My High-Heeled Life: Or, How I Learned to Keep Worrying and Love My Stilettos is a solo play written by and starring Katharine McLeod. This piece, being put on by Sparking Fuse as part of the Toronto Fringe Festival is being shown at the Tarragon Theatre.

I find I am eyeing her outfit the moment I walk in. It’s hard not to, with her red lips that we notice as she takes a peek at the audience and her beautiful black suede pumps to top off a tight black dress. She has her back towards us, adding a sense of mystery and intrigue.

McLeod gives an outstanding performance in her one woman show. She takes me on an emotional rollercoaster ride I won’t soon forget. I connect with her story as she discusses shoes and how they relate to life and how they can instantly boost one’s mood. As a woman in fashion who obsesses over shoes, I am on every single page with her.

She has such a natural knack for comedy. It feels like I’m either sitting in on an entertaining therapy session or listening to one of my friends over a drink. She compares kitten heels to erect nipples, water to regular everyday footwear and special heels to champagne. She really puts a fresh clever twist on everything.

We come down a bit with her mood-wise when she takes her beautiful heels off. It’s almost as though her happiness and self confidence leave the building when she takes them off.

During this portion of the play she really touches on personal thoughts and issues, including ones you would normally keep to yourself. I found this extremely interesting and it made me want to hear more.

All of the sudden, a little over mid-way through the show, music starts to play. We are running out of time and won’t be able to do the audience participation portion of the show. We are, however given a yummy treat for a little boost.

I truly enjoyed this piece; in my eyes the script is flawless. McLeod gives a wonderful and charismatic performance. I recommend My High-Heeled Life to everyone, especially those of you who put on a pair of heels and immediately feel happier.

Details:

My High-Heeled Life: Or, How I Learned to Keep Worrying and Love My Stilettos is being performed at the  Tarragon Theatre (30 BRIDGMAN AVENUE)

Performances:

July 4, 6:00pm July 7, 6:15pm July 10, 6:30pm July 13, 6:15pm

July 6, 3:15pm July 8, 7:30pm July 12, 7:00 pm July 14, 12:30pm

Tickets:

• Individual Fringe tickets are available at the door for $10 ($5 for FringeKids), cash only. Late comers will not be permitted.
• Advance tickets are $11 ($9 + $2 service charge) are available online at fringetoronto.com, by phone at 416-966-1062 ext 1,  or in person during the festival at the Festival Box Office in the parking lot behind Honest Ed’s (581 Bloor St W).
  
• Value packs are available if you plan to see at least 5 shows

Photograph of Katharine McLeod.