All or None (Handlar Productions)-2010 Toronto Fringe Review

By Adelina Fabiano

Wedding bliss comes to the 2010 Toronto Theatre Fringe

With only one month to go before I marry, I had a lot to relate to in my first Fringe show of the year. All or None (Handlar Productions), written and directed by Andrew Hanna and Kristoffer Pedlar, takes a look at the internal chaos festering inside the mind of a bride-to-be.

Quite often there comes a time in a couple’s relationship in which one or the other or both, want to move the relationship to the next level. Yet, what should be a time of excitement and joy, can sometimes ( I think in any intelligent bride who is actually ‘thinking’) turn to self-doubt, panic, frustration and uncertainty.

In All or None, Sam (played by Kristoffer Pedlar) and Mickie, (played by Stephanie Ros) have reached that inevitable moment in their relationship-to wed or not to wed. Although Mickie’s proposal was not quite as romantic as she had imagined, she accepts Sam’s offer and the two begin to experience their own emotions, blissful or not.

Sam’s role was played with energy and excitement. Obviously oblivious to his fiance’s feelings, Sam takes initiative in the wedding preparations and doesn’t hesitate to make plans for the future, children and all!

Mickie, on the other hand, begins to question whether they are truly compatible and feels the pressures of committing herself to this one man for the rest of her life. As the character of April says, “You can have thousands of destinies, but you only choose one”.

The character of April and Grace, the “E-Harmony dater”, performed by Christina Aceto, was dynamic. From vulnerable and desperate to strong willed and confident, Christina Aceto showed versatility and grace as she moved from the first role to the next. Her moments on stage were delightful and natural.

I appreciated the overall writing of the piece. It was current and relatable. If you’re looking for something light and laughable, it only takes 75 minutes out of your day. Sometimes all we need is right in front of us, and sometimes it takes just a little more searching.

Details:

All or None produced by Handlar Productions is playing at The Walmer Centre theatre located at 188 Lowther Avenue.

-Show times are:  Wednesday, June 30 at 7pm, Friday July 2nd at 5pm, Saturday July 3rd at 9pm, Sunday July 4th at 5pm, Monday July 5th at 9pm, Wednesday, July 7th at 9pm, Thursday, July 8th at 7pm, Friday, July 9th at 9pm, Saturday July 10th at 7pm and Sunday July 11 at 3pm.

– All individual Fringe tickets are $10 ($5 for FringeKids) at the door (cash only). Tickets are available online at www.fringetoronto.com, by Phone at 416-966-1062, in person at The Randolph Centre for the Arts, 736 Bathurst Street (Advance tickets are $11 ($10+$1 convenience fee)

– Several money-saving passes are available if you plan to see at least 5 shows

Photo provided by Handlar Productions