2005 TORONTO FRINGE 2005 TORONTO FRINGE
July 6-17, 2005. 25 venues.
132 Performing Companies
25 Venues
46,585 Ticketed Attendance
333,476 Box Office Revenue returned to the artists
PLAY LISTINGS
Pass The Parcel Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
And The Drum Continues To Beat
written and directed by Christina Wong
music and lyrics by: Enio Chiola, Jason DeNicolais
and Christina Wong
"Under the moon
Under the stars
I dream of a world
That's very far
What can I do
To make you see
This land is here
For you and me."
Open your eyes and use your imagination as Turtle takes you on a journey of how the Earth came to be through storytelling and music. From Sky Woman's powerful dream to the creation of the Earth, we are shown that the future of Mother Nature lies in our hands. Weaving the traditional story of the Earth on Turtle's Back with a modern Canadian context, we see hope in the struggle between humankind and nature.
Cast: Diana Tso, Antonella Scali, Michelle Gram, Lucas Lopez, Enio Chiola, and Jason DeNicolais
Family Entertainment
KidsVenue - Palmerston Library Theatre / 560 Palmertson Avenue
40 Min.
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Kory Livingstone
Concord, ON
presents
How to outsmart a troll... The Three Billy Goats Gruff...the musical
written and performed by Kory Livingstone
How do you out smart a troll you ask? First you step back, seek advice, plan your, then work your plan. One of the world's most loved fairy tales of all times!
Kory spins this drama while seated at the piano. This way he is able to play musical underscore while he narrates, achieving the same effect that music creates for film. You'll hear seven original songs including a march, some reggae and good ol' rock & roll. There is a very positive message in this wonderful drama, showing children that as we become more confident individuals traveling along life's many roads, we must remember that our individually is also dependent upon other people in society. In the rousing climax at the finale the audience is invited to join in the rap... "When I stand by myself I know I am strong , when I stand with your help I know I belong!
Family Entertainment (ages 5 to 13)
KidsVenue - Palmerston Library Theatre / 560 Palmertson Avenue
60 Min.
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Peanut Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
The Big Button Show
by Bruce Horak with Rebecca Northan
The BIG BUTTON fulfills your EVERY WISH AND DESIRE! A modern retelling of the Aladdin myth (with allowances made for better technology) showing how we've come to rely on our wishes and desires instead of each other. Fast, furious, and funny, THE BIG BUTTON SHOW is a new work bound for the International Stage.
Peanut Productions is a Toronto-based company comprised of award-winning playwright and performers Bruce Horak and Rebecca Northan. They've worked together for a decade creating works for children, families, and adult audiences across the country. As a member of MONSTER THEATRE, Bruce Horak was awarded the Just For Laughs Best Comedy Award at the Montreal Fringe Festival, and Critics' Pick/Audience Favourite at the Winnipeg , Saskatoon , and Vancouver Fringe Festivals. Rebecca Northan has been nominated for a Dora, a Gemini, and is a five-time Canadian Comedy Award nominee
Family Entertainment (ages 5 to 75)
Warning: You may get what you wish for
KidsVenue - Palmerston Library Theatre / 560 Palmertson Avenue
60 Min.
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Toy Box Productions
Mississauga, ON
presents
The Jellybean Forest
by Lesley Carlberg
directed by Taylor Wilson
Toy Box Productions is proud to present its second children's musical "The Jellybean Forest" in the 2005 Toronto Fringe Festival . "Zucchinis! Zucchinis! Everywhere!" was Toy Box's first musical presented to great reviews back in 2002.
This year's "The Jellybean Forest" is a story about the environment and friendship where characters frolic amongst colourful balloon jellybeans in this musical forest adventure. When Chauncy and Mimi hike to the Jellybean Forest to pick some jellybeans for their pet WooWoo's dinner, they discover that almost all of the trees have vanished. That grumpy Princess has been destroying the beautiful forest for her own benefit. Now Chauncy and Mimi must befriend her and save the JellybeanForest before it is too late.
Family Entertainment (ages 3 to 9)
KidsVenue - Palmerston Library Theatre / 560 Palmertson Avenue
45 Min.
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BMTC
Toronto, ON
presents
The Three B's: Mystery at Melody Mansion
by Greg Finnegan
directed by Sarah Baumann
Everyone's favourite girl gumshoes, The Three B's are back – and this time they're off to summer camp! But there's no time for riding and archery when a swamp zombie's on the loose and the campers are being terrorized by a series of sinister pranks.
Minerva Melody needs the Three B's help – or this might be the end of Camp-A-Way!
Come join these intrepid girl sleuths as they uncover the secrets of Melody Mansion and try to save the girls summer camp from becoming a thing of the past. This is the third in the Three B's mystery series to hit the Toronto fringe (NOW Magazine Critic's Pick in 2003) so don't miss the latest edition of one of the most popular and exciting shows in the KidsVenue.
Cast: Caitlin Hussey, Grace Lynn Kung, Ieva Lucs, Kate Ann Vandermeer
Family Entertainment (ages 5 to 15)
KidsVenue - Palmerston Library Theatre / 560 Palmertson Avenue
55 Min.
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Clear Light Theatre
Toronto, ON
presents
Throwing Stones
by Chad Barclay
In 1979, a CP freight train derailed in Mississauga , causing the explosion of 24 chemical cars. The city was evacuated. Throwing Stones asks: "What if everyone didn't get out?" Toby and Sue are ten years old and they've run away from home. Sue is really good at math, Toby isn't, but they're still best friends. It's a story about innocence
Family Entertainment (ages 7 to 18)
KidsVenue - Palmerston Library Theatre / 560 Palmertson Avenue
45 Min.
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Seventeen Steps
Toronto, ON
presents
Try On Armour
by Doug Warwick
How would you like to try on a medieval helm, suit of plate armour or chain mail and shield? It's fun and educational, a bit like a little traveling medieval museum. We'll try to sing a real medieval song and listen to a tin whistle. Magic and a story too. Suitable, and I do mean "suitable" for boys & girls.
As a very young kid, I remember staring in disbelief at a line drawing of a medieval knight from a library book. Wow! That's when I became hooked. I started to draw pictures of knights. I attempted my first full sized suit of armour out of paper mache and spray paint. It didn't fit too well. The suit of steel armour I use for kids to try on for this show has been hand made by famed armour maker Valentine Armouries (www.varmouries.com).
www.toronto4kids.com - look for entertainers/medieval
Family Entertainment (ages 6+)
KidsVenue - Palmerston Library Theatre / 560 Palmertson Avenue
45 Min.
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Ditties & Frocks Theatricals
Toronto, ON
presents
Welcome to Vaudeville
book and songs by Morel & Parsons
directed by Michele Muzzi
musical direction by Scott White
The Town of Vaudeville must elect a new Mayor when Mister Ditties is asked to step down for falling in love with Alotta Frocks, the town's window cleaner. All the candidates are vaudeville acts:
Flying Lucinda – Queen of the Trapeze;
Captain Crawfish – Singer of the High Seas;
Hemphill the Magician – Scared of the Dark.
The audience votes in the new Mayor of Vaudeville for a different ending every show! Come See...singing, tap-dancing, quick-changes, comedy...and vote!
Steven Morel and Jenny Parsons met on stage at the comedy institution, The Second City, where they co-wrote and performed in over ten comedy revues. In the 1999 Fringe, Jenny starred in "Insomnipotent" and Steven directed "The Drowsy Chaperone." Most recently, they've been seen as the overprotective Mom and Dad on a series of Bell commercials. Steven and Jenny are excited to be performing with Dora-nominated actor, Geoff Whynot.
Cast: Steven Morel, Jenny Parsons & Geoff Whynot
Family Entertainment
KidsVenue - Palmerston Library Theatre / 560 Palmertson Avenue
45 Min.
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Saucy Fops
Kamloops, BC
presents
...articulate
written and directed by Cayman Duncan
Best In Fest! Winnipeg Fringe 2005.
Here is a new show about talking and…no too vague. It's an original show about saying what you mean when you mean to say what you mean! What? A comedy about saying too much when saying less is more concise or succinct…no, clearer…naw, what's the word?
"witty, touching, funny and extraordinarily well written." (5 stars) – Winnipeg Free Press.
"One of the funniest, cleverest and best-written productions you'll see this festival" – Uptown Magazine, Winnipeg .
"sharp, fresh and at times, wickedly funny. Multi-layered and richly textured" - CBC
Cast: Cayman Duncan, Terri Runnalls
Mature Audience
Warning: language
Venue #8 - Royal St. George Theatre / 120 Howland Avenue
60 Min.
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The Cold Read Series
Toronto, ON
presents
A Quiet Place
by Brendan Gall
directed by Geoffrey Pounsett
In a very small room lit by a single bulb, two men face each other. David is tied to a chair. Henry is not. Some games aren't fair.
A QUIET PLACE was shortlisted for the 2003 Herman Voaden National Playwriting Competition. The final round judges were Anne Chislett and Joan MacLeod.
"Word for word there seems to be almost nothing out of place. The language is as stark as the set, as the story in a way. … I kept imagining myself in the audience. … I kept having to stop and walk around the room a couple of times just reading it." – Joan MacLeod
"I salute [Brendan Gall]'s craft. … There is shock, suspense and surprise building to a strong effective climax." – Anne Chislett
Cast: James Cade, Christopher Stanton
www.geocities.com/aquietplacetheplay
General Audience
Warning: content, language
Venue #2 - Robert Gill Theatre / 214 College Street, 3rd Fl., ( St. George St. Entrance)
60 Min.
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Cabbagetown Theatre Company
Toronto, ON
presents
A Fresh Pair of Shorts: Two "Cheeky" Plays
by Matthew Toner
directed by David Premi and Nancy Bradshaw
There's nothing like A Fresh Pair Of Shorts, is there? Cabbagetown Theatre Company presents 'Pimp Hand Of God' and 'We Unhappy Few', two "shorts" by Matt Toner that are fresh, cheeky, and tighter than a Speedo on your Uncle Andre!
Winner of the 2002 Fringe Playwriting Contest, 'Pimp Hand Of God' recounts the comedic trials and tribulations of two friends as they try to survive life on a desert island...and each other. Who gets the last mango? And what does this have to do with chaos theory? A brand "spanking" new play by Toner, 'We Unhappy Few' is the hilarious story of a heartfelt apology that goes strangely awry. So tight it practically squeaks... Bonus Offer: 1000th ticket sold gets to give the cast a wedgy!
From the company that brought you 'Pseudolus' (NOW: NNNN), 'Midsummer Night's Dream Project' (eye: 4 stars) and 'A Pair Of Shorts' (eye: 3 stars+)
Cast: Stephen Flett, Christopher Irving, Blake Thorne and others
www.geocities.com/cabbagetowntheatre
General Audience
Venue #10 - Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse / 79A St. George Street
60 Min.
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Evelyn Dick and Her All-Star Jug Band
Hamilton, ON
presents
An Evening with Evelyn Dick and Her All-Star Jug Band
written and directed by Paul Fairie
When hunky, handsome and humble Paul Fairie receives a letter urgently requiring his participation in a theatre festival, the fate of 80% of the universe hangs in the balance. A chance encounter with a jilted bride propels him to experience the highs of being in Hamilton 's least famous jug band and the lows of its disco-fueled fall. Considered by many in the cast to be Paul Fairie's greatest (and only) work, this show features a cast of thousands, expertly played by award-winning actress/singer/dancer Cinzia DiFranco, who is also available for children's parties.
Cast: Paul Fairie, Cinzia DiFranco
General Audience
Venue #6 - Tarragon Theatre Mainspace / 30 Bridgman Avenue
60 Min.
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company c NaNa / Nicola Gunn
Melbourne, Australia
presents
An Unfortunate Woman
by Nicola Gunn
directed by Mark Chavez
"Kerfuffle. Kerfuffle. The word rustles like a taffeta skirt across the floor"
After a year's absence, director Mark "Sabotage" Chavez and writer/performer Nicola Gunn return to Toronto with another tale where comedy and tragedy converge through a series of interweaving vignettes. We follow the story of these lost and awkward characters until their rather astonishing end. Gunn is An Unfortunate Woman (and everybody else) in a performance of physical luminosity as wicked as it is absurd.
"Tour-de-force" - Montreal Gazette
(5 stars) "She commands our attention" - NOW
(4 and a half stars) "Mesmerizing... unforced virtuosity" - Edmonton Journal
"Awe-inspiring" - Sydney Morning Herald
(5 stars) "It doesn't come much better than this" - SEE Magazine
General Audience
Venue #11 - Glen Morris Theatre / 4 Glen Morris Street
60 Min.
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Monster Camp Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
Attack of the Intergalactic Middle Managers
by Jennie Grimard and Tim Sweeney
directed by Jennie Grimard
For Veronica and Madge, taking a job at Globodom Corporation seemed like a step up, until they met their new boss. Sure they had worked for some weird and incompetent managers in the past, but little did they know how different this boss really was.
