Supperfesta! (Take Your Mark Productions) 2013 Toronto Fringe Review

Supperfesta! by Take Your Mark Productions is a hilarious force to be reckoned with at Toronto Fringe 2013. The cast of Natasha Boomer, Craig Lauzon, James Jabbour, and Jessie Behan up the comedic ante with every passing minute. It felt like Robert Gill Theatre was shaking with laughter.

Supperfesta! is about Betty (Boomer), who decides to throw a dinner party so that she can inspect her younger sister Rose’s (Behan) new beau Tim (Jabbour). With the encouragement of her husband Dean (Lauzon), the dinner party turns into more than a nice get-together. The event brings forth secrets between old and new couples, as well as the jealous nature between sisters. So, the event that begins as dinner slowly transforms into a “supperfesta”.

I found the play had a bit of a slow start. There were funny jokes, but you could tell that the cast needed to build up the atmosphere. I had a nervous twist in my stomach while I watched the first scene. You could sense that it was opening night and the possibility of falling flat felt all too near. But within ten minutes, the play picked up the pace and the crowd warmed up. By the end the audience was clapping and whooping. My friend had buried her face into her hands, gasping with laughter. This might have been because of the emergence of a dance routine. I won’t spoil the song.

Supperfesta! would be nothing without Natasha Boomer, who is the writer and producer of the show. Boomer also portrays Betty, the fierce and gutsy older sister, with perfection. Whether it’s snarking at her lazy husband Dean or drunkenly cackling at Rose, Boomer made sure my eyes were on her. Lauzon looked comfortable in his surroundings, clearly experienced with his work on CBC’s Royal Canadian Air Farce. Behan entered the fray looking a bit flustered, but eventually caught up with the rest of the cast. Jabbour is believable as the sweet and handsome boyfriend, but he contributes more charm than hilarity.

When the cast mingles together, wonderful conflict ensues. It was as strange as some of the family reunions I’ve had, but it was much better to be an observer. It is much more enjoyable that way.

Details:

Supperfesta! is playing at Robert Gill Theatre, 214 College Street, Toronto.

Performances:

July 7th – 12:00 pm
July 8th – 10:30 pm
July 9th – 6:15 pm
July 11th – 10:30 pm
July 12th – 2:15 pm
July 14th – 4:30 pm

Tickets:

Individual Fringe tickets are available at the door for $10 ($5 for FringeKids), cash only. Late comers will not be permitted.
Advance tickets are $11 ($9 + $2 service charge) are available online at fringetoronto.com, by phone at 416-966-1062 ext 1,  or in person during the festival at the Festival Box Office in the parking lot behind Honest Ed’s (581 Bloor St W).
Value packs are available if you plan to see at least 5 shows.