The excellent interactions with Siapas aside, Chapman as Tad was at his best when intentionally and proudly mispronouncing words, and being happy his family squandered their fortune to provide him with a beautiful wedding for him and his bride.
As mentioned, Siapas also deserves high credit, specifically for the physical commitment to his character, who often times bounced around the stage to great slapstick and comedic effect. He also delivered some of his dialogue in a swift manner, yet didn’t miss a word or beat, which speaks to his talent.
Also deserving mention is Lara Harb as Princess Patricia. At times it was hard to hear her dialogue, though her interaction with Wizard Craig at the Christie Pits fountain was quite hilarious. Harb was straight forward and dry with her humour in the put down of Craig, as he continued to falter in his quest to deceive her and keep her captured.
Overall, I was entertained by the adventure of Prince Tad, though I also wish I completely understood every moment along his journey.
Details
- Best Made Plans plays at the Robert Gill Theatre. (214 College St)
- Tickets are $12 at the door, and in advance, and can be bought online, by telephone (416-966-1062), from the Fringe Club at Honest Ed’s Alley, and — if any remain — from the venue’s box office starting one hour before curtain. The festival also offers a range of money-saving passes for serious Fringers.
- Be aware that Fringe performances always start exactly on time, and that latecomers are never admitted.
- This venue is wheelchair-accessible.
Performances
- Thursday June 30th, 09:30 pm
- Saturday July 2nd, 05:45 pm
- Monday July 4th, 08:45 pm
- Tuesday July 5th, 10:15 pm
- Thursday July 7th, 01:45 pm
- Friday July 8th, 07:30 pm
- Saturday July 9th, 03:30 pm
Photo provided by the company.