This is, without a doubt, a suspense filled epic tale, well okay, maybe not epic, but there are moments that almost border on suspenseful at times. After all, at stake is the future of the planet earth and its inhabitants, not to mention the sweet benefits package the girls could lose. Will their new jobs mean the end for Veronica and Madge!? Will the evil aliens succeed in their evil plan of world domination through mergers & acquisitions!? Will they melt the earth with their extremely evil giant gamma ray gun!!? And, if so, would this be cost-effective? There's only one way to find out.
General Audience
Venue #10 - Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse / 79A St. George Street
45 Min.
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Non-applicables
Toronto , ON
presents
Beat Me Around the Bush
written and performed by Hanna Peltoniemi-Fam
Could I own your life? How much would you ask for it -in the plain currency of words? Huh?
I may be winging it on the side of blatant plagiarism, stumbling on copyrights but I sure as hell invest a great deal of myself to imitate my many fantasies.
"For kicks, I guess. And sometimes, I get so busy all I seriously have time for is to laugh at other people. Easier, cleaner, simpler- got it? I never said it! It wasn't me! It's from that movie!!!"
Energetic contemplations on who's on first? My life? My line? Whose life is it anyway? You have something to add to this life of yours before we close the deal? You have 50 minutes to figure out whether to a) laugh at it b) laugh yourself to your grave c) laugh at yourself before your grave d) all or none of the above- GO!
General Audience
Warning: possibly sobering effects, semiotic implications may come across
Venue #3 - Artword Theatre / 75 Portland Street
50 Min.
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Some Strange Reason
Toronto, ON
presents
Bella Donna
by David Copelin
directed by Sue Miner
Passion, poison, and the fear of forever collide in this dark comedy, winner of the 2005 Toronto Fringe Festival 's New Play Award. In Renaissance Italy, when the infamous Borgia family loses its power, their enemies seek revenge – but you can't break the law of unintended consequences. These people don't sin small. This story may even be true.
BELLA DONNA, which also won a Best Stage Play award from the Moondance International Film Festival in 2004, is the first production of Some Strange Reason, a Toronto company founded by playwright David Copelin. Some Strange Reason's next project will be David's new, wholly original, and even darker comedy, THE RABBI OF RAGGED ASS ROAD, which dramatizes a clash of spiritualities in the one-of-a-kind world of Yellowknife , Northwest Territories . Watch for it!
Cast: Françoise Balthazar, Stephen Sparks, Nick Abraham, Mimi Mekler, Lindsay McMahon
Mature Audience
Warning: content, language, sophistication
Venue #5 - Factory Studio Theatre / 125 Bathurst Street (at Adelaide )
90 Min.
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Michael Walsh
New York, NY
presents
Between Takeoff & Landing
written and performed by Michael J. Walsh
directed by Kathryn Rossetter
A charming ode to the people of Newfoundland . In this poignant one-man play, Michael Walsh humorously recounts his four days stranded with 6,000 travelers in Gander . Aer Lingus Flight 104, traveling from Dublin to New York is unexpectedly grounded by the tragic events of September 11th. Turning this remote Canadian town of 10,000, into the largest makeshift airport terminal in the world. While housed in the local Elks Lodge; waiting to resume their travels and their lives, New Yorker Michael and his fellow Irish passengers examine Gander , the world …and themselves.
In 2003 Between Takeoff & Landing premiered at the Seattle Fringe Festival. This is Michael Walsh's first play. His last Canadian appearance was in "Crazy For You" in Vancouver . Making his home in New York City , Michael has performed in plays and musicals all over the world and can be seen tap dancing on "Sex in the City".
www.betweentakeoffandlanding.com
General Audience
Venue #8 - Royal St. George Theatre / 120 Howland Avenue
80 Min.
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Theatre LMNOP
Toronto, ON
presents
Bird's Eye View
by Mark Wallace, Amelie Lefebvre, Macarena Suazo, Cyndi Mason
directed by Mark Wallace
2005 Dora Nomination – Outstanding TYA Production
What if there were no wild places left for birds to live? Meet a remarkable assortment of feathered creatures as they move to Big City , get jobs, and learn to live like humans. Original songs, great costumes, and a unique physical style inspire this musical and comical picture of modern life.
“A defining moment in children's theatre… An imaginative tale with vibrant characters… This is a must-see show for kids and adults alike.”– View Magazine
“A lovely and very intelligent show, with fine performances all around. I laughed long and loud and was reminded that it's a ton-o-fun to be a kid... of any age.” – CKLN
“It's amazing what the actors can portray with a few props, some masks, puppets, high-energy movement and a lot of imagination. The show is hilarious… fun for all ages.” -- Scarborough Mirror
Cast: Amelie Lefebvre, Ginette Mohr, Josh Jacobson, Rick Monaco
Family Entertainment
Warning: lawn seating – bring a blanket or a chair!
Venue #24 - King Edward Public School (north playground) / 112 Lippincott Ave. (south of Harbord)
60 Min.
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ACTS (African Community Theatre Service)
Cape Town , South Africa
presents
Bonhoeffer
written and performed by Peter Krummeck
directed by Christopher Weare
Among the finest plays by a South African in recent years, ‘Bonhoeffer' portrays that rarest of individuals: a man who sees right and wrong with stunning clarity. Krummeck's superb performance brings this engaging personality to life in a work that, while it deals with ideas, is accessible and compelling. Few viewers will ever forget it. Standing ovations at every venue.
Peter Krummeck founded ACTS (the African Community Theatre Service) in 1983 and, under the patronage of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, devised the reconciliation-through-drama workshop process that has earned international recognition.
Originally structured to oppose the brutal effects of Apartheid by bringing the widely diverse societies in South Africa to a common purpose through role-play, Peter 's work was acknowledged ‘A Gift of Service to the World' by the Parliament of the World's Religions in 1999. Three years later, he was appointed Artist-in-Residence to St Mark's on Capitol Hill to direct a programme addressing post-9/11 trauma in Washington DC . The world première of ‘Bonhoeffer' was given by invitation in this city as part of the National Commemoration Week for the terrorist attacks of 2001. Archbishop Tutu writes: ‘ Peter is an inspiration: through ACTS' work, South Africa can now export that rarest of commodities – peace.'
Mature Audience
Warning: nudity
Venue #11 - Glen Morris Theatre / 4 Glen Morris Street
75 Min.
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Ribbit Productions
Vancouver, BC
presents
BoyGroove
by Chris Craddock music by Aaron Macri
directed by Kenneth Brown
The Award Winning Sensation Hits Toronto ! From the making of the band to the trip to space, to the top and to the bottom, the Worlds Biggest Boy Band is up close and personal in this tell-all exclusive.
From the producers of BE A MAN and PILK'S MADHOUSE comes the Award winning comedy by Edmonton 's own cutting-edge playwright Chris Craddock (SUPER ED, MOVING ALONG) with music and lyrics by the Sterling Award Winning Aaron Macri. Meet ANDREW (Andrew Bursey), LANCE (Scott Walters), JON (Jon Paterson) and KEVIN (Matt Alden)… they are BOYGROOVE, the hottest rock pop phenomenon since last week.
Best of Fest Winner in Winnipeg , Edmonton And Vancouver .
"Fantastically choreographed" - Saskatoon StarPhoenix
"The Four principals are wonderful performers" – Vancouver Sun
"Completely fantastic" – Edmonton Sun
Cast: Matt Alden, Andrew Bursey, Jon Paterson, Scott Walters
Mature Audience
Warning: content, language, nudity
Venue #7 - Tarragon Theatre Extra Space / 30 Bridgman Avenue
90 Min.
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Hand Made Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
Brilliant Traces
by Cindy Lou Johnson
directed by: Anthony Mancini
The place is a remote cabin in the wilds of Alaska . As a blizzard rages outside, Henry Harry lies sleeping under a heap of blankets. He is awakened by the insistent knocking of an unexpected visitor – Rosannah DeLuce, a distraught young woman who has fled from Arizona to escape her impending marriage. She bursts into the cabin dressed in full bridal regalia. Exhausted, she throws herself on Henry's mercy, but after sleeping for two days, her vigor – and combativeness – return. Both characters have been wounded and embittered by life – refugees from civilization. Thrown together in the confines of the snow bound cabin, they alternately repel and attract each other. They explore the pain of the past and, in time, consider the possibilities of the present. In this very isolation, they reach out for the solace and sanctuary which only understanding, self-awareness and compassion can bestow.
" BRILLIANT TRACES is kooky, weird and definitely off-kilter, but if taken in the right spirit, illuminating about how we live today" – BackStage
"…with characters, story and dialogue so fantastic that they could exist only within the enchanted realm of the stage." – New York Times
"…a man and a woman battle it out, alternately repulsing and seducing each other." – New Yorker
Produced by: Inna Korobkina, Nick Baillie, Pascal Petardi
Cast: Pascal Petardi, Patricia McKenzie
General Audience
Venue #5 - Factory Studio Theatre / 125 Bathurst Street (at Adelaide )
60 Min.
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Jolene Bailie / Cuppa Jo
Winnipeg, MB
presents
Chasing Bliss
choreography by Jose Limon, Marie-Josee Chartier, Jolene Bailie and others
directed by: Nina Watt, Matie-Josee Charier and Jolene Bailie
Jolene Bailie, presents Cuppa Jo: Chasing Bliss. New programme! Presenting works by award-winning and internationally acclaimed artists, Chasing Bliss includes Jose Limon's Dances For Isadora, Marie Josee Chartier's, A Short Voyage and more! Third national fringe tour, well-deserved reputation for professional, classy and physically intense performances.
Jolene Bailie has been praised coast to coast for her artistry, technical prowess, athleticsm and performance ability, Jolene Bailie is a dancer that will command your attention and captivate your imagination. Suitable for all ages. Not to be missed!
"…rare opportunity to share an hour with a superlative dancer obviously at the top of her game" - Edmonton Sun
Jolene Bailie is "Strong" - Dance International Magazine
"Strong" - The Dance Current Magazine
"Strong" - The Georgia Straight
"Strong" – The Star Phoenix
"Very Strong...a world class talent" - Victoria Times.
"the strength of coiled steel and the pliancy of rubber" - National Post
Cast: Jolene Bailie
General Audience
Venue #3 - Artword Theatre / 75 Portland Street
60 Min.
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Good Company Theatre
Woodbridge, ON
presents
Cheapskate
written and directed by Massimo Pagliaroli
A small misunderstanding begins a series of chance meetings and secret interactions between two groups of friends until all unknowingly become intertwined with one another.
This fast paced comedy is all about the ins and outs of modern day dating and relationships, the perils of friendship, the importance of first impressions and the quest for perfection. CHEAPSKATE, written and directed by Massimo Pagliaroli, was a winner in the Fringe's New Play Competition this year, and features a cast and crew of Evil Dead 1&2: The Musical and The Second City, Toronto , alumni
Cast: Stefanie Cimicata, Beth Horton, Paolo Mancini, Meredith Shaw and Dejan Zahirovic
General Audience
Warning: some language
Venue #9 - Poor Alex Theatre / 296 Brunswick Avenue
90 Min.
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Tomorrow's Art
Toronto, ON
presents
Chief Inspector Rose, PH.D., (Prevention Against Horrible Decorating)
written, directed and performed by Peter Morrow Rose
It starts with all good intentions to help those affected by addiction, fear and obsession, but quickly goes off the rails when members of the notorious P.H.D. crew take to the stage.
The sanest of the family, Chief Inspector Rose, P.H.D. (Prevention Against Horrible Decorating) recalls his fight to rid the city of the Porno Painters and those who would use the glossy world of painting to lure and corrupt the young and innocent.
He is joined by his dysfunctional family - Granddad who likes it up the other end; his son P.P. who wears a skirt to work; and his half sister/half brother who lives in Wales with an adorable Big Willie. They recall their lives through a haze of fumes. Find out who killed Hendrix, Joplin , etc. It wasn't the drugs. It was ……
Mature Audience
Warning: Understanding this show can seriously damage your health
Venue #8 - Royal St. George Theatre / 120 Howland Avenue
60 Min.
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Monster Theatre
Toronto, ON
presents
Confessions of a Class Clown
by Ryan Gladstone
directed by Bruce Horak
Monster Theatre vs. The Education System. The true story of Ryan Gladstone's (THE MACBETH SHOW: Fucking With Shakespeare, FRINGE SHOW: A Love Story) sordid and hilarious relationship with School. Dunce caps, spitballs, Dragons, standardized tests, Nazi's, fart bomb's, Moustaches, Stephen Hawkings, detentions, Albert Einstein, overhead projectors, and LSD in the teachers coffee.
Monster Theatre has emerged as one of the premier national fringe circuit acts. Consistently playing to sold-out houses and five star reviews across the country. Winning various awards including the illustrious ‘Just For Laughs' Frankie award in 2002, and pick of the fringe in Montreal, Ottawa, Saskatoon, Edmonton, and Vancouver; as well as critics pick in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Vancouver. Their adaptation of Macbeth (THE MACBETH SHOW) was called one of the 10 best shows of 2004 by NOW magazine.
