By Darryl Pring
I am always wary of collective works. I find they tend to be more diplomatic than dramatic, with every actor getting his or her time to ‘shine’. In the case of Lifeline, which played at the George Ignatieff Theatre, I’m afraid my assumption was warranted.
Continue reading Lifeline (Ensemble 21) – Toronto Fringe Review
By Darryl Pring
A funny thing happened on the way to Tarragon Theatre to take in Steven Gallagher’s first writing endeavour, Craplicker. I was struck with the fear that I would not be able to relate or even understand the subject matter. I was wrong.
Craplicker is the story of Josh as he deals with first times, first loves, coming out and even cancer. Played by Caden Douglas, Josh is a fully realized and enticing protagonist who is both beautiful and kind. He is surrounded by a gaggle of energetic, supportive friends.
Continue reading Craplicker (Steven Gallagher) – Toronto Fringe Review
By Darryl Pring
One person shows are the backbone of any fringe festival. From TJ Dawe to Jem Rolls to Chris Gibbs, there has been no shortage of genius individual performances. Chris Craddock has, in the past, reached these heights. But in his one person show Public Speaking showing at the Helen Gardiner, he falls a little short.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s a decent show. Bradley Moss’ direction is tight and clean, pacing the show at a breakneck speed. The lighting is simple and effective. But the impression I got was he attempted to squeeze a 75 minute (at least) show into a 60 minute slot (even though it ran 65 minutes).
Continue reading Public Speaking (Chris Craddock) – 2010 Fringe Festival Toronto
By Darryl Pring
There are two kinds of sketch troupes. Those who rely on dick/fart jokes and those who don’t. Charles is the latter kind of troupe. Charlie Stockman and Chuck Armstrong lean toward high status, smart writing rather than getting an easy laugh in their piece at the Toronto Fringe Festival – Relentless.
I attended the Canadian premiere of this Seattle based duo at Factory Theatre’s studio space at 10:30pm on the first day of Fringe, with eight other hopeful audience members. For the most part it was entertaining. But with a house that small it is next to impossible to have a hot show.
Continue reading Relentless Sketch Comedy (Charles) 2010 Toronto Fringe Review