Saturday 12 July 2008

"It's Just a Phase", Fringe Festival, Toronto, ON

Though Gord and I love live theatre, we've never checked out the Fringe Festival.

Tonight we saw It's Just a Phase at the Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace. This theatre holds 150 people and the play was sold out. Tix were only $10 and the play was an hour long.



From the Toronto Star ~ This show is such delightful tongue-in-cheek fun, it's given a whole new meaning to the words "summer camp."

Girl-meets-girl, girl-loses-girl and girl's mother, convinced it too shall pass, tries to set her up with a friend's son, forgetting you can lead a horse (lesbian or not) to water but you can't make her drink. Meanwhile, her sister avoids confronting her sexuality, maintaining her affection for "hard rock, roller coasters and penis" means she's on the straight path.


And that's all you need to know, other than this is one of the giddiest, joyous, liveliest shows at the Fringe this year. With loads of conviction, most of the cast thrives. But hands down, the night belonged to Lauren Ash, who stole the show with her razor-sharp timing, quick delivery and killer comedic instincts. Her surprising turn with a melancholic ballad gave this show some serious heart and soul.

It's a fast-moving hour with a wicked sense of humour and destined for a longer run.

It was a funny play and we enjoyed it!

Lisa Toole was Alexis (the girl who got dumped) and she was so-so, not great. Lauren Ash was Alexis sister, Helen, and she was excellent, as was Ashley Botting who was Helen's friend, Tonya.

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