1999 TORONTO FRINGE 1999 TORONTO FRINGE
1999 Fringe of Toronto Theatre Festival
July 1 - 11
94 Performing Companies
13 Venues
27,942 Ticketed Attendance
$180,772 Box Office Revenue returned to the artists
PLAY LISTINGS
Merlin's Sun Inc.
North Hatley, Quebec
presented
A PLACE
by Larry Lewis
directed by Larry Lewis and Tim Gosley
A PLACE is a compelling mixture of music, theatre, puppetry and a touch of live video. It tells
the story of a relationship between an artist's painting of a village landscape and the effect of this
painting on the village itself...
"a charming soundscape...a gentle moment" - Montreal Gazette
30 min.
Glen Morris Studio
Multi-Media General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Acrobatic Sex Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
ACROBATIC SEX CULT, THE
by Mark Moyes
directed by Victoria Dawe
A comic but sometimes painful look at casual sex relationships - and the dangers of basing any
system of philosophy on a tautology which includes the words "booty call".
55 min.
Poor Alex Theatre
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
Epiphany Productions Inc
Toronto, Ontario
presented
AFTERWARDS YOU SMOKE
written and directed by Ken John Grant
A mirthful collection of theatrical brevities with music and raunch for thinking persons and short
attention spans alike. Developed out of the improv process of Open Circle Drama Workshop and
Cast: an eclectic cast of sixteen players.
60 min.
George Ignatieff Theatre
Sketch Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
Body Attacks Word Company
Montreal, Quebec
presented
AMAZON OBSESSIONS - le corps de Penthesilee
text by Heinrich V. Kleist
adapted and directed by Yvonne Hardt
Women in action! But what if they cannot stop? German choreographer Yvonne Hardt takes a
fresh look at the once mystified warrior women and places Kleist's tragic-comic Penthesilea into
a sports-arena. Last year the Gazette called her production "poetic" and "striking".
50 min.
Royal St. George Academy Theatre
Dance General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Kitterfish
Montreal, Quebec
presented
AND METEORS FALL
written and directed by Mary Albino
A comically tragic story about people able to move only in certain ways, quietly needing help
with the other ways. We watch as they fumble with this numbness, like carrying a much too
heavy thing upon shoulders much too weak... a doe watching her fawn in his initial stand up.
45 min.
Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse
Play-Drama General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Sonorous Incarnations
Toronto, Ontario
presented
ANGELS' TONGUES
by L. Kalo Gow
directed by Kyra Harper, associate director David Gow
Three characters swirl through the toilet drain that is pornography, celebrity and substance
abuse. Angels' Tongues is a wry, disturbing portrait of love, obsession and innocence lost.
"...soaked in champagne and sipped and stroked by the tongues of angels"
Cast: Finn White, Danielle Hampton, Kalo Gow
50 min.
Robert Gill Theatre
Play-Drama Mature Audience
****************************
The Cabaret Company
Toronto, Ontario
presented
BIRTH OF CASPER G. SCHMIDT, THE
written and directed by Sky Gilbert
A charming comedy about a tolerant young middle-class straight couple who befriend Howard -
an irritating and neurotic homosexual afflicted with obsessive compulsive disorder. Things get
complex and scary when they get pregnant and tell Howard. Chaos, nudity and death threats
follow. Have YOU washed your hands today?
Cast: Clinton Walker, Moynan King, Brendan Wall
50 minutes
Tarragon Theatre Extra Space
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
Die Happy Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
BROKEN
by Nils Rolvaag
directed by The Company
Duplicitous strippers. Kind-hearted women. Neurotics. Cured homosexuals. "Broken" has them
all. Not necessarily in that order -- and not necessarily, mentally, that ordered. Comments on
Nils Rolvaag's previous play, "The Looksist":
"strong... well-written" - Kevin Connolly, eye Weekly
"Fabulous writing" - Caroline Azar, Author of "This Might Help"
55 min.
Glen Morris Studio
Play-Drama Mature Audience
****************************
Steel Wool Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
BRUSH YOUR TONGUE
written and directed by Eric Dale
See Jerry run. See Tom trip Jerry. See Betty catch Jerry and give Tom the finger. See all of this
as we watch three overgrown children struggle through the truly tense years of life -
kindergarten to grade six.
45 min
Robert Gill Theatre
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
One Man Gang Corporation
Toronto, Ontario
presented
BUT SERIOUSLY FOLKS
by Dave Martin
directed by Peter Sheldrick
BUT SERIOUSLY FOLKS... is a stand-up / sit down rant through the nightmare world of stand-
up comedy. Featuring characters performed at the Just For Laughs Festival, "Open Mike with
Mike Bullard", stand-up Comedy heard on CBC radio's "Brave New Waves". More fun than a
book of matches.
Cast: Dave Martin
60 min.
Royal St. George Academy Theatre
Stand-Up Mature Audience
****************************
Morph Theater
Munich, Germany
presented
CASSANDRA
by Bruce Alexander Pitkin
A moving retelling of the story of the fall of Troy, viewed through the eyes of the doomed seer
Cassandra, who was blessed with the gift of seeing the future, but cursed that no-one would
believe her. A multi-disciplinary combination of theater, dance, painting and music.
Cast: Susanne Schneider, Astrid Kiener, Noriko Saito
60 min.
Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse
Play-Drama Mature Audience
****************************
Macho Vegetables Entertainment
Toronto, Ontario
presented
CITY OF HEROES
written and directed by Peter Aterman
In the city there are emergency services for everything but an empty life. Intimacy is dead. The
water tastes of loneliness. Even the angels carry cell phones. Welcome to City of Heroes, a one-
man comedy about love, hope and flesh-eating cops. Cast: Peter Aterman
55 min.
