Real Actors. Not People. at the Factory Theatre Mainspace was a gut-bustingly funny romp through through the arts world. Me and Snow White Productions‘ show as a part of the Toronto Fringe Festival was phenomenal, and hilariously put into words the trials and tribulations of trying to make art, especially theatre, in Toronto.
The show follows two actors, Vikki and Kasey, as they navigate their way through the rapidly crumbling performing arts scene. Not a single joke went unappreciated by the audience — from their incredibly apt impersonations to pop culture references.
The two real life actors and creators of the show, Vikki Velenosi and Kasey Dunn, were both such talented performers who really played to their strengths. Velenosi was the anchor in most scenes, keeping them grounded and natural, which allowed Dunn to play the other end of the spectrum and be more extreme with her choices. Velenosi was both mine and my companion’s favourite — something about her performance was just magnetic.
Both actors’ comedic timing was superb and they kept the audience in stitches. They were also able to beautifully navigate the performance through a few more meaningful moments too. It gave the show a nice bit of weight. The show was the perfect combination of touching and funny, and left me wanting at least another hour of watching these talented women engage us with their art.
The only thing I thought could have been improved in the show was the sound levels. It was sometimes hard to catch the priceless lyrics the women had created because the music was a tad too loud. The songs were so funny and relevant that I didn’t want to miss a word!
This was my first Fringe show of the summer, and I’m so glad it was this one. I’m dying to go back just to catch all the moments I missed because I was laughing too hard. Whether you’re a supporter of the arts or are steeped in the world yourself, go see this show as it has something for everyone! You’ll leave it with a stomach sore from laughing and filled with thoughts about the importance of supporting the arts.
Details
- Real Actors. Not People. plays at the Factory Mainspace. (125 Bathurst St.)
- Tickets are $12. The festival also offers a range of money-saving passes for serious Fringers.
- Tickets can be purchased online, by telephone (416-966-1062), from the Fringe Club at Scadding Court, and — if any remain — from the venue’s box office starting one hour before curtain.
- Be aware that Fringe performances always start exactly on time, and that latecomers are never admitted.
- Content Warnings: Sexual Content, Nudity, Mature Language.
- This venue is wheelchair-accessible through a secondary route.
Performances
- Wednesday July 5th, 06:30 pm
- Friday July 7th, 08:30 pm
- Sunday July 9th, 03:00 pm
- Tuesday July 11th, 08:15 pm
- Wednesday July 12th, 12:00 pm
- Thursday July 13th, 11:00 pm
- Saturday July 15th, 01:45 pm
Photo provided by the company