Breaking News (Triangle Pi Productions) St. Vladimir Theatre 2011 Toronto Fringe Review

There is no frustration quite so pure as a town hall meeting. Fuelled by each others’ anger, regular folk let their true prejudice shine through, and even the most civil conversationalists succumb to turd-hurling.

Now, imagine the crowd that gathers after a breaking news broadcast interrupts their regularly-scheduled programming. It’s the war of the worlds, and earth isn’t battle ready. On the air: sounds of screaming, then radio silence. The room ignites, townsfolk panic and quickly turn on each other. But don’t worry, the mayor has a solution; human sacrifice. Preferably female, definitely virgin. Any volunteers?

Breaking News is an interactive production from Toronto’s Triangle Pi. It clocks in under a half hour, which is saying something about the rate a gathering can become a mob. We’re sitting amongst the loudest citizens, and everyone is there — the hysterical one, the religious one, the righteous and holier-than-thou one…and, of course, the skeptical one.

The script borrows actual quotes, accusations and atrocities that followed the wake of Orson Welles’ brilliant practical joke. I particularly loved the thinly-disguised jabs at the media, but the mayor’s wife was best of all. Her philosophy: “The aliens will need people to help control the earth…we can be those people.”

Details:

Breaking News is playing at St. Vladimir’s Theatre, Spadina Ave, Toronto

Showtimes:
Thu, July 7 8:15 PM 705
Sat, July 9 9:45 PM 718
Sun, July 10 1:45 PM 721
Tue, July 12 10:45 PM 738
Wed, July 13 2:30 PM 740
Thu, July 14 3:30 PM 748
Sat, July 16 3:30 PM 762

All individual Fringe tickets are $10 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 at Fringe Toronto passes are available if you plan to see at least 5 shows .

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