Progressive Polygamists starts off on a really sweet note. Mercy-Eve (Emmelia Gordon) and Eden-Grace (Pippa Mackie) walk in through the same doors as the audience, carrying baskets filled with cookies and hand them out to everyone. I’m in before the show even starts. 

This show is funny as soon as it begins. The basic premise it to sell us the idea of polygamy and convince us to join them in their compound, I mean community, so we can live happily ever after as sister-wives.

The first song has the audience in stitches, the one line I can’t forget went something like, ” looking for sex under 12? Come join us, it happens daily!”

They touch on various F.L.D.S. (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints) controversies like; being submissive, listening to the word of God, repressing your feelings, sharing your husband, underage marriage and above all “keeping sweet”.  Don’t worry though they keep it light, airy and above all hilarious.

The costumes and hair are dead on and the girls don’t miss a beat. Their wit and talent shines through in every joke and song.

There is some audience participation but it’s all voluntary; you’re not going to be picked on. I was very surprised that so many people were willing to either go up onstage or read questions out loud.

Martin Dockery from Bursting into Flames was there and was asked, “What makes you mad?” His response was, “People that hate my dog.” He was told to get a cat and keep sweet.

If you’re looking for a show that will make you laugh, you can’t go wrong with this one. Be careful though you might just leave a Polygamist.

Details:

Progressive Polygamists plays at George Ignatieff Theatre.

Performances:

Thu, July 14 5:45 PM
Fri, July 15 Noon
Sat, July 16 11:30 PM
Sun, July 17 Noon

Photo credit to: Owen Ellis. In photo: Emmelia Gordon and Pippa Mackie.

Tickets:

– 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