Tarragon Theatre Extra Space
Sketch Comedy General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Powderkeg Contemporary Performance
Seattle, Washington
presented
COUNTY LINE
by Jamie McMurry
directed by Jamie McMurry
Seattle's internationally acclaimed performance troupe comes to Toronto for the first time. Their
work is described as "a potent and mesmerizing collage of sensations" (Cleveland Free Times)
and 'County Line' is a visual stew of intense activity, flying bodies and image projections in the
true spirit of contemporary performance.
Cast: Jamie McMurry, Jesse Chambers, Brian Hickey, T.Lee Gilliam, David Willard
50 min.
Tarragon Theatre Mainspace
Play-Drama Mature Audience
****************************
Freedom Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
COURT JESTER, THE
written and directed by Dan Dilks
The company that brought you last year's Fringe favourite, "Last Stop Welland On the Tercel
Express", returns with a quirky love story that unfolds during a hostage taking.
Cast: Peter Evans, Jim Corbett
60 min.
Tarragon Theatre Extra Space
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
The Serpent's Egg
Toronto, Ontario
presented
CREATION CREATION
written and directed by The Company
Ceremonial Creation
of man woman
Temptation
Damnation
Procreation:
the first fuck
try it...you'll like it!
60 min.
Glen Morris Studio
Play-Drama Mature Audience
****************************
Not So Norma Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
DATING MYSELF
written and performed by Anne Marie Scheffler
directed by Carol Lempert, consulting director Dave Broadfoot
Second City Alumnus, creator of the fringe-famous Norma Trilogy presents an autobiographical
comedy about first steps of step-mothering, sex on wheels, triathlons (you'll like it!) and other
dues & don'ts! Scouted twice by HBO, she's "blond, buoyant and full of fire!" - NOW and
"wonderfully inventive and hysterically funn" - Edmonton Journal
50 min.
Poor Alex Theatre
Play-Comedy General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Chamelion Media Productions
Vancouver, British Columbia
presented
DATING THE PIRATE
by Phil Hutchins
directed by Shawn Campbell
The Rhubarb! 1999 smash hit makes its much anticipated Toronto return at The Fringe. After
spending 22 years in Club Concubine, Johnny Fig has just been named Madame Barman. And
tonight... his celebration and a chance to reflect back on the past two decades spent in a shanti
bar.
50 min.
Poor Alex Theatre
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
Frog adn Nightgown Theatre Productions
Toronto, ON
presented
DEAD MONKEY, THE
by Nick Drake
directed by Jessica Maynard
First performed by England's Royal Shakespeare Company, THE DEAD MONKEY is a
hilarious black comedy that examines the ties that bind a couple together for better or worse,
richer or poorer and answers that all important question: What the heck does all this have to do
with a monkey?
Cast: Scott Maudsley, Jennine Profetta and Dave Pearce
60 min.
BYOV A - Huron Washington Parkette
Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
Mondo Rondo Theatre
Verdun, Quebec
presented
DEBOUCHE!
by Christina Rozendaal, Marie Simard, Javier Soyka
directed by Javier Soyka
Accordion love tunes, limp dish rags, and fancy fishing manoeuvres...ahhh, married life. A
relationship turns rusty and bursts a pipe; heartsick Alice disintegrates down the drain and Leo
plumbs the abyss of bliss-broken couples to find her. Physical and visual mask theatre ala 1998's
success "Hatching Bluebeard".
50 min.
George Ignatieff Theatre
Physical Theatre General/Family Entertainment
****************************
BADD with a double 'd'
Toronto, Ontario
presented
DIRTY GODDESS
written and directed by Annie Dennis
A sassy young school girl, a disturbed old woman, a prostitute that learns about love and a
painter caught between the lines find their way to a transcendent dance.
Cast: Annie Dennis
50 min.
Glen Morris Studio
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
Rajan/Greenberg Acts
Pickering, Ontario
presented
DORIS DOES DAMAGE
written and performed by Doris Rajan
directed by Darlene Spencer
Toronto-born Doris Rajan really likes white people. In fact, she always wanted to be Laura
Petrie from the Dick Van Dyke Show or at least have her hair. Anyways...it's a one-woman show
- about people she loves - who once loved her, (before this event that is).
45 min.
Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse
Sketch Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
Record Time
Toronto, Ontario
presented
DR. FAUSTUS LIGHTS THE LIGHTS
by Gertrude Stein
directed by Jennifer Tarver
Faust sits alone in his study in the aftermath of the greatest deal ever made. But the Devil is not
satisfied. In the void between illumination and darkness, the battle is played out. Gertrude Stein's
text creates a rollercoaster in this dynamic actor's opera.
Cast: Glen Gaston, Michelle Polak.
60 min.
Royal St. George Academy Theatre
Play-Drama General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Lenox Colon Productions
Markham, Ontario
presented
DREAM, THE RAPIST AND THE TUMOR, THE
written and performed by Talent Pun
Critics have described it as "one of the bravest things I've ever seen." Talent Pun tells three tales
of youth and dysfunction in suburbia - stories of strength, weakness, rape and cigarettes.
50 min.
Royal St. George Academy Theatre
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
Best Man Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
DROWSY CHAPERONE, THE
Music & Lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, Book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar
directed by Steven Morel
From the co-creators of "HONEST ED! THE BARGAIN MUSICAL" comes another shameless
dislplay of unbridled whimsy.
Journey back to 1929 and frolic with musical theatre's most beloved archetypes: gum-snapping
chorines, harmonizing gangsters and, of course, the ubiquitous aviatrix.