Mature Audience
Warning: language
Venue #11 - Glen Morris Theatre / 4 Glen Morris Street
60 Min.
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Cinnabar Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
Death of a Vacuum Cleaner Salesman
by Allison McWood
directed by Andrea Romaldi
All Mr. Shmiller wants is to live his dream. Is it too much to ask to run a simple business from his home? To avoid the bureaucratic overlords who perpetually make him miserable? To pursue a business in which he calls the shots and works towards a goal that he actually believes in?
Apparently, yes.
Allison McWood's sharp, witty take on Arthur Miller's classic play, Death of a Salesman, completed the day of Miller's death, is both howlingly funny and intensely thought provoking.
Cast: Rob Monk, Peter Treadwell
General Audience
Venue #2 - Robert Gill Theatre / 214 College Street, 3rd Fl., ( St. George St.
60 Min.
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DaDo Productions
Haliburton, ON
presents
Deception
by Donna Gagnon
directed by Greta Dearing
Charlotte 's carefully ordered world collapses when she arrives for a surprise visit with her mother. The living room's a mess and there's a strange man sitting on the couch. "Deception" explores the truths we grow up on, the things we choose to believe and the moments when we are forced to face reality.
Cast: Chris Mawdsley, Anne Doelman, Donna Gagnon
General Audience
Venue #4 - Factory Theatre Mainspace / 125 Bathurst Street (at Adelaide )
60 Min.
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Hydraulic Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
Diary of a Bra
written and performed by Lhara Eben
If your bra could talk, what would it say?
Hydraulicgroup Productions presents its debut performance, Diary of a Bra at this summer's Toronto Fringe Festival . An original play written and performed by Lhara Eben, this is a show that will make you laugh and cry, ponder and reflect, inspire and be inspired.
If you liked The Vagina Monologues, you will certainly enjoy Diary of a Bra and yes, it's for men too!! Seriously, we are talking about breasts!
The Diary of a Bra will reveal secrets, dispel myths and share stories. Embark on the journey of a woman's breast –from puberty to menopause, bumping into body image dilemmas, latching incidents and face the ominous reality of cancer.
The mysticism of the breast may not be unveiled but it will be prodded and fondled with gentle hands.
General Audience
Venue #7 - Tarragon Theatre Extra Space / 30 Bridgman Avenue
60 Min.
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Breakfast Table Productions
Montreal, QC
presents
Disgust
by Linda Besner
directed by Steph Bernston
With his moving van stolen and nothing but his "S" bag—the one with soup, soap, sleepwear, and spices—to start off his life in a new city, Daniel has to negotiate a new job, a sick mother, and a trio of petty thieves who keep inexplicably sliding in and out of his apartment.
Set on the boundary between the self and the other, this drama riffs off ideas of privacy and personal space to create a narrative in which repulsion is the left-hand of attraction. Ever sat on the subway next to someone who wouldn't stop coughing? In "Disgust", personalities are as contagious and irrepressible as germs, and characters fight to maintain their individual identities in a world where all that separates one life from another is the thin plastic membrane of a hospital bed's curtain.
General Audience
Venue #4 - Factory Theatre Mainspace / 125 Bathurst Street (at Adelaide )
60 Min.
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Chicken For Supper Productions
Victoria, BC presents
Don't Get Me Started
by Mike Peter sen, dramaturgy by Marianne Ward
Life, death, the meaning of Star Wars. This is the story of Mike Peter sen, the child who tipped planets and used the Force, the apprentice who rubbed elbows with Jim Henson, George Lucas, and other gods. A potato watches television, Superman falls off a horse, and childhood ends in this multi-animated life story. The stories are true. The facts have been exaggerated to protect the legend.
Mike Peter sen was a ticket-ripper in Victoria until he moved to Toronto to work as a puppeteer on Fraggle Rock. Since then he's been a goblin in Labyrinth, the plant in Little Shop of Horrors, and the cluster lizard who ate Malcolm McDowell's brain in Lexx. After a fifteen-year sojourn in Nova Scotia, Mike is back in Toronto, working as an actor, writer, puppeteer and part-time ticket-ripper while seeking to find his inner adult; it's gotta be in there somewhere ...
Cast: Mike Peter sen, music by Paul Cram, stage management by Amy Levett, Fraggle built by Terry Angus
General Audience
Warnings: Santa Clause is debunked
Venue #3 - Artword Theatre / 75 Portland Street
60 Min.
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Tom X. Chao
New York, NY
presents
Freak Out Under the Apple Tree: (Some of) The Best of Tom X. Chao
by Tom X. Chao
The New York Times calls Tom X. Chao "a dryly funny downtown comedian."
The New York City writer/performer presents an anthology of recent short comedies in Freak Out Under the Apple Tree. It's a convenient sampler for new and old fans. In "Jaded Individual," an angry nun throttles an insensitive fusion bassist! "A Walk in San Francisco " follows a crazed tourist who loves Fogtown indiscriminately! "Lunch in Los Angeles " depicts police psychic, Dr. Lurid X.-S., and his office manager solving mysteries while debating the great LA-NY schism beyond comprehension! More audience favorites round out the bill!
Tom X. Chao has written, performed, and directed numerous plays in Manhattan 's off-off-Broadway scene, including Can't Get Started and The Negative Energy Field. His play, Cats Can See the Devil, was published in Plays and Playwrights 2004. Erin A. Leahy (Featured Performer) graduated from Pace University in 2003 with a BFA in Theater.
Cast: Tom X. Chao, Erin A. Leahy
Mature Audience
Warning: some adult content, language
Venue #10 - Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse / 79A St. George Street
55 Min.
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Benjamin Crellin
Auckland , New Zealand
presents
Gags 4 The Masses
by Benjamin Crellin
Performed in stand-up and verse kiwi comedian Benjamin Crellin explores the problems and challenges of the modern world whilst trying to crack the U.K comedy circuit. From apathy and obesity to IQ tests and cloning this is a dark, funny ride.
Benjamin Crellin is one of New Zealand 's top international comedians with eighteen televised stand-up performances and four nominations for his countries highest comedy award.
Mature Audience
Warning: language
Venue #8 - Royal St. George Theatre / 120 Howland Avenue
60 Min.
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Dance Naked Productions
Lake Oswego, OR
presents
Girls' Guide
written and performed by Eleanor O'Brien
directed by Kirsten Prather
Mary Magdalene starts her own religion. A New York actress finds enlightenment in a house of domination. Deliciously funny and unabashed, Eleanor O'Brien's heroines find that seeking is sometimes more rewarding than cumming, and that everyone has an erotic story to tell.
A provocative, humorous, thoughtful look at sex, pedicures and what it takes to be a dominatrix.
Mature Audience
Warning: content
Venue #2 - Robert Gill Theatre / 214 College Street, 3rd Fl., ( St. George St. Entrance)
60 Min.
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Stories From the Attic
Toronto, ON
presents
Grummelot
co-created by Lia Como & Jimmy Hogg
A tale about two servants who fall hopelessly in love with each other as they try to survive in their zany world. Will they end up together? (Probably not.)
Told in the Commedia dell'Arte style, Grummelot is a light-hearted glimpse of some of the treasured moments that we all too easily pass by in our daily lives
This wild comedy was inspired by a conversation that probed the question: "If Shakespeare was Italian, how would the story of Romeo and Juliet have gone?" Well, for starters, there would have been a whole lot more wine. Grummelot is a twisted yet light-hearted story that is told through the eyes of the two loyal servants of Romeo and Juliet.
It's their hilarious version of the young lovers' tale as well as their own hapless romance. It's uncut, uncensored and unbelievably entertaining
Cast: Nigel Smith & Lia Como
General Audience
Venue #8 - Royal St. George Theatre / 120 Howland Avenue
50 Min.
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Punch Theatre Company
Bexley, OH
presents
half full...of it
written and performed by Dan Welsh
directed by John Kuhn
Alan is a successful writer, yet he struggles to put his own life into words.
Surrounded by a sometimes absurd, sometimes sagacious cast of characters and circumstances, the drama of his life takes a series of comic turns.
Whether it's half empty or half full, Alan is about to take a look "outside the glass" and discover the art of simply … living.
Television show pitches; agents; advertising; Anger Junkies Anonymous; afternoon rendezvous; phone calls from his ex-wife and a trip to an art gallery; Alan and the characters that fill his daily life are brought to the stage in this solo performance filled with wit and humor.
A slice of life … or is it Art?
Mature Audience
Warning: language
Venue #7 - Tarragon Theatre Extra Space / 30 Bridgman Avenue
60 Min.
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UnSpun Theatre
Toronto, ON
presents
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
by UnSpun Theatre
directed by Brendan Gall
A woman who will no longer go outside. A man who loves her enough to bring her the woman she longs for… A story about three very lonely people and the ways in which their lives get tangled together.
"When we are wrapped in fear and darkness, we sometimes ask the monster into our bed."
– Dusan Koupil, local pawn shop owner.
UnSpun Theatre brought the hit WRECK to the 2001 Edmonton Fringe;
"FOUR STARS!" See Magazine, 2001.
Last summer, they produced the world premiere of T. Beagan's THY NEIGHBOUR'S WIFE, to great critical acclaim:
"NNNN! Critic's Pick! Full of dramatic magic." Jon Kaplan, NOW Magazine.
"4 Stars! Beagan's stage presence is as engaging as her writing." Jennifer Besner, Eye Weekly.
Cast: Tara Beagan, Chris Hanratty, Kate Hewlett, Christopher Stanton
Mature Audience
Warning: strong language, sexual content
Venue #5 - Factory Studio Theatre / 125 Bathurst Street (at Adelaide )
60 Min.
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Sable & Batalion
Los Angeles, CA
presents
Hip-Hop 4 Dummeez
written and performed by Jerome Sable and Eli Batalion
Abbott & Costello meets Outkast in this hilarious comedy lesson in all things hip-hop. Whether you love hip-hop or can't understand a damn word of it, Sable & Batalion (JOB: The Hip-Hop Musical) will have you boppin' your head to the beat.
The Dora-nominated duo Sable & Batalion premiered HIP-HOP 4 DUMMEEZ at the 2004 Montreal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival where it was selected for "Talk of the Fest."
Sable & Batalion have just released their brand new hip-hop album: G MARKS THE SPOT. (Available for purchase after show.)
"Sable & Batalion are one hell of a double act." - Richard Ouzounian, Toronto Star
General Audience
Warning: language
Venue #12 - Poor Alex Cabaret / 296 Brunswick Avenue (2nd Floor)
60 Min.
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Mad George Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
Hollywood Grade Eight
written and performed by Sarah Martyn
Remember what a rotten person you were in grade eight? Ever wondered what your teacher thought? Enter the mind of a grade eight teacher. From stardom to marriage to middle school, join Sarah Martyn (Tequila! Liquor? I Don't Even Know Her!, Sheroes) on a journey of the unexpected twists and turns of everyday life.
Hollywood Grade Eight is the latest play from the author of the hit play Sparta which played to packed houses and won the Audience Choice Award at SummerWorks, 2001. Martyn is playwright-in-residence at Theatre Passe Muraille where a full-length version of Sparta will premiere next season.
"From hilarity to horror, from sorrow to sheer joy. Her timing is impeccable..." - Winnipeg Free Press
"…a talented new writer." - Toronto Star
"Martyn is very talented and very tough." - CBC 24 Hours News
General Audience
Venue #23 - Howlett Academy / 15 Madison Ave.
75 Min.
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Peace In Our Time Productions
Salt Spring Island, BC
presents
Holy Cow! Hilarious Mis-Adventures in India
written, directed and performed by Stewart Katz
Hilariously funny, heart-warmingly touching and spiritually uplifting, HOLY COW! is a rollicking romp across that most mystical and madcap of places – India ! Join actor/writer/comedian Stewart Katz as he ping-pongs between dozens of characters, leaping across the stage to bring India to life in this zany, laugh-out-loud, one-man, theatrical tour-de-force.
HOLY COW! - written, directed, produced by and starring Stewart Katz - was originally performed on Salt Spring Island , British Columbia , in May 2004. Prompted by popular demand, it was successfully remounted twice that year then was staged before an enthusiastic Toronto audience in January 2005. Based on the book of the same name, the play has received shining newspaper reviews and exuberant audience responses, offering an innovative new form of entertainment: "spiritual slapstick." Take a ride on the roller coaster of India . Don't miss this sensational West Coast comedy!
General Audience
Venue #1 - St. Vladimir's Theatre / 620 Spadina Avenue
60 Min.
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Feral Productions
Pickering, ON
presents
Howie the Rookie
by Mark O'Rowe
A white knuckle ride through the backstreets of Dublin that sketches a feud of honour regarding a scabies-infested mattress and gangland revenge over a pair of Saimese fighting fish.
Howie the Rookie ranks among contemporary theatre classics.
"It's one of those rare, shiver making instances in which language seems to become truly physical" NY Times.
