BURNT …and toasted! (Donna Greenberg) 2013 Toronto Fringe Review

BURNT ...and toasted!

It takes a lot of commitment in putting together a one-person show where an actor plays multiple characters, sings and dances. This is the commitment Donna Greenberg took in her Toronto Fringe show Burnt …and toasted! but unfortunately there were many pieces missing and it didn’t quite work for me.

The musical show started with Greenberg doing a song and dance number which was a nice way to open the show. But she lost me once she started her dialogue that began with ‘Once upon a time…’. Greenberg takes us back into her past by walking back and forth across the stage trying to take on the different characters.

I found her walks were a total distraction to the story she was trying to tell. I also thought that the acting needed to be much stronger to convince the audience of each character change. Overall, I just didn’t find it believable, and I couldn’t connect at all to her characters.

There were some redeemable points, however. The piano playing by musician and lyricist Jordan Klapman was great and so was Greenberg’s singing. I always admire singers and their ability to belt out a tune (as the only time I can really sing well is in the shower). Greenburg also has this sweet charming quality about her and I could tell she tries really hard to get her message across. I also liked that she did a little pitch at the end to let the audience members know that the songs were written by her and that CDs would be available if interested.

Overall, if you are not that interested in character development and story but love a good song and dance number, then check out Burnt…and toasted!.

Details

Venue:

Tarragon Extra Space
30 Bridgman Ave, Toronto ON M5R 1X3
Performances:

Fri July 5 – 11:00pm
Sat July 6 – 12:00pm
Mon July 8 – 10:45pm
Tues July 9 – 5:15pm
Thurs July 11 – 10:30pm
Fri July 12 – 7:30pm
Sat July 13 –1:45pm

Tickets:

  • At-the-door tickets: $10
  • At-the-door tickets are available at the Tarragon Theatre Extra Space starting one hour prior to show time – cash sales only.
  • Advance tickets: $11
  • Advance tickets go on sale June 15, 2013
  • Purchase online: fringetoronto.com
  • By Phone: 416-966-1062, ext 1
  • In Person: During the Festival Box Office in the parking lot behind Honest Ed’s (581 Bloor St W)

Photo of Donna Greenberg provided by Donna Greenberg