Cast: Janet Van De Graaff, Jonathan Crombie, Bob Martin, John Mitchell, Steven Morel
60 min.
George Ignatieff Theatre
Musical General/Family Entertainment
****************************
The Canadia dell'Arte Theatre Troupe
Toronto, ON
presented
EL MEANO
by The Company
For their 5th yearon the steps of Central Tech, the troupe presents a hilarious tale about global
warming and the Winter Olympics. A robust hour of music and merriment! Toronto's only
annual comedia event.
Cast: Paul Bethel, Randall Lanthier, Caitriona Murphy, Christian Potenza and Genevieve Steele
60 Min.
BYOV C - Central Tech High School
Comedia General/Family
****************************
Come Together Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
EPISODES
by Aphra Zimmerman
directed by Sam Nulf
What do you get when you mix a collection of stuffed boyfriends, a telemarketer who tries to
meet people, a woman who dates her gynecologist, and a man who unknowingly has his life
arranged by telephone? You get one hell of a bizarre evening, set to live music, of course.
Cast: Aphra Zimmerman, live original music by Nathan Lawr, set painting by Elana Levine.
50 min.
Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse
Play-Comedy General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Symon Sez
Tonawanda, New York
presented
EVENING PRIMROSE IN OHIO / MARCHING ON HIGH
by Robin Rice Lichtig
directed by Kelly M. Beuth
An abandoned subway platform in Brooklyn New York... A tired laundromat in Ohio... In each,
two characters in desperate need of hope, inspiration, and human connection. Sometimes fate
leads us to those very people who renew our faith in ourselves and our lives.
60 min.
Robert Gill Theatre
Play-Drama General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Milkman Theatre Group
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
presented
EXTRACT
by The Company
directed by David Kennedy
A deceptively ordinary day turns chaotic when Everyman matches wits with a fish, a vacuum
cleaner, and The Man with a Cardboard Box on his Head in this funny, strange tale of life, loss,
and spiritual renewal. From the company the Halifax Daily News dubbed "theatre for the next
century".
Cast: Michelle Horacek, Kenneth Wilson-Harrington, Erika Hennebury, Frederick Kennedy
60 min.
Robert Gill Theatre
Play-Comedy General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Cool Hand Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
FABULOUS SMOKEY TOPAZ MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA, THE
by Jane Luk
Smokey Topaz, lounge lizardesse extraordinaire, brings us her unique musical stylings with a
Las Vegas touch. Cast: six fabulous male dancers, new guests every show and film clips of local
artistes and fellow Fringe performers.
Cast: Kerry Griffin, Jean Yoon, Paul Lee, Tricia Williams, Sandy Jobin-Bevans
50 min.
Tarragon Theatre Mainspace
Cabaret Mature Audience
****************************
RACM' up Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
FALSE IMPRESSIONS
by The Company
Three young men experience different interpretations of situations that arrive in their lives with a
comical twist. While casually meeting for a coffee, tea, and coke, they discuss sex, relationships,
friendships, Social Darwinism, drugs, plans for the weekend, politics and of course sex.
Warning: real subject matter included.
Cast: Alex Corlazzoli, Ryan DiMarco, Mark Zadorozny
60 min.
Robert Gill Theatre
Play-Comedy General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Gleasonworks
Toronto, Ontario
presented
FIRST WOMAN PLURAL
written and directed by Marie Gleason
It's a Kermopoly! Meet Cynthia the Cock-eyed Cockney, Cassondra the Trophy Wife, Beaulah
(who's zoomin' who?!) Aretha, Melissa - on how to give a guy a Birthday Present (without
getting dumped!), Sophia the Bosnian refugee child, and Maria on Birdmen, bras - and Blue
Moon Dancers.
Cast: Marie Gleason
60 min.
Glen Morris Studio
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
Ultrafuture 3,000,000 Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
FOUR PIANOS NO HANDS - AN ANTI-REVUE
by Michael Balazo, Terrance Balazo, Alex Oliveira
directed by F. McGee
What kind of show includes old men, food fights, rare animals and a mime troupe made up of
clergymen? Not this one! Join The Gentlemen Callers in their brand new stage-show Cast: high-
energy musical comedy lightly frosted with sketches and improvisation. Are you ready for The
Gentlemen Callers?
Cast: Michael Balazo, Terrance Balazo, Alex Oliveira, Pat Morita
60 min.
Tarragon Theatre Mainspace
Cabaret Mature Audience
****************************
Sheboobie
Toronto, Ontario
presented
GOLDEN MILE, THE
by Shoshana Sperling
The rainforest is falling. Has anyone gotten to that war on drugs? Big fish eats little fish. Oh,
my shitting lord, they're tearing down the mall!! A docudrama.
45 min.
Royal St. George Academy Theatre
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
(Theatre) Wum
Toronto, Ontario
presented
HAROON'S DINNER THEATRE OF CRUELTY presents Ethyl X in "London Bridge" (a story
of sex)
created by Colin Taylor, Srinivas Krishna, Nadine Sivak and the Company
A Fantasia.
60 min.
George Ignatieff Theatre
Play-Drama Mature Audience
****************************
Instant Karma Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
HOT AUGUST NIGHT
by Teresa Pavlinek
directed by Ralph Chapman
Children playing a game of blind man's bluff in the school yard. The one blindfolded searches
for the others but they just dodge his swipes and smack him from behind. The search continues
years later, but this time there is no blindfold...
"...bravery...and great humanity in her observation of character" - Kate Taylor, Globe and Mail.
60 min.
Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse
Play-Drama Mature Audience
****************************
Olive Me Theatre
Toronto, Ontario
presented
IMPASSIONED EMBRACES
by John Pielmeier
So, you've highlighted your Fringe program, passed out in The Beer Tent and quit your day job.
Next on your list: a sadistic rehearsal, a Broadway bound drunk and The Acting Olympics. Don't
miss this dark comedy by the author of Agnes of God.
Cast: Aviva Armour-Ostroff, Tara Samuel, Bruce Beaton
60 min.
Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
Funguy Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
INSOMNIPOTENT
by Jenny Parsons
directed by Steve Morel
Second City alumna Jenny Parsons presents a story about being hired to track down a missing
teen by sleeping in her bed. It's a quirky romp with an eerie underside.
"Just when you think you've seen all the good ones, an unexpected detour leads you to Fringe
Gold" - Montreal Gazette
50 min.
Glen Morris Studio
Play-Comedy General/Family Entertainment
****************************
3 a.m Mindwerks
Toronto, Ontario
presented
INTERRUPTION
written and directed by R. Colin Tait
Finally, a play that asks the questions: "Are all relationships necessarily Oedipal?" "Is 'because'
an answer unto itself"? "When does the helicopter land?" "Do you want me to turn this car
around?" and "If this isn't Lion King what the hell am I watching?"
Cast: R. Colin Tait, Sheri Beatty
45 min.
Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse
Play-Drama Mature Audience
****************************
Interzone Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
INVOLUNTARY CONTRACTION
written and directed by Sam Hancock
INVOLUNTARY CONTRACTION is like porno without the sex: some lame tunes and no plot.
A huge homo hit at the '97 Toronto Rhubarb! and '97 New York City Unity Festivals. Funny,
outrageous and trampy like you, this play is openly gay, okay? "Judy Garland gives it two
pumps up"
Cast: Dean Carter, Richard Cronin, Sasha Pishalski
45 min.
Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
Venus in Spurs Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
IT HAD TO BE YOU
by Renee Taylor and Joseph Bologna
I'm a woman of a thousand different looks exclaims Theda Blau, an ex-B movie actress,
desperate to get a man, a career, a life.
It's Christmas Eve. It's time for a miracle. A heartbreaking comedy about a loser who finds love.
Cast: Agi Gallus, William Sved
60 min.
Tarragon Theatre Mainspace
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
UrbanImage Theatre
Toronto, ON
presented
JONES BOY, THE
by Tom Walmsley
A seedy room in the city. Five characters treading a knife line between survival and despair.
"Harrowing and nearly brilliant... Wallmsley wields sex and violence like a double-edged
sword." - Globe and Mail
From the writer of "Blood and Paris, France" directed and produced by the creator of last year's
Fringe hit, "The Deawood Queen".
60 min.
BYOV E - Bloor Cinema
Play-drama Mature Audience
****************************
The Red House
Toronto, Ontario
presented
JUNIPER TREE, THE
by Maristella Roca, music by Allen Cole
directed by Josephine Le Grice
MISSING CHILD: Last seen picking apples in the Annex.
If you have any information which may lead to the whereabouts of this beloved child, please call
The Red House.
Decapitation, cannibalism, a tasty stew zing-zapped with the blood of Juniper berries: All for
me. None for you. All for me.
Cast: Liza Balkan, Steve Cumyn, Ron Kennell, Greg McArthur, Kelly McIntosh
50 min.
Tarragon Theatre Extra Space
Play-Drama General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Spudman Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
JUST A SECOND
by Rick Wharton and Denis McGrath
directed by Adrian Truss
JUST A SECOND...Just a second? A man's destiny to be a second. The silver, not gold. The
constant understudy for life. The sidekick, the sequel, the sophomore jinx; a place next below
the first! A must see! Wharton's first play but not as good as the original. Second Hand News.
50 min.
Royal St. George Academy Theatre
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
Jelly Belly Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
KANADIAN KEROUAC
written and directed by Joseph Moore
After a tragic loss, a young man is forced to face himself. He goes on the road looking for
answers. Sex, drugs and religious cult, all highlighted by live music. Relive your journey we call
life. Kanadian Kerouac.
Cast: Joseph Moore and friends.
60 min.
Glen Morris Studio
Play-Drama Mature Audience
****************************
The WordPlayers and Ajar Prods
Knoxville, Tenessee
presented
KILLING LINCOLN
by Amy Russell & Eric Ting/Ajar Productions
directed by Cristie Kearny
A play for one actor and shadows. KILLING LINCOLN is what the actor will do, not once, but
over and over for as long as this runs. Probably condemned to the fringe circuit of Inferno, he
faces the relentless, age-old question: what compels me to act?
Cast: Terry Weber and shadows
50 min.
Tarragon Theatre Mainspace
Performance Art General / Family entertainment
****************************
Urban Spine
Toronto, ON
presented
LIE WITH ME
by Victoria Goring
Inspired by the true story of Teena/Brandon. A young woman moves to a small town and
successfully lives as a man. Urban Spine's twist on this sordid tale of love gone wrong includes
dynamic movement, pyrotechnics and original music.
45 min.
BYOV D - Bloor JCC playground
Play-drama Mature Audience
****************************
Theatre Sacapuntas
Toronto, Ontario
presented
LIKE A TRAIN
by Dominique Russell
My mother said, love is a train, you'd best not miss it. Two women chasing the love train as it
leaves the station. A collage of poetry, slides and advice from women's magazines.
40 min.
Glen Morris Studio
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
Parnassus Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
LOVESONG
by Robin Fulford
directed by Tony Pearce
Robin Fulford's LOVESONG is a brave and sensitive look at the murder trial of Ralph Power.