General Audience
Warning: explicit language
Venue #1 - St. Vladimir's Theatre / 620 Spadina Avenue
90 Min.
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Gregarious Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
I Don't Believe in Physics
written and performed by Marissa Gregoris
Bodies in motion tend to stay in motion. Bodies at rest are just plain lazy. Physics is the thematic device used by playwright Marissa Gregoris to explore how difficult it is to get motivated while others spin around you.
A solo piece developed through improv, this Canadian Comedy Award nominated sketch artist takes a journey through time and space, questioning the force required to peel you off the couch. Deftly weaving a variety of characters and eras; visit the terror of the mall change room, the horror of inertia and the intrigue of getting your act together from beyond the grave. Actor, writer and member of Toronto based sketch troupe CAMARO, Ms. Gregoris has rightfully been called "ever-watchable" by the Toronto press. Incubated through Gregarious Productions, you are proudly invited to the debut of "I don't believe in Physics". The universe is a taco; take a bite.
Mature Audience
Warning: language
Venue #9 - Poor Alex Theatre / 296 Brunswick Avenue
55 Min.
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On the Lam Productions
Victoria , BC
presents
I Thee Wed
by Karen Lee Pickett
One century. Three weddings. Two brides in love – with each other. Twenty minutes before walking down the aisle, Nona and Grace struggle with love and marriage as experienced through the lens of three time periods – 1901, 1952 and 2004. When do the bonds of matrimony become chains?
This year they make their debut at the Toronto Fringe Festival with I Thee Wed, a story that explores society's misconceptions regarding love and relationships between women.
On the Lam's "Yardsale" won 2004's Victoria Fringe Favourite Award for Best New Play.
Cast: Lisa Hitch and Karen Lee Pickett
Mature Audience
Venue #9 - Poor Alex Theatre / 296 Brunswick Avenue
60 Min.
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Open Windows Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
In Trousers
book, lyrics and music by William Finn
directed by Paul Rivers
Faced with another sleepless night, Marvin finds himself yearning for the very things he can't have. Take a trip through Marvin's head as he says goodbye to the ladies and moves on…Buoyed on by the voices of his wife, his high school sweetheart, and his eighth grade English teacher Miss Goldberg (who always wears sunglasses), Marvin learns to grow up once and for all and starts living In Trousers.
A rare production of the first part of the classic ‘Marvin' trilogy by the Tony Award winning creator of ‘Falsettos'.
Directed by Paul Rivers, ‘In Trousers' features performances by Jennifer Buffett (‘Three Dinosaurs'), Laura Caswell (‘Bat Boy'), Daniel Krolik (‘Evil Dead 1 & 2: the Musical'), and Zoe Sweet (‘Nana').
General Audience
Warning: content
Venue #3 - Artword Theatre / 75 Portland Street
Fri, July 8 11 :15 PM 312
60 Min.
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Becky Johnson
Toronto, ON
presents
Iron Cobra Improv
by Graham Wagner, Becky Johnson and special guests
Local improv duo IRON COBRA (Graham Wagner & Becky Johnson) present eight totally different shows during the course of the 2005 Fringe…all of them improvised. Something for the family, something for the drunks, and something for the discerning Toronto culture consumer.
Special guests! Theme shows! Historical references! Fishbowls!
Here are some credentials:
Winners – 2004 World Domination TheatreSports Championships ( Atlanta , Georgia )
Nominees – 2004 Tim Sims Encouragement Fund Award
Nominee – 2004 Canadian Comedy Award (Best Female Improviser)
Invade the day!
Cast: Graham Wagner, Becky Johnson and Mystery Guests
General Audience
Warning: content, language, pseudo-intellectualism
Venue #11 - Glen Morris Theatre / 4 Glen Morris Street
60 Min.
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Big Word Performance Poetry
Edinburgh, Scotland
presents
Jem Rolls' Charm Offensive
written, directed and performed by Jem Rolls
"Dynamic, hilarious and riveting … a charismatic common man with an uncommon ability to give energetic expression to the everyday" (5 stars) 2003 & 2004 - Winnipeg Free Press.
"A one-of-a-kind experience", (4 stars&1/2) - Toronto Eye.
(5 stars) - CBC.
"So energetic you worry his teeth might explode" - Terminal City , Vancouver .
"Smart and stupid, beautiful and crude, funny and sad" - Jem Rolls.
"McDougall [Luath Press] attributes the recent increase in performance poetry [In Scotland], ironically enough, to the arrival in Edinburgh of a certain Englishman. It's almost two years since Jem Rolls moved to the capital and founded Big Word, an American-style poetry slam. [Big Word] kick-started an interest in poetry not seen since the days of Hugh MacDiarmid and Dylan Thomas." Scotland on Sunday 2003.
Big Word Performance Poetry began as a weekly poetry cabaret in North London and ran from 94-99. From 96 it has run the most successful [usually the only] Poetry Cabaret on the Edinburgh Fringe. Now run by Jem Rolls and young poet Jenny Lindsay, Big Word runs high-energy cabarets and slams in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Jem Rolls has toured Canada since 2000 and for the past two years his critical acclaimed Canadian tour has been the most successful foreign tour by any performance poet in the English speaking world.
Mature Audience
Warning: language
Venue #12 - Poor Alex Cabaret / 296 Brunswick Avenue (2nd Floor)
60 Min.
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Epicworlds.com - Jonno Katz
Melbourne, Australia
presents
Jolly Roger
written and performed by Jonno Katz
directed by Richard Vette
A puppet show about the life of Roger.
Physically devised theatrical comedic story telling.
From the performer that gave you last year's CACTUS – the seduction…
2003 Winner Ottawa Fringe's "Best of the Fest" award
2004 Winner Toronto Fringe's "Patron's Pick" award
2004 Winner Vancouver Fringe's "Pick of the Fringe" award
Eye Weekly, Toronto (4 and a half stars)
Ottawa Citizen (4 stars)
Edmonton Journal (4 stars)
Times Colonist, Victoria (4 and a half stars)
"It deserves more exclamation marks than the paper will allow…if you can't get tickets, it is imperative that you either steal them or sneak in." - Terminal City , Vancouver, 0 PINTS
"Katz may one day be hailed as a twisted comic genius." - Fairfax Digital, Melbourne
"One of a handful of Comedy Festival shows that truly strives to enlarge the vernacular of comedy…a carnival of boundless imagining and endlessly mutating self… you'll be mesmerised by Katz's brave offerings." - The Age, Melbourne
Mature Audience
Warning: content, language
Venue #12 - Poor Alex Cabaret / 296 Brunswick Avenue (2nd Floor)
60 Min.
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LoCo Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
Josie With The Toes
by Lisa Olafson
directed by Cyndi Mason
This TITillating clown show, starring Josie with the Toes, delves into the very nature of existence. Serenading audiences with her sexy red uke, she discovers that her pure essence may not be all that she had strummed up. Can she eat of the banana without slipping on the peel? Come play with her...
Mature Audience
Venue #3 - Artword Theatre / 75 Portland Street
55 Min.
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Dethawed
Toronto , ON
presents
K the M
by Dorothy Gebhardt and Rhonda Riche
directed by Dave Pearce
It's a tragedy when friends break up. Unless they're not your friends. And they're out to get you. In a karaoke bar. See, now it's a comedy. Remember: It's okay to laugh at other people's misery during the Fringe. Unless they're your friends. And then it's a tragedy when friends break up.
The company includes many of Canada's best-known comedic talents, including Canadian Comedy award winner Dave Pearce (Slap Happy, Monkey Toast), Dave Healey (The Chumps), Gord Oxley (Fast & Dirty, 2004 Fringe hit Overlords), Canadian Comedy Award Nominee Sean Browning (Reid Along With Browning), Dorothy Gebhardt (Shehori Brothers, Aw Geez) and Rhonda Riche (Namaste A While). Gebhardt and Riche also wrote and performed in last year's Fringe show Welcome to Dumpsville: Pop. You. Producer Kelly Aija Zemnickis is best known for the ongoing Inside the Out Of Work Actor's Studio and Girl's Night Out Shows.)
Cast: Sean Browning, Dorothy Gebhardt, Dave Healey, Gord Oxley, Rhonda Riche
General Audience
Warning: language
Venue #4 - Factory Theatre Mainspace / 125 Bathurst Street (at Adelaide )
60 Min.
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The Junes Company
Toronto, ON
presents
Kathryn – Starring As Herself, At Last
by Andrew Faiz
directed by Daniel Kash
Kathryn Albertson's first professional job as a singer was over 60 years ago. She had a great voice – large and pure. That voice made her a star in Toronto through Melody Fair in the 50s. She lived in a palace overlooking the Hollywood Hills. Her first marriage appeared in Time magazine. She was on Broadway with Ethel Mermen in the 60s. She appeared in early television shows in New York with Jack Paar and others. She met Frank Sinatra.
She saw it all and wasted most of it. And she found happiness in the 80s, living in a small apartment in Toronto , finally clean and sober.
Kathryn is funny and wise; an old ham, of course, and absolutely hypnotizing. And she is coming home at last with a remarkable tale of eight decades on and off stage.
Cast: Kathryn Albertson
General Audience
Venue #7 - Tarragon Theatre Extra Space / 30 Bridgman Avenue
60 Min.
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Backburner Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
KD and the Bomb
by The Backburner Production Co.
directed by Tanya Smith
Directions
Stir pasta into 6 cups boiling, salted water.
Boil rapidly, stirring occasionally, 8-9 min. or to desired tenderness. Drain. Boom! We're f#*ked.
From the dangerous studios of York U's Creative Ensemble program and 4 young A.D.D generation artists comes a compelling, quirky, confused and perplexing piece of raw theatre.
Cast: Guy Doucette, Eric Hopkins, Kristina Schartmann, Gabe Shpilt
General Audience
Warning: language
Venue #7 - Tarragon Theatre Extra Space / 30 Bridgman Avenue
60 Min.
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Clutz Productions
Vancouver, BC
presents
Knee Deep in Muck
written and performed by Cara Yeates
Tree planting...it's not about the trees?
Knee Deep in Muck is a hilarious and insightful look into the social phenomena of tree planting culture. Infusing elements of comedy, theatre and multimedia, this one woman show gets you knee deep in muck - without the mud!
Clutz Productions is committed to telling the stories of today while creating the theatre of tomorrow.
"Cara Yeates plays the Zen experience of tree planting for laughs" - Vue Magazine
"A tight confident, enjoyable one woman show" - Edmonton Journal
"Who knew tree planting could be entertaining, but it is!" - Global T.V
Mature Audience
Warning: language
Venue #5 - Factory Studio Theatre / 125 Bathurst Street (at Adelaide )
60 Min.
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Dark Deeds Theatre
Toronto, ON
presents
Lavicious
written and directed by Laura Roald
No one cares – or betrays – like family. Three sisters: Jen feeding secret obsessions, Sarah scheming to advance her career, and Miki fighting her demons to perform Shakespeare. Each sister battles tangled binds of love and deceit in this compelling new work. Part dark comedy, part tragedy, part Titus Andronicus, LaVicious is an unflinching look at our ancient desire for revenge.
LaVicious is a new play written and directed by Edmonton Fringe veteran Laura Roald and developed by the Dark Deeds company.
LaVicious is the premiere presentation by Dark Deeds Theatre, a new hoc theatre company dedicated to creating passionate and engaging theatre through the production of new work, the creative evaluation of established plays and the celebration of writers from across Canada . Based in Toronto , we are looking to make a home for the fun, dark, scary, frivolous, satirical, sublime and possibly seditious.
Cast: Jane Miller, Laura Wilson, Melanie Windle, Production Design and Stage Management by Mariana Salazar
Mature Audience
Warning: strong language, violence, shakespeare
Venue #6 - Tarragon Theatre Mainspace / 30 Bridgman Avenue
60 Min.
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Calipix Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
Les Mers Rouges (The Red Seas )
by Liliane Atlan
directed by Kalli Paakspuu
Directed by Genie winning Kalli Paakspuu, this postmodern epic based on real persons, testimonies and documents from France's Liliane Atlan's own family history features Sephardic love songs in a portrayal of Jewish resistance from the Spanish inquisition to the Holocaust.
Featuring Shel Goldstein, Michele Tredger, Philip Cairns , Lorne Hiro and
Genevieve Trilling.
An English World Premiere and a Canadian Premiere.
General Audience
Venue #3 - Artword Theatre / 75 Portland Street
90 Min.
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Tethersend Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
Looking Backward To Now
written and performed by D.McLauchlan
Our world is in a sorry state. Eugene Debs, Labour Leader and Socialist Presidential candidate, has returned after a century to check it out. Gene will be talking about his life and times as they relate to ours. His wit and wisdom will leave you with hope for our future. Come early or stay late as the venue is licensed.
General Audience
Venue #16 - Steelworkers Hall / 25 Cecil St.
