Ottawa Fringe : My Reviews Late but Done

So ya, these reviews are a little late as Fringe and life were busy. Unlike SL who blogs like a madman, I can't seem to keep up with that speed dude! So in total of fringe shows I am a light weight. I saw 7 shows, plus I saw OREO a bunch of times (but I am not counting that).

First up in Fringe adventures was Catgut Strung Violin. WoW these guys are amazing performers. Their mime technique and little "lazzis" were well executed, full of energy and skill. Great performers. Some of the story I found very effective but some was lost on me in between. The end I did not understand - if someone knows can you tell me? I know it seems to encompass "everyman" at war which I thought was really cool - the innocence of going into war and the brutality all done with humour. I highly recommended this to people as it really was fun to watch and I was engaged up until the end (again I was a bit lost).

Next up was Spiraldive. The sad part about this production was not enough folks saw it. It is a 90 min Fringe show in a Trilogy of shows. This was Episode one. The theatrical convention used of talking to the audience, the bare set of 3 chairs , some paper mache planes, and the large metal contraption that was the Spitfire is perfect Fringe staging. Simple yet very effective. This seemed like something you'd see at the GCTC (although at GCTC I suppose the set would be more involved) it was so polished and professional. The actors were really wonderful and shifted easily from character to character. The only actor that was in the play that didn't seem as grounded at some points in the show, was the taller of the trio. Small quip as he is obviously very talented. Anyways, I was taken in by the story, and want to see more of this trilogy.

The next day I was suppose to see No Exit Upstage, ON Second Thought, and then Enter Screaming. I got one of those on my list that day done. I had heard so much about Countries Shaped Like Stars, that I didn't want to miss it and that night (wednesday) was my only night I
could see it. Good thing I went when i did. This show was always SOLD OUT. And I was NOT disappointed. It is such a simple tale, full of whimsy, fun, music, and heartbreak...just the perfect little package. Congrats to Emily Pearlman ...she's my new hero and everyone - including my - Fringe Crush. I think I was ruined after that to see anything else at Fringe. I certainly hope they get to do this show again and not change A THING! I don’t want to tell the story just in case they remount it.

Next up was Enter Screaming. I think Richard is very clever and smart, and the script is dark and humourous, but I have to say I was not blown away by this show. I had friends in it so hope they aren't offended by that statement.

Closing day, I saw Satanic Panic. Now I like Black Comedy and there was some really good dialogue in this show - I just didn't care for it as a story. I don't know why and can't explain it. Also, I think if you are doing Black Comedy your actors really really need to committ to every line down to their toes to make it really funny. That committment ebed in and out for me. I found Zach Counsil really committed for me and enjoyed him a lot. The other actors are very talented and I had no problems with the direction of the piece. I just think commit more and maybe they would have had me. Maybe it was the smallish audience. Also the main male character spoke so fast I couldn't understand him a lot of the time.

After a snack and meeting up with my hubby it was, No Exit Upstage. Now this is a start of a very clever concept. I am not sure if the general public will be able to relate to the Theatricalness of the show (theatre talk etc.) but I love the looping theatrical convention idea that Nancy incorporated, there is some really clever dialogue. I did find that there was an unevenness in the casting. Nancy is a strong natural actress. Her scene partner did not seem to have the experience Nancy had. They are taking this along to Winnipeg and I wish them all the best for the run there. I think Nancy should keep going with this idea. I enjoyed watching the show
and she has something there. As SL said "a polished preview of a bigger play"

Saw the final show of OREO - well the final on the schedule since we got BEST IN VENUE (hells ya!). My cast were rock stars! Really fun show with a really nice big audience on a nice hot Sunday afternoon. I will miss Team OREO although I believe it's not over, just made some really good friends who I will work with in the future and hang with...YAY.