This disturbing journal of rape and murder is written and performed devoid of self-indulgence.
Its sharp dialogue reveals a mad, yet ordinary member of society.
Cast: Mark Adriaans
35 min.
Tarragon Theatre Extra Space
Play-Drama Mature Audience
****************************
Red Poppy Theater Co.
New York, New York
presented
MAIDS, THE
by Jean Genet
directed by Hillary Spector
New York City's Red Poppy Theater Co. brings its version of Jean Genet's twisted story of two
discombobulated sisters who fantasize about murdering their mistress. They put on her clothes
and prance around the house! Dress up! Dance! Crime! Incest! Rubber gloves! "The tea is
ready."
Cast: Nedra Gallegos, Janine Miskulin, Hillary Spector, Joanna Conway
60 min.
Glen Morris Studio
Play-Drama Mature Audience
****************************
No Fox Too Far
Toronto, Ontario
presented
MAN WHO LIVES NEXT DOOR, THE
by Michael Harms
directed by Barb Scheffler
Adventure! Romance! Danger! Really Loud Singing! His neighbours tell us he "seems nice" ....
"is generally quiet" ... "keeps to himself". Join The Man Who Lives Next Door as he hatches a
plot of operatic proportions to meet the girl of his dreams. Come for the singing, stay for the
decapitation.
60 min.
Poor Alex Theatre
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
The OOmph!! Group
Toronto, Ontario
presented
ME@SURE 3.1
by The OOmph!! Group
directed by Chad Dembski
From the director of "Stuck", 1996 Fringe hit and 1998 Chalmers Award winner comes the latest
creation.
Lust / Power / Religion / T.V. / Fashion / a K&D sessionTM / Paranoia / Hope / Cartoons /
Pornography / OOmph!! channels Shakespeare's Measure for Measure.
Cast: Sean MacMahon, Natasha Priest and Kevin Rees
45 min.
Robert Gill Theatre
Multi-Media Mature Audience
****************************
Thin Guy Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF CARTER SIDDALL
by Carter Siddall
directed by Alan Smithee
You might remember Carter from last year's "Citizen XK-12" or as part of Cavalcade of
Whimsy's "Three Zeros". You don't? That's the problem. In this one-man comedy, Carter must
finally decide whether to continue his attempts to become a "real actor". Or just quit for good.
Cast: Carter Siddall
60 min.
Glen Morris Studio
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
Thick and Thin Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
MILLENIUM MADNESS SALE!
by Rick Jones
directed by Barbara Larose, Music Director Rick Jones
Problem: How to provide greater life opportunities to the homeless, workfare-resistant and
politically conflicted, while still reducing the government deficit.
Solution: The Millennium Madness Sale!, where you can buy the help you need at a price you
can afford. A musical look at one politician's final solution.
60 min.
George Ignatieff Theatre
Musical General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Erika Batdorf
Boston, Massachusetts
presented
MR. RAISIN HEAD
written by Erika Batdorf
Erika Batdorf brings her unique style of solo performance to Toronto. The Boston Globe called
Mr. Raisin Head "imaginative and richly entertaining", The Village Voice says "Batdorf slinks
her way through...with great facility and quirky humor", and the NYC Fringe paper says: "sharp,
insightful...packed with enterntainment and surprises..."
Cast: Erika Batdorf
40 min.
Royal St. George Academy Theatre
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
The Mysterium Co-op
Toronto, Ontario
presented
MYSTERIUM TREMENDUM
by Anton Piatigorsky
directed by Chris Abraham
Bloody murder, bloody murder, bloody murder.
Cast: Jim Jones, Tony Nappo, Liisa Repo-Martell, Ellen Ray Hennessy, & many more...
60 min.
Poor Alex Theatre
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
Portrait Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
NON SEQUITUR
by Elise Moore
directed by Robert Dodds
From the award-winning author of LIVE WITH IT (Buddies in Bad Times mainstage 1998), a
stylish new "Screwball Comedy with Consequences" imagines the legendary marriage of
American writers Jane (Two Serious Ladies) and Paul Bowles (The Sheltering Sky). A
sophisticated story of marital gamesmanship and flippant acts of cruelty.
Cast: David Macniven, Sarah Neville
60 min.
Robert Gill Theatre
Play-Comedy General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Big Boned Theatre
San Francisco, California
presented
NUDITY IS CONTAGIOUS
by The Company
directed by The Company
Improv is at that awkward age: self-conscious, knock-kneed and full of new urges it doesn't
understand but desperately wants to act upon. It's not fat, just big-boned. BBT's wild array of
characters create spontaneous scenes based on audience suggestions.
3 actors, 48 personalities. You do the math.
Cast: Charles Burbridge, Eric Riley Moore, Dia Shepardson
60 min.
George Ignatieff Theatre
Improv Mature Audience
****************************
The King Rat Theatre Company
Toronto, Ontario
presented
ORPHEUS
by Jean Cocteau (adaptation)
directed by Sasha Lukac
Coctealian song about LOVE lost and retrieved, about orgies with ANGELS and DEATH, about
the POET whose decapitated head will keep SINGING to bears and lions in the skies. YOU can
still see their constellations among the stars. The great success of the International Cocteau
Festival comes to Fringe!
Cast: David Dodsley, Maria Belic, Mima Vulovic
59 min.
Royal St. George Academy Theatre
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
Live Ant Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
PEST ASIDES, or The Hour of Midnight
by Paul Comeau
Directed by Noam Markus and Paul Comeau
In which two respectable but Victorian crickets, cast aside by cruel Fate from the warmth of
Sullivan's fireside to the trash heap of Gilbert's estate, race against unseemly Time to regain
hearth and home before the midnight toll of the new century. Plus: singing, a Mime, and a Snail.
