Harvey & the Extraordinary takes place in Mimi’s garage and is produced by tilt/shift theatre playing at the Toronto Fringe Festival as an off-site performance.
As a must-see, I really don’t want to give too much away. Eliza Martin’s portrayal of Mimi, also known as The Extraordinary, is enchanting and whimsical. Yet, Martin captures Mimi’s vulnerable childhood with integrity and depth of feeling.
Mimi playfully and with heart discusses her relationships. Martin’s performance of each character is notable. There’s Mimi’s best friend, Patricia, and together they discover what it means to be a “true friend”. Mimi’s brother Dominic idolizes Tony Hawke. Neither of them are “Extraordinary” according to Mimi. We also learn about Mimi’s experiences at school and her home life.
I feel Mimi’s story would resonate with older children and not just adults as Martin capably expresses strong, and often difficult feelings that children understand. Martin really captured childhood well.
Mimi’s “not-so-silent” circus-inspired mime performance takes place in her garage while she awaits a special guest. There are home-made signs and other goodies that add to the ambiance. I can’t imagine Mimi’s debut taking place anywhere else. The garage is the perfect setting.
Harvey & the Extraordinary’s use of audience interaction is unique and reassuring. If you’re normally wary of audience participation, I’d encourage you to see this show. Aspects of the ending were pleasantly unexpected and the audience was engaged with laughter throughout the performance.
tilt/shift theatre have provided an excellent map of where Mimi’s garage is. Having read the directions, it was easy to find.
Details
- Harvey & the Extraordinary plays at 181 Markham Street (enter off the alley behind the building). (181 Markham Street)
- Tickets are $13, including a $2 service charge. The festival also offers a range of money-saving passes and discounts for serious Fringers.
- Tickets can be purchased online, by telephone (416-966-1062), from the Festival Box Office at Scadding Court (707 Dundas St. W.), and — if any remain — from the venue’s box office starting one hour before curtain.
- Content Warning: Audience participation.
- The Fringe Festival considers this venue to be wheelchair-accessible.
- Be aware that Fringe performances always start exactly on time, and that latecomers are never admitted.
Performances
- Wednesday July 4th, 7:00 pm
- Thursday July 5th, 7:00 pm
- Friday July 6th, 7:00 pm
- Saturday July 7th, 7:00 pm
- Sunday July 8th, 7:00 pm
- Tuesday July 10th, 7:00 pm
- Wednesday July 11th, 7:00 pm
- Thursday July 12th, 7:00 pm
- Friday July 13th, 7:00 pm
- Saturday July 14th, 7:00 pm
Photo of Eliza Martin by Neil Silcox