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Faster than the Speed of Dating Performance
Dates 9,10,11,14,16 & 17 September, 2016 at False Creek
Gym
Faster than the Speed of Dating is a brief, wordless, physical
sketch comedy that takes place at a speed dating event. Madeleine and
Kevin play several characters and there are some nice moments that are
very funny. As an audience member, I appreciate shorter shows (such
as this one) and feel that even most Fringe Fest shows would be better
if they were briefer. With this sketch comedy, I believe more depth
and plot could make the script and characters even stronger. As it is,
it is an enjoyable and funny appetizer.
Performance Dates 8,9,12,14,15 & 17 September, 2016 at the Rio Theatre Playwright Ryan Gladstone Performer Tara Travis Tara Travis is
one of the strongest actors in the Fringe Festival and has been performing
at the fest for years. Her previous shows include Lavinia, Houdini’s
Last Escape, The Unfortunate Ruth, and Best Picture (also
currently playing). Tara and Monster Theatre generally have some of
the best and funniest plays in the Fringe Festival. Til Death
has Tara playing every wife and role and she does a masterful job. Her
characterizations are specific and her physicality and vocalizations
are excellent. Ryan Gladstone has written a hilarious script. This was
one of my favourite shows in the 2012 Festival and it definitely deserves
this remount. See it.
Performance Dates 9,11,13,16,17 & 18 September, 2016 at False Creek Gym Playwright/Performer James Jordan James Jordan
Vaudevillian is a very funny show for all ages. James Jordan is
an affable performer and the show is full of magic, mentalism (mind
reading), music, comedy, and audience interaction. Last year I felt
this show was one of the festival’s hidden gems. It has toured
the country and is very polished. If you have kids, this is a great
Fringe Fest show to take them to. I only hope that Jordan isn’t
actually hurting himself when mouse traps snap on his hands and face
for the audience’s (particularly the kids) amusement. Highly recommended.
Performance Dates 10,12,13,16,17 & 18 September, 2016 at False Creek Gym Performer Jeff Newman Jeff Newman is
an excellent mentalist and magician. I love magic and it’s a treat
to have so many shows at the Fringe Festival with magic in it (Charlatan,
James Jordan Vaudevillian, Mind Games, and Dirk Darrow
that I know of). Mind Games will leave you endlessly wondering how Jeff
Newman does it or perhaps begin believing in the supernatural. He makes
the impossible, possible. This is a polished, professional show and
it is recommended for anyone who enjoys mentalism or magic.
Performance Dates 9,10,11,12,15 & 17 September, 2016 at Studio 1398 Performer Jeff Leard Jeff Leard is a
fantastic actor and writer and his previous shows, Sperm Wars
(aka Gonads and Gametes) and The Show Must Go On were hilarious
and two of my favourite plays at the Festival when they premiered. The
Jupiter Rebellion has Jeff playing multiple roles and himself when describing
what camera shots he’d use if this were a big budget movie. The
story is entertaining and Jeff does an excellent job of creating the
world of the play. I’d be curious to see the show without the
described camera shots as I believe it would make the pace even stronger
and keep us in the world of the story. I highly recommend seeing anything
Jeff Leard creates. © 2016 Jim MacDonald
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