Three Dates and a Flooded Basement, happening at the Factory Theatre Studio for the Toronto Fringe Festival 2017 makes me feel very nervous about going anywhere alone for the next week. Even so, it’s a very entertaining show that isn’t what you’d expect.
The play follows a Toronto newcomer Simon as he navigates his way through dealing with his new roommate and online dating. To complicate matters, there’s a pesky serial killer, known as the Hoarder, on the loose who’s targeting just the kind of women Simon likes.
Katrina Gibson does exceptionally well with portraying four different women in the span of 75 minutes, each with their own mannerisms, personalities and physicality. As roommate Brad, Wilex Ly is repulsively smooth and likable. He’s so at ease in his character that it also grounds the other characters in scene with him. Michael Buchanan is effective as love-preoccupied Simon, who just wants to find someone who would stick around long enough to get to know him.
There are a few clever puns slipped into this rather dark comedy that I appreciated, and the comedic aspect makes the play seem delightfully self aware. The show also has instances where it provides a strong position opposing violence against women.
One suggestion I would make is to perhaps try other endings. There were quite a few opportunities in the show that could have allowed for a more meaningful, impactful ending that weren’t explored. It was a well written play, but it left me disappointed that it didn’t take any sort of stand in the end.
I’m being particularly vague about specifics because I don’t want to give anything away about this secretive show. There are quite a few well-timed twists and turns that kept me engaged, so I’m trying very hard not to spoil anything! I’d love to gush about what I think about the Hoarder’s reveal but alas, my hands are tied.
Details
- Three Dates and a Flooded Basement plays at the Factory Studio. (125 Bathurst St.)
- Tickets are $12. The festival also offers a range of money-saving passes for serious Fringers.
- Tickets can be purchased online, by telephone (416-966-1062), from the Fringe Club at Scadding Court, and — if any remain — from the venue’s box office starting one hour before curtain.
- Be aware that Fringe performances always start exactly on time, and that latecomers are never admitted.
- Content Warnings: Sexual Content, Mature Language.
- This venue is accessible.
Performances
- Friday July 7th, 04:45 pm
- Sunday July 9th, 08:00 pm
- Monday July 10th, 03:00 pm
- Tuesday July 11th, 06:15 pm
- Wednesday July 12th, 03:45 pm
- Friday July 14th, 07:15 pm
- Saturday July 15th, 09:15 pm
Photo provided by the company