Inside Albert’s Head (Of Course a Horse), playing at this year’s Toronto Fringe Festival, follows Albert Herz, an elderly New York City electrician, as he talks about the different situations and people he’s come across in his everyday life. This one man show is written by and features David Ackerman, who’s previous work includes the play Lost and Found which appeared in the Toronto Fringe in 2008.
This show essentially serves as a showcase for the character of Albert. And he’s just that: a real character. With his thick accent, large glasses, and attire that would make any 75 year old man proud, Ackerman convincingly brings Albert to life. It’s his views on the world and its subjects that make Albert identifiable to an audience.
I felt like I had met this person before. And while there were some laughs to be had, I felt the show’s anecdotal quality prevented me from becoming completely immersed in the stories. I wanted to see more of the action unfold in front of me, as opposed to having it all take place in the past. This aspect of the show also affected its pace which was uneven at times. This can often prove to be an obstacle when staging a one man show.
Inside Albert’s Head turned out to be a bit of a mixed bag for me: I enjoyed Ackerman’s strong character work which provide some funny moments, but ultimately, the structure and pacing of the show prevented it from ever really kicking into high gear.
Details:
Inside Albert’s Head is playing at Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace (16 Ryerson Avenue).
Show times
July 5 2:15pm
July 6 8:45pm
July 7 1:15pm
July 9 9:30pm
July 11 5:45pm
July 13 2:45pm
Tickets for all mainstage productions are $10 at the door, cash only. Advance tickets are $12, and can be purchased online, by phone (416-966-1062), or from the festival box office at the Fringe Club (rear of Honest Ed’s, 581 Bloor St. West). Money-saving value packs are also available if you are going to at least five shows; see website for details.
LATECOMERS ARE NEVER ADMITTED TO FRINGE SHOWS. To avoid disappointment, be sure to arrive a few minutes before curtain.
Photo provided by Of Course a Horse.