Boy Wonders (Planet 12 Productions) 2018 Toronto Fringe Review

Photo of the company of Boy Wonders

Boy Wonders by Planet 12 Productions takes place in a swanky 1950’s hotel room above a superhero convention where the sidekicks of said superheroes are gathering for a meeting of their own. The show is playing at the Tarragon Extra Space at the 2018 Toronto Fringe Festival.

Ever wonder what Robin is thinking as he’s trailing behind Batman? Or what about Sherlock Holmes’ right hand man, Dr. Watson — ever wonder how much more he can take? Yes, the world is bleak for those who choose to live a life of secondary crime fighting. At least that’s what we find out in Boy Wonders.  This play delves into the psychological backdrop of sidekicks such as Shiny the Glimmer Boy, The Mixer, and Cow Poke.

I have to start out by saying that this show is unique in the sense that it features six 13-15 year old actors and one adult actor, Brad Brackenridge (Mixer). All of these actors do a bang-up job in committing to their characters. And I could really buy the turmoil and angst these sidekicks were enduring. A special shout out goes to Aimee Gordon (Boo) for delivering a sincere, Breakfast Club worthy monologue that showed me that ‘Hey, sidekicks have feelings too.’ The emotional range and thoughtfulness of all of these actors definitely impressed me.

The play is written by Derek Weatherdon, and is honestly a very commendable script. The ending is expertly tied up and there is thorough character development throughout. As well, there are many pleasantly funny moments that got some chuckles from the audience.

One thing that irked me a bit though was the pacing. I found it was slow moving and lines were sometimes delivered with hesitation. The staging seemed a little awkward and actors were shuffling around on stage a lot. But luckily this didn’t take away from the honest, heartfelt spirit of this play.

All in all, aside from some directing woes, Boy Wonders has a great company of actors, a well written script and a fun concept you’ll be thinking about hours after seeing it. If you’re a fan of comic books, superheroes, or especially their sidekicks, check this one out at the 2018 Toronto Fringe Festival!

Details

  • Boy Wonders plays at the Tarragon Theatre Extraspace. (30 Bridgman Ave.)
  • Tickets are $13, including a $2 service charge. The festival also offers a range of money-saving passes and discounts for serious Fringers.
  • Tickets can be purchased online, by telephone (416-966-1062), from the Festival Box Office at Scadding Court (707 Dundas St. W.), and — if any remain — from the venue’s box office starting one hour before curtain.
  • This venue is barrier-free. Patrons who use wheelchairs or who cannot climb stairs are seated in the front row.
  • Be aware that Fringe performances always start exactly on time, and that latecomers are never admitted.

Performances

  • Friday July 6th, 1:00 pm
  • Saturday July 7th, 5:30 pm
  • Monday July 9th, 8:15 pm
  • Wednesday July 11th, 12:15 pm
  • Thursday July 12th, 6:00 pm
  • Friday July 13th, 11:15 pm
  • Saturday July 14th, 3:45 pm

Photo provided by the company.