75 Min.
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Brockspeare Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
Lust's Labour's Lost
book, music and lyrics by Brock Simpson (based on William Shakespeare's Love Labour's Lost)
directed by Kelly McIntosh
Manager/guru Rex Godfrey sequesters his ailing rock band "Pretty Pretty" at a cottage for three weeks in order to write their new album. Singer-songwriter Rowan, and band mates Luc and Dom swear off sex, drugs, and booze for the duration. " Eden 's Eve" - a grunge band with a grudge - arrives full of estrogen-fueled angst and Elizabethan complications. Lead singer Princess, fresh out of rehab, wants the opening slot on their European tour - and will use guile and wile to get it. Bass player Emily is Rowan's old flame, and he steals into the night to do some rekindling.
There is much moonlight and midsummer madness: lust and love lock horns; guitar-driven show tunes wail in the moonlit grove; a music industry lawyer is tormented. Will the two bands coalesce into four cooing rock couples? Or will Love's Labour's be lost in a sea of lust, liquor, and lies?
Cast: Shannon Barnett, Marc Hickox, Bruce Hunter, Alex Karzis, Rosa LaBorde, Andrew Pifko, Melissa Jane Shaw, Shelley Simester, Cheryl Steele, Krista Sutton, Erika Werry
General Audience
Warning: profanity, archaic pronouns, exposed navels
Venue #6 - Tarragon Theatre Mainspace / 30 Bridgman Avenue
90 Min.
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burnin red
Toronto , ON
presents
Mad 5
by Laura Thorne
directed by Angela Besharah
burnin' red sparked when Laura and Angela created their first production, Willow Sky. Little Flame (their children's division) then brought The Churkendoose to Kidsvenue Fringe box-office success. Well, hold on tight - the girls are back. They welcome you to Mad 5.
Caught in a cycle of murder and hauntings, Booze-hound Belly and Sex-god Decker are looking for new roommates. Pregger-pod Max is convinced she's condemned her unborn babe to toxic life on this doomed planet. In walk the twins—Vivian and Jacob—they've scored a sweet deal. Low rent. Spacious living. Three creepy housemates? No biggy. That's life in the city. Anxieties rise. Nightmares writhe.
Secrets and lies. Exposure. Disclosure. Who ordered Falafels? Sucked into madness. Sucked into madness. The way to the rainbow is through the dark storm. Will anyone make it to the other side in time? Every story has two sides.
Cast: Jacob, Vivian, Belly, Max, Decker & Falafel Girl
Mature Audience
Warning: language, sexual content
Venue #1 - St. Vladimir's Theatre / 620 Spadina Avenue
90 Min.
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Stepford Theatre
Toronto, ON
presents
Man-O-Rexic
written and directed by Caroline Azar
Come witness Anthropomorphic Theatre.
We'll remind you of the beast you are…
man-o'rexic pith-ologizes monkey-love, sex and PAIN.
See Queen Kong escape the Metro Toronto Zoo to pursue the Man she wants. A female under the influence of a drug called LOVE. A blind bliss that comes with a price.
Based on true events. A love triangle that involves Sterling , Piper, Ursula…oh, there's Dick, Gwen and Beachboy too. Correction: Love HEXAGON, not triangle. A spirited journey that explores the Hamilton Escarpment, the meaning of "Shemp" and so much more. Laugh, Love, Cry and peel a banana.
WARNING: Original Punk Pop and Explicit language
Cast: Suzanne Bennett, Ella Chan, Susie Dias, Josh Holliday, Marc Ouimet and Glen Sheppard.
General Audience
Warning: language
Venue #3 - Artword Theatre / 75 Portland Street
60 Min.
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poison pixie productions
Staten Island , NY
presents
Maudlin Dementia Returns to the Stage
by Chris Caswell
directed by Courtney Cunningham
"MAUDLIN DEMENTIA Returns to the Stage" is a screwball comedy inspired partially by Nahum Tate's version of "King Lear" – virtually the only version of "King Lear" performed from 1680 to 1850 – in which both Lear and Cordelia live.
However, "MAUDLIN DEMENTIA" is not an adaptation of "King Lear". Rather, it is a new play about a crazed imposter who assumes the identity of the famous actress Maudlin Dementia, as Maudlin has quit acting and spends her time watching wedding videos in an attempt to ignore the world's tragic side.
Chris Caswell founded Poison Pixie Productions to produce her play "Circus Reject Peep Show" which toured the US and Canada in 2000 and 2001 to much critical acclaim, and the collaborative "Red Hot Cabaret" which premiered at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival in 2001. In July of 2004, she successfully produced her third play "Escape" at the Thunder Bay Fringe Festival.
(4 stars) - See Magazine
"REALLY FUNNY!" – Village Voice
"A CONFIDENTLY COMPOSED GEM!" - Orlando Weekly
(reviews of previous productions)
General Audience
Warning: language
Venue #1 - St. Vladimir's Theatre / 620 Spadina Avenue
60 Min.
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Dropping Down The Ladder Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
Miracles of Make-Do
by Rena Polley
directed by Dragana Varagic
A woman hides in her kitchen trying to avoid the minister who is knocking at her door. Since the death of her eldest son, she has had no time for God or forgiveness. Set during World War 11, MIRACLES OF MAKE-DO is a bitter-sweet play about courage, faith and learning to make do.
Cast: Rena Polley, Riley Gilchrist
General Audience
Venue #9 - Poor Alex Theatre / 296 Brunswick Avenue
45 Min.
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Hungry Jock Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
Moments
by Ryan Simons
This is the love story of Steve and Lori and what they meant to each other.
Moments is the first play that Hungry Jock Productions has produced. Hungry Jock Productions has been eagerly awaiting a spot in the Fringe Festival for some time now. Moments explores the purity of all that is good in our life through the love shared by Lori and Steve.
General Audience
Warning: mild language
Venue #1 - St. Vladimir's Theatre / 620 Spadina Avenue
50 Min.
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Irene Carl
Toronto, ON
presents
Moving at the Speed of Life
by Kristen Valerio
It's a bird… it's a plane… it's the everyday superwoman, driven by high-priced coffee, low-end relationships and full-speed lives. Irene Carl performs in Kris Valerio's one-woman play, featuring multiple characters living on or slightly over the edge, dealing with self independence, cell-phone dependence, raising Ritalin rugrats, and their addictions to Venti Mochachinos.
Moving at The Speed of Life originally opened to enthusiastic audiences in New York City at the Manhattan Theatre Source in 2001.
Set in a Starbucks, Speed of Life plays out through quick cuts between short serio-comic monologues and "woman on the street"-style interviews with real people living at full speed. Performed in the air-conditioned Free Times Café. Have a snack and a beverage while watching someone else rush through life for a change.
"A hilarious performance!" John Rowell, Show Business Weekly
Cast: Irene Carl
General Audience
Venue #20 - The Free Times Cafe / 320 College St.
60 Min.
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UrbanImage Theatre
Toronto, ON
presents
Mutt Unleashed
by The Company
Mutt Unleashed is a hilarious and innovative sketch comedy review starring Mutt, Toronto 's most unique performance troupe. Comprised of actor / improvisers who run the gamut of racial, physical and social diversity, Mutt adheres to the belief that comedy can be done by people of all shapes, colours, and sizes; not just white dudes without disabilities.
Mutt Unleashed explores social "isms" and taboos in a fun, politically incorrect, and sometimes socially unacceptable kind of way. Created through improvisation and sketch writing, the show provides a rare chance to see the rich mosaic of Toronto 's culture reflected on one stage.
Preach Sermon? Nah. Social satire? Yep. Political commentary? Check. Inane? Occasionally. Entertaining? Hell yeah!
Cast: Max Boeteng, Kat Germina, Allan Redford, and more.
General Audience
Warning: language
Venue #9 - Poor Alex Theatre / 296 Brunswick Avenue
90 Min.
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Daywalker Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
Nicimis (Little Brother)
by Dawn Dumont
directed by Kathryn Winning
Welcome to the Okanese Reserve—where the beer and the jokes flow freely. Brainy law student Angie Laronde has a passion for giving advice but little patience for receiving it. When she returns home to the reserve for her brother Keegic's grad party, and finds out that he is dating a 20 year old mother of two, Angie has only two words: AS IF!
Never one to shirk from a challenge, Angie rolls up her sleeves and gets to work – fixing her little brother's life before he can screw it up any further.
But does big sister always know best?
Featuring: Greg Odjig, Dawn Dumont and Nadine Jackson
General Audience
Warning: language, content
Venue #4 - Factory Theatre Mainspace / 125 Bathurst Street (at Adelaide )
60 Min.
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Another Day @ The Office Theatre Co.
Toronto, ON
presents
On the Money
by Kos Kostmayer
directed by Benjamin Tabah
Jack is an out-of-work actor bartending to support his family. Nancy is a single mom waiting tables in a rough neighbourhood. Benny has a scheme to rid them all of debt collectors and shady, demanding customers. With bills to pay and mouths to feed, the staff make a dangerous pact: they'll hire local thug Johnny B. to rob their employer.
The Canadian premiere of Kos Kostmayer's award-winning play, On the Money, features a star-studded cast of nine professional actors from across Canada . Martin Doyle, Michael Miranda, and Duane Murray are seasoned film/television actors, having appeared in West Wing, La Femme Nikita, Johnny Mnemonic, and An American in Canada . Miranda Edwards and Ordena Stephens-Thompson recently gave exceptional performances in the highly acclaimed Da Kink in My Hair. Conor Green has been twice-nominated for Nova Scotia 's Merritt Award for Best Actor.
Cast: Colin Doyle, Martin Doyle, Miranda Edwards, Gordon Gammie, Conor Green, Ryan Giesen, Michael Miranda, Duane Murray, and the wonderful Ordena Stephens-Thompson
Mature Audience
Warning: language, gunshots
Venue #10 - Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse / 79A St. George Street
90 Min.
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Last Chance Gas Productions
Chatham, ON
presents
Ordinary Woman
written and directed by Tom Coatsworth
Meet Pollyanna Or'White – Superhero in a world of Superheroes. This Champion of the Cosmos transforms her world by becoming ORDINARY.
"She hits me at the most inopportune moments. I'm flying through our world, an average day. The meteor showers have ended and the first of our triple sunrises set fire the dawn sky. I feel at home flying up the avenues, a cool breeze whooshing my face. And then BAM! It hits me out of nowhere. I convulse, I shake; I spiral to surface, any surface. I find a shy corner – I'm channelling, you see. Not just spiritually but physically. Tendons stretch, bones lengthen or shrink, fat forms as I morph into something hideous and unrecognizable, something…ORDINARY."
The planet's strive for perfection has them on a path of universal domination. They are headed for one big fall and only ORDINARY WOMAN can save them.
Cast: Tara Duffy
General Audience
Venue #5 - Factory Studio Theatre / 125 Bathurst Street (at Adelaide )
45 Min.
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Yoda Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
Our Wedding Table
written and directed by Isaac Cravit
Marriage: the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce).
Formal wear. Open bar. Smalltalk. Steak or salmon. Feigned enthusiasm. Open bar. ‘Til death do us part.
He's 60. She's 23. Will it last? Did we mention he's rich? (Naturally.) Did we mention she's blonde? (Not naturally.)
You are cordially invited to eavesdrop on the wedding guests at Table 46 while they discuss the evolution of the contemporary position on matrimony as a desirable indenture…or whatever, you know, stuff like that.
Why did our parents get married when they were 20? Will marriage come back like the Trucker Hat? Or is it on its way out like the Trucker Hat?
Cast: Caitlin Mulqueen, Jeremy Mortimore, Leigh Bush, Nell Danielson, Paul Bullock, Shamus Fynes
General Audience
Warning: coarse language
Venue #1 - St. Vladimir's Theatre / 620 Spadina Avenue
60 Min.
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Sunesis Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
Oz Recalled: A Musical Comedy about a Middle-aged Dorothy
by Jesse Stewart
directed by Timothy French
choreography by Marc Kimelman
assistant directed by Elenna Mosoff
Whatever happened to Dorothy after her first turn through Oz? What became of her friends in the sometimes merry, sometime scary Land? Would a mid-life crisis, combined with being electrocuted on a ‘B' movie-set, be a good time for Dorothy to check-in with Oz? And what's a big Broadway style dance-musical, with live band, doing in the Fringe Festival anyway?
This show is one of 5 musicals Jesse Stewart has created over the past 10 years and staged through Sunesis Productions. The other shows are: Jesus and the Divas - A Rockus Musical; Love-In - The 60's Remembered ... Sort Of; The Sexy Song Contest in the World Famous Oyster Lounge; and Get an Upgrade. Jesse specializes in crafting contemporary musicals for contemporary audiences.
Oz Recalled was first staged in Kingston . "Funny, raucous, exuberant romp with clever dance numbers and catchy melodies." Kingston Whig Standard. This Fringe Production marks it's Toronto premiere
Cast of 16 featuring Sharron Matthews.
General Audience
Venue #14 - Walmer Centre Theatre in Walmer Road Church / 188 Lowther Ave. at Walmer
90 Min.
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Second City Theatricals
Albuquerque , NM
presents
Pajama Men in "Stop Not Going"
written and performed by Shenoah Allen and Mark Chavez
Pajama Men is a double act that has toured through Canada , the States and the UK under the name SABOTAGE for many years. Recently, after being picked up by Second City Chicago, Mark Chavez and Shenoah Allen (the Pajama Men) changed their troupe's name and wrote a brand new show that premiered right here in Toronto in February in a four week run at the Tim Sims Playhouse in Second City. Over the years the Pajama Men have picked up many awards including best Comedy at the Montreal fringe, and best Show in the Vancouver and Seattle Fringes.
