Eight wonderful shows for kids aged 3 and above take the stage at Toronto Fringe
There is nothing like seeing the joy and wonder on a young one’s face when they’ve experienced something truly fun and engaging on stage. Fringe is a great way to introduce kids to the magical world of theatre, expand their curious minds and build fond memories.
There are no requirements to “sit still” and “be quiet” – no one really minds that much if they’re talking or if they need to get up and walk around a bit at the back. There are even washrooms in the theatre to accommodate those kid-sized bladders. It’s great for the budget-conscious parent; tickets are only $5 for kids, $10 for adults. But hurry on, tickets are selling super fast this year, so be sure to buy in advance or stand in line early.
LIZA LIVE! is possibly the best overall performance I have seen this year at The Toronto Fringe Festival. It is being put on at The Annex Theatre by Total Betty Productions and you won’t want to miss it.
Jennifer Walls as Liza Minnelli (“that’s Liza with a Z not an S”) takes us a lot deeper into Liza’s life and thoughts than I expected. I was expecting only kitschy Liza fun, but was so happily surprised by how much heart this piece has. I feel it has a very inspiring and positive message.
Oh existential crises – you are great fodder for excellent theatre! When combined with a ridiculously talented performer like Jessica Moss, you give us comedic gold. Polly Polly is the funniest, most entertaining show I’ve seen this Fringe and the best one-woman show I’ve ever seen.
Polly works a mundane call centre job, lives a nondescript life, choosing instead the escapism and excitement of movies. She wakes up one morning to the sound of a narrator boisterously and forcefully invading her movie-quote filled mind, giving an account of her every move. Mean, bossy, and obnoxious the narrator delivers some of the most hilarious lines on the show, “You sound like Fran Drescher,” is one such gem.
I find I am eyeing her outfit the moment I walk in. It’s hard not to, with her red lips that we notice as she takes a peek at the audience and her beautiful black suede pumps to top off a tight black dress. She has her back towards us, adding a sense of mystery and intrigue.
This incredibly entertaining 90 minute piece is set in a post-war celebration, while maintaining the traditional Shakespearean language people are familiar with. The shortened version doesn’t take away from the original and the changes are barely noticeable.
Many people know the story well. As a child, the film was one of my favourites and I watched it over and over.
If people aren’t familiar with the play, however, they need not worry as they will be able to follow along. The piece flows very nicely and, other than a few line flubs, it feels comfortable and seems natural.
LIZA LIVE
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