Went home to eat, freshen up, and back for the BEST in VENUE at Alumni - This is a Recording. I had heard so many good things about this show, and I'll start off by saying it's a start of a good honest production but it's still a workshop script. There does not seem to be, to my eyes nor my husbands eyes, a clear structure. Now he and I both love Virbateum Theatre, and the reason we were both a bit disappointed after the big build we'd heard about this show, is we've seen really amazing Virbateum theatre in Toronto and Vancouver by people I went to theatre school with or from my theatre school teachers, and this particular show was very rough and needs more clear structure. My hats off to the actors for very very honest real and heartfelt acting, but it needs a clear direction. I did like the simplicity of the piece which is what it should be. If they keep going with it and make a clear through line it can be a really lovely piece (there were some really beautiful moments).

One portion which confused me was the very end: I thank Kelly for revealing herself to the audience that way, and it was brave and committed and heartfelt and naked of soul, but I really didn't see why it is in the show when you add up all the other portions. And if she was confessing, I felt Simon should have as well. I know all of us as actors feel we are not good enough, but not sure it was the place for it. I know some people will probably shoot daggers at me for saying the above but as an avid theatre goer and one who has seen a lot of this type of theatre, I am just being honest. Again, hats off to them and they should keep exploring this as it is a really good start.

So all in all this was a great Fringe experience from directing, to my actors, to the shows I got to see. This year showcased the huge amounts of talent that is in this city right now. We have struck the set, and are moving on.....now I have to think of something to get Tim for his Birthday next week...YIKES.

Ottawa Fringe and Directing

I directed a show at the Fringe. I was nervous going in, but during the process I realized “I can totally do this, trust your instincts”. Course I always tell myself that but there is always that small seed of doubt. But I think my work has paid off. OREO seem to be a hit with the audiences.

I have to say I believe I am a good caster of shows. When Tim and I did the Tototoo shows in the Fall…bang, great cast. With OREO…STELLAR cast. Now I hope to have a repeat performance in October when I cast Drinking Alone for the OLT. I trust it will happen.

I have to say, something that bugs me a wee bit about reviews of shows…if your show does well often times they do not mention the Director or if they do it is very brief. If it’s bad they go on about the director, and cast, if done well they don’t always. I mean not to say I did a perfect job on OREO. I didn’t. There I things that I see now blocking wise in the actual space from afar that I would totally change – as well as I would change some light cue choices I made etc. But we just didn’t have a lot of luxury of time for many adjustments in the space. AH the wonders and joy of Fringe. But I am very happy with the show. The DQ is great, she shines as an actress, her writing is smart and funny…but the whole cast, set, etc needs a director. It didn’t all get up there on it’s feet by itself. This is a small quibble I must say and I am saying it. I take it that the positive feedback means I am a pretty good director of comedy so I’ll take it.

I read a post recently from, as SL calls her, the DQ. She mentioned how you make friends for the time of the show but often not extend past that. I understand that and it’s true in a way because this special cocoon you made of your show will never be the same configuration. However I think she will be pleasantly surprised that we stay in touch. I have made some really wonderful quality friends doing this Theatre thing that I often hang out with outside the theatre. And this was a very special cast. I consider all these folks in OREO friends, whom I hope to spend time with and years with in the future. They are wonderful people – the whole package. Plus they LOVE what I love!

Anyways, I am ashamed to say I have yet to see a Fringe show. There are a few reasons why – I am exhausted after all the rehearsals and prep, my husband has a photography class every Monday night so I am on dog duty, we also had an audition and call back, and I have two dogs that need love and walks and attention. SO tonight I start. On the agenda tonight : Catgut Strung Violin, and Country Shaped Like Stars. I won’t be in the realm of Fringe Viewing stardom like NK or JR and the like, but I plan on those two shows tonight, 3 to 4 tomorrow, and a few on Sunday (I have a very busy weekend with other commitments). Next year I think I’ll just take Fringe Off so I can enjoy the whole thing and maybe even Billet. I have been concerned about Billeting only because of our dogs, but I think they will be at a decent age next year that they can handle it (well maybe not Abby…she hates any kind of change. She’s a strange dog)

