KIN crosses borders and comfort zones at Toronto Fringe

Tavistock Arts marks festival premiere at Tarragon Theatre July 4 to 13

“Ellipses… they change everything” – KIN

In Anna’s world, punctuation defines everything. A university scholar with few love or career prospects, she is left dangling in her own ellipses.

KIN is the story of Anna’s improbable relationship with Sean, an Irish personal trainer, and their struggle to stay together. Each bound to their extended families, their relationship is told through the lens of others. Over the course of seven years, two continents and several generations, their dots connect – both psychologically and geographically – and an unlikely new family is forged.

Directed by Jim Ivers, (The Early Hours, Killer Joe, The Mundy Scheme) KIN explores expatriation and distance, and the influence that friends and family have in our lives. Recently fleeing economic turmoil in Ireland, Ivers seeks to celebrate Toronto’s cultural cross-pollination.
The cast is comprised of talented actors including Lesley Ballantyne (Dora Mavor Moore Award), Deborah Joy (Five seasons at Stratford) and Dwight McFee (Jessie Richardson Award, Vancouver). 

JULY 4 to JULY 13
TARRAGON THEATRE: MAINSPACE
30 Bridgman Ave 
Toronto, ON M5R 1X3

Performances:
July 48:15pm
July 53:00pm
July 910:30pm
July 1012:00pm
July 117:30pm
July 128:45pm
July 134:00pm

Tavistock Arts was founded by Jim Ivers in Newbridge, Ireland. The company features an ensemble of actors and technicians who are encouraged to contribute creatively throughout the process of bringing theatre to the stage. Contrary to the current popularity of focus on body and movement, Tavistock Arts unashamedly advocates a text-based theatre, with an emphasis on contemporary international playwrights and new writing.

For anyone who ever had a dream that just wouldn’t die.

The Sidekick becomes The Leading Lady she always suspected she was.  Devon Hubka throws down on the stage in a One Woman Show about how everything she thought was wrong with her life is actually worth talking about.

Everything I Need is Devon Hubka’s first solo show and her first work as a writer.  It’s the show she’s been meaning to write since she moved out of her parents’ house and into the city of Toronto to live her life.  Years later, still a virtual unknown in the industry, she’s not letting that stop her now.  Everything I Need incorporates stories about how when it seems that nothing has turned out the way it was supposed to be, it really makes for a grand life.  (And there’s a little song and dance as well.)

CREATIVE TEAM:

Director Marcia Bennett (May Silverstone on Slings and Arrows/Ms. Mackinaw in The Woods),  Stage Manager David Liotta (Princess of Porn: The Musical 2012 Fringe/The Mousetrap at Lower Ossington Theatre)  Musical Consultant Jeannie Wyse (Vocal Coach CBC’s Over The Rainbow/Assistant Conductor & Keyboardist for Jersey Boys (Dancap).  Choreographer Dana Thody (One half of the Daunting Diva’s, a Vaudevillian Jazz Dance Duo, Green Peace Ad Clover Leaf Kills More Than Just Tuna.)  And Dramaturge PJ Hammond.

PERFORMANCES:

The Annex 730 Bathurst Street

Friday July 5: 5:15 pm

Saturday July 6: 9:15pm

Sunday July 7: 2:15 pm

Tuesday July 9: 8:30 pm

Thursday July 11: 3:30 pm

Friday July 12: 11:30 pm

Saturday July 13: 4:00 pm

Please note that there is absolutely no latecomer seating.

TICKETS:

$10 (Cash Only one hour prior to show time.)

Advance tickets: $11 Online: fringetoronto.com.  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).

James & Jamesy in 2 for Tea

“I actually peed myself!”

England’s critically acclaimed surreal physical comedy duo lures you into their “delightfully bizarre” world with their innocence and “endearing chemistry.” Their respective idiosyncrasies and the peculiar formalities of their tea rituals bring vitality to the mundane, turning an ordinary tea party into a fantastic wonderland of stimulation and play. Since their 2009 performance in Jessie Award nominated Hard Times Hit Parade, James and Jamesy have toured internationally, inspiring awe and laughter with their “casual virtuosity” and trademark approach to physical comedy.

Points of Interest:

The show involves six fully costumed performers, four of whom are selected from the audience. Thus each performance is unique.

The entire story is built from the simplicity of a tea party. In moments between events, where nothing seems to be happening, entire scenes unfold.

The show started off as a 10-minute improvised sketch as part of the Poupon Parade Clown Troupe’s debut show in Vancouver. It was invited to be performed at numerous events in the Pacific North-West, with producers requesting the sketch’s expansion. This has led to its current 60-minute form.

Tea is served to the audience, who are encouraged to bring a proper teacup to the show.

Awards:

★★★★½ “True genius.” Beat Magazine, London

Patron’s Pick, London Fringe

Most Memorable Performance, 13th Hour, Montreal Fringe

Just for Laughs Best Comedy nominee

Life & Depth

in association with The Toronto Fringe Festival presents

2 for Tea

Writers/Performers: Aaron Malkin & Alastair Knowles

Ringmaster: David MacMurray Smith

Stage Manager: Chris Ross

Opens July 4^th runs to July 13^th

Venue #4, The Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst St.

(formerly known as Bathurst St. Theatre)

 

Performances (60 minutes):

Thursday, July 4, 2013 – 11:00pm

Saturday, July 6, 2013 – 9:15pm

Monday, July 8, 2013 – 6:30pm

Tuesday, July 9, 2013 – 10:45pm

Wednesday, July 10, 2013 – 7:30pm

Friday, July 12, 2013 – 12-noon

Saturday, July 13, 2013 – 4:00pm

 

Tickets:

$10 at the door / $9 (+ $2 service fee) in advance

Phone: 416.966.1062 ext. 1

Online: http://www.fringetoronto.com/

This is the second year that The Soaps has been asked at the last minute to step in for a Fringe show that has cancelled. It’s terrific news for me. I love The Soaps, as you can tell from my review of last year’s show.  The cast is fast, funny, and very talented.

It’s good news for Fringe because the show is a Fringe fund raiser so all the money from ticket sales goes to Fringe.

It’s good news for you because it means that you have a chance to see some spectacular improvisation, laugh for an hour, and try not to pee your pants. I strongly advise going to the washroom before the show. Continue reading The Soaps! A Live Improvised Soap Opera: City Hall Edition (Fringe must-see show) →