Cast: Ben Cruchley, Arnolfo Galoyo, Noam Markus and Snail.
60 min.
George Ignatieff Theatre
Musical General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Madd Madd Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
PLANET "B"
by Michael Boyuk & Mark Peacock
Going beyond the standard DRAG QUEEN fare, Barbie-Q (the soft-spoken Sprite), Conchita
(the Spanish fireball) and Hard Kora (the dynamic self-starter) - give glamour, humour and
choreography a run for their money as three wild Girlz with heart!
55 mins
Tarragon Theatre Extra Space
Musical Mature Audience
****************************
Cabbagetown Theatre Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
PSEUDOLUS
by Plautus, adapted by Robert Ross Parker and The Company
directed by Robert Ross Parker
Join our hero - the crafty Pseudolus - on this madcap romp through the streets of ancient Rome.
The work of master playwright Plautus (c.254-184BC) roars across the stage in this exciting new
adaptation. Don't miss this wacky, side splitting farce in which anything cna happen, and usually
does!
60 min.
Tarragon Theatre Mainspace
Play-Comedy General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Gimpy n' Crip Co.
Toronto, Ontario
presented
R&J
Created by William Shakespeare & The Company
Directed and Performed by Caleb Marshall & Jenn McCaw
Simply the story of two lovers. An interwoven adaptation of Shakespeare's greatest and most
tragic love story. Pitted against a backdrop of bleak and daunting images. "...How sweet is love
itself possessed. When but love's shadows are so rich in joy."
Designed by Elwood
60 min.
Poor Alex Theatre
Play-Drama Mature Audience
****************************
The Night Kitchen
Toronto, Ontario
presented
RADIO: 30
by Chris Earle
directed by Shari Hollett
Thirty seconds can be a very long time.
A Soft-sell trip to the edge from the creators of "Big Head Goes to Bed".
45 min.
Tarragon Theatre Mainspace
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
bitter heap productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
REMEMBER ME
by Michel Tremblay
directed by Alison Lawrence
Do you remember seven years together? Remember the break-up? Remember the reasons?
Quebec's best-known playwright creates Jean-Marc and Luc, two ex-lovers who confess their
fears and disillusionments to one another while at the same time asking the biggest question of
all.
Cast: Gary Brennan, Bradley Garrick
60 min.
Poor Alex Theatre
Play-Drama Mature Audience
****************************
Fertz & Poogoh Inc.
Toronto, Ontario
presented
RETREAT, THE
by Fiona and Sarah Carver
directed by Helen Donnelly
Are you stressed out and fed up with this hectic urban life? So are Fertz and Poogoh! Join these
two clowns on a holistic retreat as they try and shed their everyday stresses and anxieties.
*Warning: This seemingly soothing adventure may leave you anything but relaxed!
Cast: Fiona Carver, Sarah Carver
60 min.
Robert Gill Theatre
Play-Comedy General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Try Try Try Again Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
REUNION
by David Mamet
directed by Sean Curran &Barry Lavender
Early Mamet writes of love and loss... 24 year old Carol Mindler arranges to meet the father
she's been cheated out of growing up with. He's Bernie Cary, "ex-this", "ex-that", a reformed
drunk. "I want to get to know you", she says. What ensues is pure Fringe.
Cast: Tiffany Owens, Barry Lavender
55 min.
Tarragon Theatre Mainspace
Play-Drama Mature Audience
****************************
Glass Hammer Productions
Toronto, ON
presented
REVENGER'S TRAGEDY, THE
by Thomas Middleton
directed by Margaret Gobie
Glass Hammer messes with hte classics one more time. The company that brought you "The
Cantebury Tales" unravels a pageant of revenge, treachery, deceit and gross licentiousness.
Wander with us through the gothic cloisters and fancy gardens. Not for the reverent, the purist
nor the faint of heart.
Cast: Dinah Watts, A.J. Pittis, Steven Reich, Michael Proudfoot, John Healey
60 min.
BYOV B - Knox College
Play-Drama General/Family
****************************
B.S. Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
ROSE NOCTURNE
by Anne Butler
directed by Walter Young
Share some time with Rose. Let her tell you about her life in..., or when she was... Theatre vet,
Anne Butler premiers her one woman show, directed by Walter Young, recent graduate of The
Neighborhood Playhouse.
Cast: Anne Butler, one street musician violinist James Swan
50 min.
Poor Alex Theatre
Performance Art General/Family Entertainment
****************************
A La-Turka and Mixed Company
Toronto, Ontario
presented
SACRED LAW
by The Company
directed by Simon Malbogat
SACRED LAW is a forum theatre drama whose narrative is based on the sacred laws of the
Deer Tribe Metis Medicine Society: "everything comes from woman" and "no harm to the
children". Movement and image-rich, "SACRED LAW" features a thrilling live soundscape
composed by Peter Jarvis of the Subtonic Monks.
Cast: Celal Ucar, Ayse Ucar, Peter Jarvis, Luciano Iogna, Laura J. Forth
60 min.
Robert Gill Theatre
Play-Drama General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Wild Hand Theatre
Toronto, Ontario
presented
SALMON MIRANDA
by Leah Davidson
directed by Sarah Armstrong
The world is full of polar opposites. Like oil and vinegar or Captain and Tenille, it's often the
most unlikely combinations that make the magic happen. Wild Hand Theatre (RANT, Fringe
'98) presents Salmon Miranda, a second act in The Cycle of Mania. Join us. You know you want
to.
