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THEATRE ; HAMILTON FRINGE FEST

By A. Dowler

Another year of Fringe, and another crop of mini reviews! Our experts were on the front lines as 2008’s staged winners shone through!

New Talent — Critic’s pick! Hamilton’s escort ads contain behind them a harsh reality for many desperate women. Brian Morton’s New Talent is closely based on true stories from the city’s underbelly. The Plastimet fire of ‘97 locks the reality in place for any Hamiltonian, and it is a jarring effect. My favourite this year.
[katie penrose]

Grade 8 — Dwayne Morgan’s one–man show is an impressive soul–baring confession about the trials of raising a daughter alone. Morgan's flow is tight and solid, and when at times his monologue transforms into rap, the mercury rises; his powerful energy shines huge. This piece is intelligent, funny, and honestly performed. Highly recommended. [kp]

Low Lifes — A bunch of dudes and a cute girl bring you this fast–paced drug–deal–gone–awry comedy. Erik Canaria and Matt Szpirglas are funny as roommates Benny and Danté, but don’t quite do justice to the well–made script by Brent Purvis. Offensive but real, and peppered with nuance, Low Lifes is a fun one. [kp]

Lear's Shadow — From Saskatoon comes The Newman Players with a three–man rendition of King Lear’s famous descent into madness. This Shakespeare edit is successful due to the excellent acting of Ed Heidt as the fool, and L. John Cieslinski’s uncannily well–cast Lear. Strangely Cordelia’s part was given to a less–talented younger male, but all said this is a good adaptation and performance. [kp]

Without Whom... — This is a neat package of a play, both quirky and philosophical. Anne Harper graces the stage as Marguerite, a widow seeking closure with her husband, the writer too stubborn to accept his own death. Carefully acted and professional in appearance, this play will charm weathered theatre–goes and newbies alike. [kp]

Goodbye Mary Pie — Goodbye Mary Pie was an interesting play despite some bad acting and a plot that didn’t actually resolve. Striking and talented Shari Vandermolen saves the day in this funny, drama–filled tale of old loves and new information. It was clever and intoxicating, though impaired by Gord Wehner’s unskilled performance. Plus, annoying title. [kp]

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