Last August the boys picked up a Perrier Newcomer nomination at the Edinburgh Fringe, the Perrier is the most coveted award for comedy at the largest theatre festival in the world.
Stop Not Going is a fast paced, surreal comedy that weaves in and out of the lives of characters such as a woman and her alien lover, a couple of rough and rugged cowboys, two brothers named Nigel and a teenage girl and her father to name a few.
"A surreal comic odyssey" "seamless"- The National Post
Best Comedy/Show Montreal, Seattle , Edmonton and Vancouver fringes
"(5 stars)" - Irish Independent, Edinburgh Hairline, CBC, Vancouver Sun, Edmonton Sun
"They keep their audience in tears" - Seattle Weekly
"Faster paced than a music video and sharper than Monty Python" - Eye
General Audience
Warning: very little bad language
Venue #9 - Poor Alex Theatre / 296 Brunswick Avenue
60 Min.
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The Chop
Vancouver, BC
presents
Patti Fedy in...Lovers Rock!
by Emelia Symington-Fedy
directed by Anita Rochon and John Turner (Mump and Smoot)
Patti gets sexy! This is the third and most daring of the cult favorite Patti Fedy Plays. Sold out houses and hit shows across Canada . Toronto finally gets in on the action.
The Chop is a clown based theatre company born in Vancouver , Canada . We are committed to making "life loving" theatre through exploring the dark and extreme side of human nature. We are working closely with John Turner of Mump and Smoot fame. Patti Fedy has toured Western Canada to great success and is finally coming to Toronto for her last season. Patti has won the hearts of audiences all over Canada in her candid and raw take on the world.
"Edgy and Hilarious"- Georgia Straight
(5 stars)-Terminal City 2004
(5 stars)-Times Columnist 2004
Best of Fest-Winnipeg 2004
Pick of the Fringe-Vancouver 2002-2004
Mature Audience
Warning: content may offend some
Venue #11 - Glen Morris Theatre / 4 Glen Morris Street
60 Min.
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Etcetera Theatre Collective (ETC)
Edmonton , AB
presents
pause
by Etcetera Theatre Collective (ETC)
directed by Barbra French
From the creators of the 2003 absurdist Fringe hit: incoheRANT!
"pause" starts as a nameless man wakes up and discovers he is in front of an audience. Suddenly, he realizes he is a Chemist and that he has a presentation to give about a fantastic scientific discovery he has made… if only he could find his notes… and his shoes.
Thus begins a sixty minute excursion through a labyrinth of dreams, memories and the Laws of Thermodynamics. As the Chemist desperately tries to describe both his discovery and his scientific reasoning to the audience, he inexplicably falls asleep over and over again. When he sleeps, he dreams, and through these dreams his personal history of violence and adolescent trauma is revealed. At the same time, pause is peppered with breath-taking stunts, absurdist non-sequiter and antic physical comedy!
Critically acclaimed by the Edmonton Journal, SEE Magazine, and VUE weekly.
Cast: Featuring Aaron Talbot, Dramaturgy by Heather Fitzsimmons Frey, Stage Manager Tina Goralski
Mature Audience
Warning: language
60 Min.
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Salivating Dog Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
Pavlov's Brother
by Mark Ellis and Denis McGrath
directed by Liza Balkan
Before Pavlov went to the dogs, there was another: his brother. Pavlov has theories. But Nikolai's the one with the saliva. Experiments ensue. This hilarious, true(ish) story plumbs one of the 20th century's greatest scientific triumphs; the experiments that launched a thousand psych textbooks. ‘Pavlov's Brother' is a black comedy about bolshevism, anti-vivisectionists and gastric juices. From the Nobel Prize to the Russian Revolution, this is one story of sibling rivalry and obsession that will condition you to laugh on cue, and leave you drooling for more.
Based on a story in the New Yorker, from one of the writers of ‘Top Gun! The Musical', Writer/Actor Mark Ellis, and Director Liza Balkan.
Cast: Mark Ellis and Paul Fauteux
General Audience
Venue #4 - Factory Theatre Mainspace / 125 Bathurst Street (at Adelaide )
60 Min.
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La Vie En Rose Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
Piaf: Love Conquers All
by Roger Peace
A story of courage and love, Edith Piaf lived to sing. Her life and songs are interchangeable; her place in history irreplaceable.
Ms. Emmerson first presented this story at The Limelight Supper Club in 1993 to positive reviews:
"Ms. Emmerson presents one of the most moving theatrical experiences on the current scene." Bill Watts -The New's Post.
"Emmerson, with a mix of brashness and touching moments...you'll regrette rien by seeing her."
Geoff Chapman - Toronto Star.
Twelve years and many theatrical and film credits later, she once again steps into the shoes of one of the world's most recognized singers. Emmerson, born in Montreal , sings all songs in French and is joined by the very talented Donna Garner (2 Pianos 4 Hands). Never trying to imitate the great voice of Piaf, she is more interested in communicating the strength and passion behind the song. Lyrics imitate life or is the other way around for the "Little Sparrow"?
Some of Emmerson's previous credits: The Crimson Veil (Factory Theatre), Jeanne (The Saidye Bronfman Centre), Cowgirls (Victoria Playhouse, Georgian Theatre Festival), Colours In The Storm (Theatre Aquarius, Theatre Orangeville), The Music Man (Walt Disney ABC-TV).
Cast: Naomi Emmerson as Edith Piaf, Donna Garner: piano / Musical Director
Mature Audience
Warning: strong language
Venue #3 - Artword Theatre / 75 Portland Street
90 Min.
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Random Rebel Theatre Group
Toronto, ON
presents
Poor Little Rich Girl
by Jonathan Dick
directed by Jonathan Dick & Jo-Ann Davis
Meet Brittany . She's the most delightful woman in the world. Or is she?
After finding out that her fiancé was just using her for the money, Brittanysoon discovers that everyone has been deceiving her. With the help of her obsequious servants, an eccentric Oracle, and her one honest friend, Brittany embarks on a journey of self-discovery by pretending to be a regular nobody.
When a rich girl pretending to be ordinary meets an ordinary guy pretending to be rich, trouble is sure to follow.
Cast: Cari Haim, Jennifer Pogue, Corinne Marr, Geoff Stevens, Barbara Bergeron, Benny Min, Candi Zell, David Bohorquez, Tom Pawlak, Sean Kaufmann
General Audience
Warning: mild language, some suggestive scenes
90 Min.
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DASF Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
Putting on Shorts
by Derek Forgie
Putting On Shorts is a whirlwind adventure in sketch comedy. Plucked from the disturbed and mind of Derek Forgie (Goodie Bag TV), theatregoers will sample a tasty platter of shorts featuring fractured threesomes, talking dogs, angst ridden convenience store clerks, shamefully deluded aerobics instructors and one invisible man.
Derek's natural ear for dialogue and unique spin on human hang-ups spilled onto the page of his book "Putting On Shorts" released in 2004. And now, in a fashion not unlike Simon (that British kid who drew stuff and it came true), his characters will leap off the page and onto the stage.
Derek is joined by the alluring and versatile cast of Dan Abramovici, Danielle Baker, Shane Cullis, Steve McCormick and Renee Strasfeld. Not to worry, Nipsey Russell and Dustin Diamond are not in this show.
Not recommended for children or adults who are dead inside.
General Audience
Warning: language
Venue #8 - Royal St. George Theatre / 120 Howland Avenue
60 Min.
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Rapier Wit
Toronto, ON
presents
Rapier Wit's The Rude Mechanicals in The Mechanical Mystery Tour!
by The Rude Mechanical Ensemble
directed by Daniel Levinson
Join the Rude Mechanicals in their second Fringe appearance as they sword-fight, sing, and captivate with skilled physical acts of foolishness. What promises to be just another one of their hilarious world-famous swashbuckling slapstick extravaganzas is turned on its head when a young female stranger appears and demands to be made a Rude Mechanical. This stranger holds a secret so devastating…so earth-shattering… that were we just to hint at it, it would arrest your heart and make you fall back in a dead faint. Will the mystery of this strange young lady mean the end of the Rude Mechanicals? Watch with bated breath as our troupe of heroes engages in a deadly battle of wits and assorted weapons the only way they know how – by happily knocking the stuffing out of each other.
To accommodate all tastes there will be alternating family and adult presentations of our show.
Cast: Todd Campbell, Casey Hudecki, Daniel Levinson, and Kevin Robinson
General Audience
Warning: gunshots, comic violence
Venue #13 - Rapier Wit Studio / 575 Wellington St. W.
60 Min.
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synnerz 'n Saints ink
Toronto , ON
presents
Rich White Bitch
by Judith Cockman
Perception plays a cutthroat role in relationships. In skilled hands it can be used as a weapon. Why allow it?
Provocative theatre artist Judith Cockman returns to the Fringe (Ok God, Get Off The Pot; Under Our Wild Sky, We Hatched) to twist the knife into our human mosaic yet again. Entrails will seep out.
Mature Audience
Venue #7 - Tarragon Theatre Extra Space / 30 Bridgman Avenue
60 Min.
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Rumoli Bros. Studios
Toronto, ON
presents
SARSical
by The Rumoli Bros. and Waylen Miki
directed by The Rumoli Bros.
The musical about a real showstopper.
A doctor and nurse fighting on the front lines against a deadly virus! Young teenagers in love torn apart by a mass quarantine! An esteemed theatre producer struggling to sell tickets to a paranoid public! And a Mayor watching his city crumble before his very eyes! Sound familiar?
This summer, catch the fever.
SARSical is a new musical comedy that follows the 2003 Toronto SARS outbreak. Written and directed by the Rumoli Bros., SARSical deals with how a lethal illness – along with an overblown worldwide media reaction – crippled commercial theatre, local businesses, and the entire Toronto tourism industry.
With a cast that boasts several Second City alumni, SARSical is a biting yet affectionate musical tribute to the resilience of the residents of Toronto , and a testament to the health care workers who sacrificed so much during the crisis. Oh, and it's pretty freakin' funny too.
This production is a Fringe Fundraising performance. A contribution of $1.00 from each ticket sold will also be donated to the Tecla Lin and Nelia Laroza Memorial Award fund, administered by the Canadian Nurses Foundation.
Cast: Ayumi Iizuka, Sandy Jobin-Bevans, Cyrus Lane, Doug Morency, Eliza-Jane Scott, Naomi Snieckus, and Paul Bates as Mayor Mel Lastman
General Audience
Warning: language, SARS
The Fringe Club / 292 Brunswick Ave.
80 Min.
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mon amour, mon amour
Vancouver , BC
presents
Self-Storage
by Gillian Stevens-Guille and Russell Bennett
directed by Russell Bennett
From the creators of last year's Fringe Hit, THE REEFER MAN.
(5 stars) "Simply outstanding. This is solo theatre at its best." - Monday Magazine
"This performer and these writers deserve your precious time." - CBC Winnipeg
The play follows our heroine, Normal , who moves into a storage locker to find a way to back to her true self. Normal takes you through her journey of "selling the sizzle" at a steakhouse, having her heart broken by a fellow steakologist, and confronting her ideas of love in a world that crushes fantasy. Witness the intimacy of a woman and the beauty of her imagination.
Cast: Gillian Stevens-Guille
Mature Audience
Venue #2 - Robert Gill Theatre / 214 College Street, 3rd Fl.,
60 Min.
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Pencil-Neck Productions
Guelph, ON
presents
Serviced
by T. Berto
directed by Judith Thompson
It's a rundown tavern. With jaded waiters. And lots of hormones. Bouncers on steroids. Bad boys with handcuffs. Good girls with morals. And sex. And booze. And sex and sex as sport. A place where boy meets boy, waiter meets customer, and the hunter meets the hunted. It's a play that asks...
If a waiter performs for tips on the job, what does he perform for after hours?
Do years at the public's beck and call make you a slave?
Who's the server and who's getting serviced? And who's really in charge?
Come out and see. Join the wait staff; Fifi and Able and Tag-along-Terry as they take on the night yet one more time, searching for the rush, the thrill, the chase... of getting SERVICED.
A play for every actor who's ever waitered and all the waiters who act.
Cast: Ann Holloway, Isolde O'Neill, Byron Rouse, Josh Young and Justin Darminian
Mature Audience
Warning: sexual content, nudity, language
Venue #10 - Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse / 79A St. George Street
90 Min.
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Scrambled Leggs Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
Sex And Our City... Toronto !
by Erin Gamelin
directed by Patrick Conner
This romantic satirical comedy follows the lives of four hip, sassy, and original Toronto bred gals that are just trying to survive single-hood and the city. Accompany them as they find love, heartache, true friendship and themselves on this hilarious adventure called life.