55 minutes
Royal St. George Academy Theatre
Play-Drama Mature Audience
****************************
The Quarterhouse Players
Oshawa, Ontario
presented
SEXTET OF LOVE
by The Company
Music -- the food of love -- plays on as lovers arrive. Love has called them here. They must get
married -- or else -- in this musical hell of love and desire. But why won't they wed? Despite
their ambivalence, three couples know the answer as they play in the bizarre sextet of love.
60 min.
Tarragon Theatre Extra Space
Play-Comedy General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Flour Town Theatre
Hamlin, New York
presented
SHAKESPEARE'S WOMEN
written and directed by Ed Heidt and L. John Cieslinski
Shakespeare's Women returns to the tradition of same-sex casting and the "play within a play" to
explore the contemporary issue of gender construction. John and Ed re-visit Juliet, Ophelia,
Lady MacBeth, Kate and Titania with such energy that their play turns into an exploration of
themselves.
Cast: Ed Heidt and L. John Cieslinski
60 min.
Glen Morris Studio
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
Shrink Rap Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
SHRINK RAP
by Richard Ryder
directed by Chris Comerie
Four social misfits. One self-absorbed therapist. These are the ingredients for Canada's hottest
new game show, Shrink Rap, where sanity is the daily grand prize.
Cast: Megan Fulleron, Gord Disley, Tim Burton, Carilynn Nicholson, Richard Ryder
50 min.
George Ignatieff Theatre
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
Kansas Anymore Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
SKYLAND
Book, Music & Lyrics by Brock Simpson
Tormented W.A.S.P.S find themselves stranded in a Northern wood. Enchanted by spirits, and
harassed by Lox the shape-changer; they chase through tangles of moss and myth, encountering
important Canadian themes like "survival".
A delightful pastoral romp full of rollicking tunes and goodly humour!
Cast: a trippy troupe of musical comedy mischief-makers!
60 min.
George Ignatieff Theatre
Musical General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Bent Productions
Montreal, Quebec
presented
SLIGHTLY BENT
by Rick Miller
directed by Rick Miller, Romy Goulem & Stephanie Baptist
From the creator of "MacHomer" and "Art?", two of the most successful shows in Canadian
Fringe history, comes this hilarious, multi-media extravaganza, Cast: over 100 characters, nifty
video fx, and much tomfoolery.
Warning: Loosely connected sketches.
"The most versatile voice in the country" - Edomonton Journal
60 min.
Tarragon Theatre Mainspace
Multi-Media General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Birdie Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
SMALL HOURS
by Elana Freeman
I remember everything. I remember too much. Sometimes I remember things that I don't even
think happened to me. A humorous one-woman show that explores the nature and meaning of
memory and time.
Cast: Elana Freeman
50 min.
George Ignatieff Theatre
Play-Drama Mature Audience
****************************
Le Theatre Mouvant / Fallen Angels Productions
Mississauga, Ontario
presented
SPACES
written and directed by Dennis J. Hayes
SPACES is a movement / theatre piece about boundaries and spaces, about persons on the
fringe. About violence and healing, about language and utterance, about space-locked souls.
55 min.
Royal St. George Academy Theatre
Performance Art Mature Audience
****************************
Meikris Company
Toronto, Ontario
presented
SPELLSONG
by Robert Gould
Produced by Catherine Bray
Is what you always dreamed of what you really want? During the night of the eclipse, someone
must decide whether to accept destiny's invitation.
54 min.
Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse
Musical General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Gilded Balloon
Edinburgh, Scotland
presented
STILL GAME
by Ford Kiernan & Greg Hemphill
directed by Alan De Pelette
Winston, Archie & Victor are into their seventies and stuck up in the high flats, but they still
want one last attempt at the high life - if only they could remember how. So they start talking
about the good old days and end up making plans to have them all over again. But are they still
game?
Cast: Ford Kiernan, Greg Hemphill, Paul Riley
60 min.
Tarragon Theatre Extra Space
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
Large Dog Theatre
Toronto, Ontario
presented
SUPERHERO
written and directed by David Straus
A vigilante known as "NightWatch" patrols the city, neutralizing opponents with martial arts. Is
it heroism, or a cry for help? The people are grateful. Criminals and police are on edge. Who
will save him when his comic-book reality comes crashing down?
Cast: Sean Baek, Jason Jazrawy, Elizabeth McCallum, Tom Seniuk, Laura Landauer
55 min.
Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse
Play-Drama General/Family Entertainment
****************************
The Drama Project
Rochester, New York
presented
TAKING OF SIMON RED'S GLASS DOOR EMPORIUM, THE
written and directed by Jeremy Sarachan
Simon Red is impatient. He's been running his "Glass Door Emporium" a little too long and he
needs a change. He gets one when a trio of techno-radicals take over his shop. But what's real,
what's in cyberspace, and what's waiting on the other side of the door?
Cast: Nicolas Hambas, Diane Mashia, Betty Smith, David Woodworth, David Zumchak
45 min.
Robert Gill Theatre
Play-Comedy General/Family Entertainment
****************************
C. C. Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
TALE OF BALDRICK THE SAUSAGE & OTHER STORIES, THE
by Catherine Campbell
A sausage has gone missing. A spider has been convicted of harassment and now the audience
will witness the case in the Spider's Court. This show is jam-packed with comedy, puppetry and
music. Fun for the whole family. Guaranteed to change your views about sausages forever!
50 min.