On another note, Tim and I went for a call-back for STNY at our local community theatre. We just went cause 1: we’ve never acted in a show together, 2. we thought since we were married the intimacy portions required for the show are there already, 3. we would get to spend lots of time together. Tim also figured I’d be able to help him out as an actor. Now we have not yet heard from the director but figure we aren’t getting cast. Partially because we set ourselves up as a package deal and the director rather a different package. Also,perhaps the reason is the differences between Tim and I acting wise. I mean it’s no secret that I have a lot more experience then Tim and he knows that and accepts that. Not even sure if it was noticeable or not…so that could be a reason as well. Tim is also not as confident on stage as I am. I have some professional roles, and auditions and professional training under my belt so am much more confidante. Although I must admit I find I am not great at cold read auditions. I am much better at call-backs.

Truth be told, I am hoping we don’t get it (as Tim is hoping as well). It’s summer time. There is much socializing to do, camping and trips to take, wine to consume, and I have to sit down with my script for OLT and break it down and prep for the fall. Also I want to audition for Evolution Theatre’s next show so….would rather keep doing the professional stuff. Although I do plan on reading for a show at OLT that I love…and I love the director…so I will do community theatre when it’s something I love to do and a director I’d like to work with --- learning learning learning…it’s all about keep learning.

So,on to my first night of show viewing pleasure. Will report back with reviews and or comments tomorrow!!!

OREO and Fun Times at Ottawa Fringe Fest

Well I know i know, it's been MONTHS since I blogged.  Just been uber busy with new job.  We went through this huge National training of over 5400 people across Canada for a new system that processes CPP, so it was and still is quite the undertaking. The system is in place, some hiccups happening but generally a HUGE success.  Still have some training clean up and maintenance.  Whether I get to stay in the group is another story.  I can't remember what else I've been doing other then Fringe stuff.  It just seems like a blur since January when I started my new job in all other aspects of life.

Other things are coming up : my hubby is in Happy Birthday for Tototoo theatre, we both plan on auditioning for a show together, we have plans to go to Lake Placid NY at the end of July to support our good friend Jason in the Ironman (he's NUTS I tell you, NUTS!!!), as well as build a deck, going to see Bruce in NJ Giants Stadium in the Fall.....I have a show to direct next season at OLT called "Drinking Alone"....yup stuff going on.  

But enough about work and plans.  In am now into the fun times of Fringe.   In the Fall my friend Nadine asked me to direct her new show OREO which is somewhat autobiographical.  At first I was hesitant since I've never directed a new script before.  It ended up being a match made for both of us i think.  She trusted me, I trusted her and together with our ideas and her lovely and funny writing, OREO has morphed into a wonderful happenstance.   The cast is amazing - very talented acting styles of Nadine (our producer/writer/star), Robin Guy, Colleen Sutton, Sterling Lynch (the FIND of the year), and JP Chartier (my LAG alum buddy), and of course the super talented Iyono Ede (who is lead singer of the Hammerheads by the way).  

The process has been super fun....with many a box joke to be had, Sex Ed videos posted which was a funny fluke that happened at a drunken cast bonding even.  Yesterday we had a really good tech (frig that Nat Gisele ROCKS).  and opening night house was friendly, and plentiful.

NOW i have to decide what to see.  You have to see other fringe shows at Fringe not just stick to your own.  Now there are the obvious choices of friends shows: Exit Upstage (Nancy Kenny), Enter Screaming (Sarah Hearn).,...I have seen JUMP at a GCTC reading last year by Bev Wolfe.  Now I probably wont' see it again since there is so much to see but HIGHLY recommend others to go see it.  Kate Hurman is directing so it's a win win.  I'd like to see some out of towners like "On Second Thought"   Paul seems awesome.  As well as Cat Strung Violin - the gang from New Mexico, among others...have to see Sterling's show "satanic panic" - good cast going on there.  

So much see - among other things have to hang at the fun beer tent at fringe too...but then there are the obligations of friends events - friend BBQ tonight, plus next week...how does one be in many places at once?

at the end of the day....I am here to say....go SEE shows at the Ottawa Fringe Festival...especially OREO by Nadine Thornhill.  You'll be glad you did!  Life is good.