An original play by Erin Gamelin with a brand new cast of young, vibrant actors. Erin Gamelin, founder, writer and performer of the all-female sketch comedy troupe Scrambled Leggs and her production company of the same name, has created many projects in various venues over the years including Second City 's Tim Sims Playhouse, The Rivoli, Toronto Fridge Festival, and 2003 Toronto Fringe Festival . Her work with the troupe has garnered a spot at the Tim Sims Encouragement Fund Showcase, a Canadian Comedy Award nomination, and acclaimed reviews from critics around the city.
Cast: Erin Gamelin, Janice Hagan, Shannon Whelan, Farah Merani, Jason Beharriell, and others
Mature Audience
Warning: content, language
Venue #4 - Factory Theatre Mainspace / 125 Bathurst Street (at Adelaide )
60 Min.
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In the Moment Productions
Toronto , ON
presents
Shadow Court
by Stephen Near
directed by Ericka Skirpan
A year after Gwyn's death, her five closest friends re-unite to play one final game of Shadow Court, a live-action role-playing game of intrigue and imagination. But when fantasy personalities collide with real-world memories and regrets, the gathering becomes a test that threatens to change their lives forever.
A new drama from the writer of the Ottawa Fringe hit Quintessence and the director of A Midsummer Night's Dream (with a Rockin' 80's Theme), Shadow Court explores the boundaries if friendship and the haunting impact of loss - both real and imaginary.
Director Ericka Skirpan is the Founder of In the Moment Productions and directed the company's productions of As You Like It in 2004 and A Midsummer Night's Dream in 2005. Playwright Stephen Near is a member of the Playwrights Guild of Canada and his other plays include Quintessence, TEOTWAWKI, and Resignation Papers.
Mature Audience
Warning: content, language, smoking
Venue #6 - Tarragon Theatre Mainspace / 30 Bridgman Avenue
60 Min.
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Upstart Crow Theatre Group
Toronto, ON
presents
Shakespeare's NHL (National History League)
by Chris Coculuzzi, Matt Toner and William Shakespeare
It has been a long dry season and what better way to celebrate than with an outdoor extravaganza dedicated to some "old time hockey."
Upstart Crow Sports Network – the network that brought you Shakespeare's Rugby Wars, World Cup, Gladiator Games, and Comic Olympics – completes the Canon by adapting the remaining History plays into Street Hockey!
Shakespeare's NHL (National History League) will journey back in time to "old time hockey" and the Original Six: Richard's Rangers, Bolingbroke's Bruins, Hotspur's Black Hawks, Glendower's Red Wings and Monmouth's Maple Leafs to see who can defeat the formidable French Habs and take home Lord Stanley's impressive cup.
For their last show UCSN is pulling out all the stops and all the roller blades in a Fringe show not to missed.
General Audience
Venue #15 - Central Tech Parking Lot (corner of Borden and Harbord) /
75 Min.
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Infinitive Ink
Toronto, ON
presents
Sir Richard Wadd, Pornographer
written and directed by Shawn Postoff
Sir Richard Wadd is a fun-loving, law-abiding, genre-defying showman; an intelligent, proud and unapologetic producer of home-made gay porn with a decidedly literary flair. Assisted by Tristan and Troy , his two dashing and loyal performers, Sir Richard takes his voyeuristic web-cam audience on a wide-ranging romp through the anals [sic] of modern-day cyber-erotica.
But when Kevin, a 14 year-old runaway, shows up on his doorstep looking for work (not to mention validation, compassion, and love), Sir Richard's humanity is suddenly put to the test: the law makes it extremely dangerous for the pornographer to have underage kids anywhere near him, yet Richard's genuine sense of decency longs to offer Kevin a much-needed helping hand.
Mature Audience
Warning: explicit content, language, sexual themes
Venue #8 - Royal St. George Theatre / 120 Howland Avenue
60 Min.
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Unckey Darryl's House of Sketchola
Toronto , ON
presents
Sketchola! The Musical
(warning: may not be a musical)
written and performed by Sarah Buski, Jan Caruana, Darryl Dinn, Rica Eckersley, Greg Komorowski and Lee Pitts
directed by Marcel St.Pierre
Sketchola! The Musical (warning: may not be a musical), but it is a metaphorical symphony of hilarity. Come journey with us as we explore themes of love, loss, and the true meaning of awkwardness.
It all started with six people who found each other pretty funny. In a thinly-veiled ploy to get into each others' pants, they formed Unckey Darryl's House of Sketchola.
Early on, NOW Magazine referred to them as "easily one of the best new sketch troupes around", a phrase that will appear on their promotional material until the day they disband.
Now they are happy to present Sketchola! The Musical (warning: may not be a musical).
Mature Audience
Venue #2 - Robert Gill Theatre / 214 College Street, 3rd Fl., ( St. George St. Entrance)
55 Min.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
theatre serendipity
Winnipeg , MB
presents
Smile while you Die!
written and performed by Rachelle Fordyce
Feeling unmotivated? Not having fun at work? Don't let frustrating customers get you down. If they're being difficult, it's because you aren't being happy and cheerful! The solution?
"S.M.I.L.E. while you D.I.E."!
Meet Eve Rae Mann - Become part of her day in a call centre as she answers calls for Broadband Service and Support (BS&S). We meet her supervisor, her production manager, and an array of irate customers that proceed to suck her very soul.
Awake. Work. Consume. TV. Sleep… Dream? Repeat. The monotony of routine and the relentless dehumanization of the profit seeking corporate world bring her to the brink of despair. Is there any hope for Eve Rae Mann? For… Every Man?
"Rachelle Fordyce is a talented actress. She makes people laugh." - CBC
"Beyond the comedy, Fordyce offers subtle and sobering commentary on social issues. (4 stars)" - Winnipeg Free Press
www.livejournal.com/~serendipity_wpg
Mature Audience
Venue #10 - Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse / 79A St. George Street
60 Min.
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Art in a Cup
Toronto, ON
presents
Soap Opera
by Ralph Pape
directed by Bernadette Jones
Lucy loves Johnny.
Johnny loves Lucy.
By the time Sharon shows up, things have become infinitely more complicated.
At turns startling, comic and terrifying, a secretary, a mechanic and an artist explore the strange details of their romantic triangle through interweaving monologues. Whether taken as a dream-like commentary on modern relationships, a frightening allegory of sexual confusion or a soap opera, the play examines the humanity and humour behind the archetypes and themes of a daytime drama (the love triangle, fluid sexuality, the brooding young man) in a script that is lyrical, witty and entertaining.
"[Ralph Pape] is in sure command of himself, leading theatergoers deeper into his playwright's snare. . ." - The New York Times
Featuring: Carolyn Goff (The Ride), Teza Lwin (Relic Hunter) and Siu Ta (This is Wonderland, Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle )
Mature Audience
Warning: explicit language, implied adult situations, imaginary nudity
Venue #9 - Poor Alex Theatre / 296 Brunswick Avenue
60 Min.
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Day Six Productions
Toronto , ON
presents
Stir-Fry
written and directed by Peter Bloch-Hansen
As relationships grow, they evolve unique games, comfortable habits, accommodations and compromises, fatal pitfalls. Sometimes they disintegrate slowly, sometimes come crashing down suddenly. One evening to their great surprise, as they prepare a rushed stir-fry dinner for two friends, Paul and Letti Prose discover that they can't live together, nor even talk any more. Their words cut and slice each other. Yet both are deeply skilled with words: Paul is a successful Shakespearean actor, Letti a world-class Shakespeare scholar. Can their separate professional lives offer any help for their personal live together? Can they summon from the dusty past language bright enough to lead them back to each other?
Stir-Fry grew from a deep love of language, of Shakespeare, and the troubling question of the relevancy of classical art to modern living. It owes a long debt to Chris Coculuzzi's comic sports adaptations of the bard in past Toronto shows.
Cast: Jack Berke and Durelle Harford-McAllister
General Audience
Venue #1 - St. Vladimir's Theatre / 620 Spadina Avenue
60 Min.
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The Sketchersons
Toronto , ON
presents
Sunday Night Live
by the cast
Described as "the hardest working troupe in Toronto " (Glenn Sumi, Now Magazine) and as "our city's answer to saturday night live" (Sherri Wood, Toronto Sun) The Sketchersons continue the successful run of the hit show they write new each week, Sunday Night Live!
Hosts for Fringe are:
July 3rd 9pm , Fringe Preview with T.J DAWE
July 10th 10:30pm with SEAN CULLEN
July 17th 10:30pm with COLIN MOCHRIE
Mature Audience
Warning: content, language
Venue #9 - Poor Alex Theatre / 296 Brunswick Avenue
75 Min.
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Fly On The Wall
Toronto, ON
presents
Sunday School Drop Out
written and performed by Lois Tucker
directed by Victor Correia
It's only a few short weeks until the Bishop declares her "sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit". Yet Mary - an accordion-playing, goody-goody, Newfie girl - is nowhere near ready to be sealed. Not by a long shot. In weekly Sunday School class, her mind imagines just how far in life a "bad girl" can get, and how much fun she can have getting there. Then the lines really begin to blur between good and evil, redemption and reality and catechism and comedy.
Mary's prescribed journey to adulthood may not be as rosy as the Bible Stories of her childhood would have her believe - and perhaps there's more to this confessional commitment than simply not eating fish on Fridays. Her imaginary adventures are her hilarious, personal journey of transubstantiation.
Warning: Some adult language
General Audience
Warning: language
Venue #5 - Factory Studio Theatre / 125 Bathurst Street (at Adelaide )
55 Min.
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Screwed & Clued
Somerset , England
presents
Tales From Another England
by Screwed & Clued
Screwed & Clued (Critics Choice - NOW Magazine 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) are back with a tour of their own backyard…telling tales from the seedy underbelly of the green and pleasant land.
There will always be an England , but what sort of England ? Tales From Another England is a wild ride through a nation within a nation - the people outside the Britannic mainstream, the rising stars and the casualties of a new culture - outlaws, insurgents, natives and newcomers - their voices capture a world cut loose from tradition and all certainties.
"The edgiest, most sharply executed physical theatre" - Edmonton Journal
"It's dark, it's funny, and it's brilliantly odd." - National Post
"A must see" - CBC
"Expert minimalist comics" - Eye Magazine
Screwed & Clued, critically acclaimed fringe regulars are back for their 5th year in a row with another original work mixing social commentary and pure theatricality with a little bit of sweat.
Cast: Justin Sage-Passant
Mature Audience
Warnings: content, language
Venue #5 - Factory Studio Theatre / 125 Bathurst Street (at Adelaide )
60 Min.
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MacKenzieRo Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
Talking Heads
by Alan Bennett
directed by Autumn Smith
In these multi-award-winning satirical masterpieces, British playwright Alan Bennett offers access to the innermost thoughts of three individuals who frequently reveal more about themselves than intended. Audiences are sure be moved by the combination of razor-sharp wit and deeply felt humanity.
MacKenzieRo's production of this acclaimed Alan Bennett classic marks the Toronto Premiere of TALKING HEADS. Autumn Smith (THE WEIR, Critic's Pick, Fringe 2004) directs a full-equity cast featuring , Martha Cronyn (VIRGINIA Fringe 2004), Christian Lloyd (2005 Rhubarb! Highlight), and THE WEIR's Cathy Murphy.
Critics called MacKenzieRo's 2004 Fringe production of THE WEIR "splendid" (Now Magazine), "earthy and human" (EYE), and "the most incredible play ever seen at any Fringe Festival" (J. Kelly Nestruck's "On-line Fringe Review").
We hope that you will join us at Rowers once again for a pint and a play.
Cast: Martha Cronyn, Christian Lloyd, Cathy Murphy
General Audience
Venue #17 - Rowers Pub / 150 Harbord Street
90 Min.
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Carey St. Theatre
Toronto, ON
presents
Thank You.
by Tanya Smith
Inspired in part by the powerful story of Oseola McCarty; an elderly African American woman who graciously donated all of her savings to a University scholarship, this influential account surveys the pervasive nature of appreciation, the ubiquitous confines of the word and the limitless complexion of the human heart. Bent on properly thanking her benefactor young Alena Stevenson arrives at a little senior's care facility in Southern Mississippi to discover that the person she seeks is not who she expected and that significant lessons can be learned anywhere.
Carey St. Theatre is a tenacious new company dedicated to the development of works that provide opportunities to marginalized artists and demographics that have been under represented in the theatre community.
General Audience
Venue #7 - Tarragon Theatre Extra Space / 30 Bridgman Avenue
60 Min.
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Racket Rock
Toronto , ON
presents
The Band - A (True) Rock 'N' Roll Story
written and performed by Jordan Stewart
It's the 1980's: Tommy closes his eyes and steps into the abyss, armed only with a guitar and a dream that will not die.
Ever since Tommy could remember, he wanted to be a rock star. With images of Kiss on his television and visions of sold out arenas in his eyes, he dared to dream.
One day Tommy gets his chance. A tour to New York City . One chance to make all of his dreams come true. Come along for the ride as Tommy leaves his home in Bowling Green Kentucky and embarks on the adventure of a lifetime. He closes his eyes and steps into the abyss armed only with a guitar and a dream that will not die.