George Ignatieff Theatre
Play-Comedy General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Who's Your Mama? Productions
Edmonton, Alberta
presented
TECHNO THERAPY
by Karen Wichuk and Taz Pirmohamed
directed by Karen Wichuk and Scott Belluz
Will you accept a job offer while standing in a checkout line? Have you ended a romantic
relationship while having your legs waxed? Did you land your biggest client while handgliding
at 2000 feet? If you answered yes to any of these questions - you may need a dose of TECHNO
THERAPY...technophobes welcome.
50 min.
Poor Alex Theatre
Play-Comedy General/Family Entertainment
****************************
A Wild Hermits Production
Mississauga, Ontario
presented
THERE'S SEATS AT THE BACK
by Robert Kingston
There's a great reward in helping another person. For Michael Scott, it gave his career and his
reason for being a purpose that was absolute. His life had a wonderful simplicity to it. But one
afternoon something happened that would change that for Michael...forever.
Cast: Robert Kingston
60 min.
Royal St. George Academy Theatre
Play-Drama Mature Audience
****************************
Milk Free Theatre
Toronto, Ontario
presented
THIS DREAM
by Joshua Lyons
directed by Chris Veldhoven
Close your eyes, count to ten, and enter the world of "This Dream". Ice falls, lives collide and
the story of strangers entangled in a fatalistic bond begins. From the Ice Storm in Kingston to the
calm of Victoria, follow the tender, tempestuous relationship of two people united in dreams.
60 min.
Tarragon Theatre Extra Space
Play-Drama General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Free Fall
Toronto, Ontario
presented
TOUGH!
by George F. Walker
directed by Dani Romain
From Canadian super playwright, George F. Walker, comes a painfully funny play about love
and relationships. Three young people struggle their feelings into words - intense feelings of
love, betrayal, anger, pain, sadness and hope.
"outrageously funny and occasionally touching" - Globe and Mail
"torrential highly charged dialogue" - NOW
"TOUGH challenges" -Toronto Sun
58 min.
Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
Oddmanout Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
VIEW FROM ZERO, THE
by Jonathan Marshall Freeman
directed by Jonathan Marshall Freeman& Robb Gorman
In the centre of the city stands Ground Zero, monument to one man's obsession. Caught in the
orbit of this monolith are three figures, whose lives will collide. THE VIEW FROM ZERO is an
original musical about greed, sacrifice, redemption, coloured lights and electronics.
"Dear anybody, save me..."
Cast: Robb Gorman, Patrick Shannon
50 min.
Tarragon Theatre Mainspace
Musical Mature Audience
****************************
Puppets Who Kill Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
WAITING FOR JACK
written and directed by John Pattison
Sammy and Dave are a ventriloquist/dummy comedy team. They're in a horrible car accident.
The dummy has to nurse his partner back to health. Thus begins a seething cauldron of suspicion
and resentment with a little assisted suicide tossed in for good measure.
60 min.
Tarragon Theatre Extra Space
Play-Comedy Mature Audience
****************************
Durangatang
Toronto, Ontario
presented
WANDA'S VISIT AND BUSINESS LUNCH AT THE RUSSIAN TEA ROOM
by Christopher Durang
directed by Michael Kessler
Jim and Marsha get more than they expect when Jim's high school sweetheart pays them a visit.
Chris discovers screenwriting isn't all it's cracked up to be when he meets with a Hollywood
producer. Two short plays from the man whom The New Yorker calls "one of the funniest
playwrights alive."
Cast: Lisa Jean, Christopher McNally, Kelly Taylor, James Fraser, Shannon McLean
55 min.
Robert Gill Theatre
Play-Comedy General/Family Entertainment
****************************
One Man Tag Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
WAR IN HEAVEN, THE
by Sam Shepherd and Joseph Chaikin
Sam Shephard and Joseph Chaikin's "The War In Heaven" is an account of a dissilusioned
angel's fall from heaven. In this revival by Toronto company One Man Tag Productions, the
dramatic possibilities of a collaboration between actor and musician are explored in
performance.
Cast: Jacob Gallagher-Ross, Joshua Saldier-Brown
40 min.
Tarragon Theatre Mainspace
Play-Drama General/Family Entertainment
****************************
Watson Arts
New York, New York
presented
WAS THAT MY 15 MINUTES?
by Susan Jeremy
directed by Mary Fulham
Winner Best Comedy - Montreal Fringe '98. Comedienne Susan Jeremy, the gay daughter of a
famous mambo-dancer, chronicles her Italian upbringing in NYC in the disco-era when John
Travolta was king.
"A solid solo show" - NY Post
"Jeremy is very funny with great moves and slick timing" - Montreal Gazette
Cast: Susan Jeremy
50 minutes
Poor Alex Theatre
Play-Comedy General - Family Entertainment
****************************
Three Eyes Productions
Toronto, Ontario
presented
WHEN ZED MET SALLY
by Elise Gervais, Jane McGregor
Zed, a frustrated alien leaves the antiseptic surroundings of his native planet in search of
adventure and self awareness. He meets Sally, a grumpy hair-dresser with a drinking problem.
She becomes his tour-guide.
Cast: Elise Gervais, Jane McGregor
50 min.
Tarragon Theatre Extra Space
Play-Comedy General/Family Entertainment
****************************
True Fiction
Scarborough, Ontario
presented
WHOSE DOG ARE YOU?
by Wendy Laura Ganz
directed by Ralph Chapman
A young homeless man is found dead in the home of Premier Conrad Sikes. An apparent suicide
victim - but did he jump or was he pushed? An investigation uncovers what really happened that
night. "I am his Highness Dog at Kew Pray tell me sir, Whose Dog Are You?"
60 min.
Poor Alex Theatre
Play-Drama General/Family Entertainment