Based on the book "Cheese Chronicals: The True Story of a Rock N Roll Band You've Never Heard Of", THE BAND is a funny and touching trip through the topsy turvy world of rock and roll. So pack some clean underwear, get in the van and hang on tight!
http://theband-theplay.tripod.com
General Audience
Venue #5 - Factory Studio Theatre / 125 Bathurst Street (at Adelaide )
55 Min.
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Wolf Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
THE BIBLE: The Complete Word of God (abridged)
by Adam Long, Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor
additional material by Mathew Croke
directed by Elan Farbiarz
A humorous interpretation of the greatest story ever accepted as fact.
The critically acclaimed play takes you through a tour of the Bible, from beginning to end.
Critics' Choice and Viewers' Choice at the International Thespian Florida State Festival
"Superior, Best-in-State!" – ITS Critical Review
The Greatest Story just got Better!
THE BIBLE: The Complete Word of God (abridged) takes you through the good book from beginning to end. While tackling both books, old and new, this hilarious trio race through the greatest story at neck breaking speed. From Adam and Eve to the resurrection of Christ, you will burst out with laughter while watching this critically acclaimed show.
Whether you are a Catholic or Atheist, Muslim or Jew, Zoroastrian or Druid, you will love this slick and unpredictable parody on old religion.
Cast: Tim Bolen, Elan Farbiarz, Dave Lapsley
Mature Audience
Venue #6 - Tarragon Theatre Mainspace / 30 Bridgman Avenue
60 Min.
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God is in the Dairy
Toronto , ON
presents
The Book of Liz
by Amy Sedaris and David Sedaris
directed by Victor Correia
Come to Clusterhaven! Where the beards are full and the balls are cheesy. Created by siblings Amy "Strangers with Candy" and David "Me Talk Pretty One Day" Sedaris, it's a hilarious romp that pokes fun at….hilarious romps. Canadian Premiere.
"…a delightfully off-key, off-colour hymn to clichés we all live by, whether we know it or not" – The New York Times
"…acidic laughs…linguistic delight…."- Variety
Cast: Amanda Barker, Steven Gallagher, Daniel Krolik, and Lois Tucker
General Audience
Venue #5 - Factory Studio Theatre / 125 Bathurst Street (at Adelaide )
90 Min.
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Integrity Entertainment
Toronto, ON
presents
The Butterfly Kiss
by Robyn Burnett
directed by Debbie Barton-Moore
Windy is a Picasso painting hidden away in the dark. Sam is still a work-in-progress. Anxious to plan his own funeral, he enters into Windy's colourful and surreal universe. As this bittersweet story unfolds, Sam is pulled into the world of the living and Windy discovers her involvement in life has been little more than a butterfly kiss.
Sam Wilton has one goal in mind: planning the perfect funeral down to the smallest detail. When he walks into Patterson's Funeral Home one night, he's met with a snag in the form of a bizarre, socially challenged mortician named Windy. As the two of them attempt to work together, they begin to shift their perspectives on life. This is the bittersweet tale of two lost souls learning to dance together on the edge of death.
Robyn Burnett, Debbie Barton Moore, Jamie Burnett, Margot Massie, Wayne Sujo and The Butterfly Kiss have one thing in common: Northern Secondary School. After Northern, Robyn graduated from UBC's creative writing program, Jamie from National Theatre School , Margot from the American Academy of Dramatic Art and Wayne from the University of Windsor 's musical theatre program. They have teamed up with Debbie, their teacher and mentor, to revisit this project dear to their hearts.
Cast: Jamie Burnett, Margot Massie Produced by: Wayne Sujo
General Audience
Venue #2 - Robert Gill Theatre / 214 College Street, 3rd Fl., ( St. George St. Entrance)
60 Min.
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Brian Stavechny
Nimes , France
presents
The Comedian
written, directed and performed by Brian Stavechny
Transforming himself from his first appearance on stage and using all the means possible to portray, with tenderness, humour and even blatancy, his contemporaries, "THE COMEDIAN" observes himself in the mirror of his dressing room and the parody of his states of soul quickly become our own... precise in action with every detail weighed and measured in importance, comical in gesture and attitude, corporal and vocal suggestion giving birth to an invisible yet familiar world: with a virtuosity in rhythm underling the whole length of the show, carrying with it a series of accidents turned into a "making-fun-of" but never violently and by the means of poetry, generosity and laughter...
"Brian Stavechny is certainly a (comedian) to look for again and again..." - Midi Libre FRANCE
General Audience
Venue #1 - St. Vladimir's Theatre / 620 Spadina Avenue
60 Min.
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Manitoba Avenue
Toronto, ON
presents
The Comment Card
by Tricia Cooper
A revealing comedy with a sprinkle of hate. Written and performed by Tricia Cooper from last year's Fringe hit The Year of the Panda, one of Now Magazine's Top Ten Comedy shows of 2004.
"Ferociously Funny" - Winnipeg Sun
"Cooper gets laughs for turning toilet humour into a refined and subtle art" - EYE WEEKLY
"Gifted and Giving Performer" - Monday Magazine
(5 stars) "You will roar with laughter" - CBC
Must be 19 years of age or older
Venue #22 - James Joyce Pub / 386 Bloor St. West
60 Min.
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Donikers Daily
Toronto, ON
presents
The Demimonde
written and directed by Jenny Young
A story of five women, a barkeep and a dance hall, of a trade they didn't bargain for and riches that lay in the beds of the Klondike. It's 1898 and Dawson is the largest city north of Seattle and west of Winnipeg and, whether a gal found it in the beds of Bonaza Creeek or between the sheets of Paradise Alley, every man was a stake to be claimed.
This tragic and extravagant tale features the seldom used music and dance of the 1890's and takes place in one of the most bizarre and exciting times of Canadian history.
Staged in the Piano Bar at Paupers Pub, "The Demimonde" is produced by the company who brought you the critically acclaimed Fringe hit "INANNA".
Cast: Claire Calnan, Aviva Armour-Ostroff, Juno Ruddell, Pasha McKenley, Sara Gilchrist, Gray Powell and Konrad Pluta
Must be 19 years of age or older
Warning: gunshots
Venue #18 - Paupers Pub Piano Bar / 539 Bloor St. West
90 Min.
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Paul Pine Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
The Dessert Club
by Dina Pino and Riva DiPaola
directed by Zenon Skrzypczyk (Artistic Director - Solar Stage)
Ingredients: Brave Biscotti (serves audience)
Combine 4 Passionate Italian-Canadian actresses, 2 tablespoons Independence , 1 Mixed Identity, a dash of Pakistani, Add heaping tablespoon of camaraderie.
Mix fearlessly- DO NOT ADD HEAT OR ALLOW TO BOIL OVER.
While stirring the pot, insert guilt-inducing fresh off the boat parents, 1 budget-boyfriend, and 1 big career choice.
Add lots and lots of chocolate.
The story follows four first generation Italian-Canadian actresses as they fearlessly struggle in their search for independence and identity: Jenny (a "White Trash Italian" on a post-Broadway high), Lara (a bold and brave rebel with guilt-inducing parents), Suzzettalina (a sweet and vain tough girl, who tells it like it is) and Estella (a proud East-Indian Italian-Canadian, "Brown-Gina", ready for Bollywood).
Starring Dina Pino ( Second City Alumnae), Riva Di Paola (Crimes of Fashion).
P.S. Leave room for Dessert!!
Cast: Riva Di Paola (Crimes of Fashions), Dina Pino ( Second City Alumnae), Sarah Cornell (The Producers), Cynthia Verona, Kaumil Manzoor, Sandra Battaglini
http://ca.geocities.com/thedessertclub@rogers.com
General Audience
Venue #6 - Tarragon Theatre Mainspace / 30 Bridgman Avenue
60 Min.
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The Polecats
Toronto, ON
presents
The Detective Flint Trilogy
by Andy Hull, Glenn Macaulay & Scott Yamamura
directed by Andy Hull & Scott Yamamura
The epic Detective Flint Trilogy is the latest brainchild of the Polecats, [The Big Fight, Billy and the Monsters] the story follows our hero (Flint) as he pursues his arch nemesis, the incomparable crime lord of the underworld, Richman Blackfield through 3 episodes in one hilarious show: "Sticky Business", "A Mine is a Terrible Thing to Waste" and "No News is Good News".
Ever see that movie The Maltese Falcon? We haven't, that's why our claim that this play is in the style of Film Noir is laughable at best. Despite this, the Detective Flint Trilogy contains dialogue to twist your ear, characters to twist your heart and costumes that are fairly standard. Detective Flint is this season's bluesy laugh-romp poised to set the Toronto Fringe Festival ablaze with the flames of hilarity and intrigue
Cast: Scott Yamamura, Neil Kearns, Andy Hull, Erin Crouse, Glenn Macaulay, Jon Mccurley, Brendan Halloran, Matt Farris
General Audience
Warnings: gunshots, smoking, lightning
Venue #8 - Royal St. George Theatre / 120 Howland Avenue
60 Min.
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The Sweat Company
Toronto, ON
presents
The Dispute
Marivaux
directed by Kate Lynch
A cruel and erotic comedy from Toronto 's freshest theatre company. The Sweat Company performs a bold reworking of Marivaux's cautionary tale of seduction, THE DISPUTE:
What if four children had been raised in complete isolation - kept from each other and the world?
What if tonight, twenty years later, they were permitted into the Garden?
How would bodies and minds negotiate the first glimpse, the first kiss, the first lie?
What if you got to watch?
Originally written in 1744 for a company of commedia dell'arte actors who spoke little French, the play's verbal wit was enhanced by complex physical gesture. It was derided as artificial and precious, and later critiqued as profoundly disturbing. But its sleek dissection of attraction and betrayal and its cruel humour make it startlingly modern.
Under the direction of Kate Lynch, The Sweat Company presents an erotically-charged physical comedy that is both a dark masterpiece and an elegant truffle.
Cast: Tim Campbell, Camille James, Peter Mooney, Brendan Murray, Geoffrey Pounsett, Robin Schisler, Carly Street
Designer: James Cameron; Stage Manager: Noam Lior
General Audience
Venue #2 - Robert Gill Theatre / 214 College Street, 3rd Fl., ( St. George St. Entrance)
90 Min.
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Atomic Legion Theatre
Toronto , ON
presents
The Fall of Team Justice
by Luis Fernandes, Brendan Wikland, Ben Fifield
directed by Luis Fernandes
Atomic Legion Theatre is an art collective hoping to bring the comic book medium to life this summer at Fringe! Their first project, The Fall of Team Justice, combines breath taking visual art, music, film and animation segments with live stage action to bring an innovative interdisciplinary experience to the Toronto stage!
Follow our heroes through 4 different eras of uncanny excitement!! SEE Team Justice battle the foreign threat of….THE REDS! ZADAQ AND HIS MINIONS OF THE FORBIDDEN DESERT!!! AND DR. TYRANT OF TYRANUS! Earth shattering battles! Nail biting intrigue! Patriotic Heroism! And more ruthless villains then you can count!
It's a political action comedy of epic proportions! Don't miss it!
General Audience
Warning: political content, gunshots, strobe lighting, lazer beams and threats of world domination
Venue #4 - Factory Theatre Mainspace / 125 Bathurst Street (at Adelaide )
90 Min.
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Theatre Anon
Toronto, ON
presents
The Fine Art of Bocce
by Francesco M. Adriano and Roberto F. Ciccotelli
directed by Roberto F. Ciccotelli
What happens when four Italians, aged 16 to 68, enter a Canadian Lawn Bowling Tournament thinking that it's the same as Italian bocce? Complete and utter embarrassment, hilarity and chaos!
In order to improve his chances at getting a partnership, Gianni Buonamamme agrees to enter his boss' annual Lawn Bowling Tournament. After some coercion, Gianni manages to convince his immediate family to form the team. Unfortunately, Gianni's family thinks they're entering a typical bocce match. Once Gianni's family arrives at the pristine Lawn Bowling Club, they begin, to Gianni's dismay, unloading their pick-up truck with a gas BBQ, coolers, lawn chairs, etc. The grandfather begins making tomato sauce; the father begins repairing the Club House, and the brother begins sun tanning. What ensues is a chaotic attempt from Gianni to keep up appearances and his dignity in front of his boss, while arguing and fighting with his embarrassing family.
Don't miss this delightful and touching look at Italian manners, relationships and customs.
General Audience
Warning: fog machines will be used, mature content in Italian and English
Venue #8 - Royal St. George Theatre / 120 Howland Avenue
90 Min.
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Wog Productions
Toronto, ON
presents
The First Time
written and performed by Paul Hutcheson
Pornography, First Crushes, University, Travel, Employment, Fear, Rebellion, Confusion….
And One Believing Boy.
"The First Time" A Comedic One Person Show
(4 stars) - CBC Manitoba
‘Pick of the Fringe', London Fringe Festival
General Audience
Venue #9 - Poor Alex Theatre / 296 Brunswick Avenue
60 Min.
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