THEATRE REVIEWS: TORONTO FRINGE IV
9 Jul'10

JOHN COULBOURN - QMI Agency

In this, our fourth look at some of the shows that make up the 22nd annual edition of The Fringe: Toronto's Theatre Festival, we're resorting to a sort of scattershot approach, looking at some shows we enjoyed, some we didn't and even a few that we're still trying to figure out.

THE NILE, playing at the Annex Theatre: Playwright Conor Green sets sail down what just might be the most storied river in history, to take a look at the pain and politics of modern-day Egypt, where apparently thousands of Nubians were displaced years ago to facilitate the construction of the great Aswan dam. Two Canadians, in company with a mad Russian and a waif from a land down under, find themselves drawn into a plot by two of the dispossessed, one of whom may or may not be a goddess of war, returned from ancient times, to reclaim the land for its ancient owners, smiting Egypt mightily in the process. A bit of a thriller and strong performances for a six member cast.

TO DISTRACTION, playing at the Factory Mainspace: Clearly, playwright Michael Ripley has seen the light, so he's given up texting while driving, in favour of making theatre while driving. Under the strong direction of Miriam Laurence, who obviously can direct more than traffic,  three separate car trips converge at the birthday party of a young girl — and with tragic consequences, although they most definitely aren't the consequences one is led to expect.  Ironically, however, it is the demands of the automobiles they are driving that slow the pacing, but thanks to a crackerjack cast, this one is certainly more than a walk — or a drive — in the park.

DALE BEANER AND THE TURTLE BOY, playing at the Royal St. George Auditorium: Pity the poor parents of Devon Hyland and Connor Thompson, hapless and no doubt innocent souls who have clearly unleashed a bit of demented genius on the world and now have no choice but to sit back and see where it leads. Starting in the broadcast booth of an all-star baseball game, Hyland and Thompson unleash their imaginations and take their audience on a flight of fancy that truly does defy description, although we can tell you that seeing-eye dogs are viciously murdered and over-protective parents sent-up in the ensuing mayhem. The scope of imagination at play here is delightful, and it's backed up with genuine charm every step of the way.

THE FOUR MINUTE MILE, playing at the Helen Gardiner Phelan Theatre: Playwright Kevin Morris' tale of a motivational speaker who finds himself hoist on his own petard relies a little heavily on coincidence to resolve things, but under the direction of Daniella Marchese, the three member cast  — Darryl Knight, Trevor Small and Suzette McCanny — manages to bring it to credible life.

DINOSAUR EGO, playing at Royal St. George Auditorium: Written by Alex Carter, who also stars as Nick, the 'dinosaur' at the heart of the tale, this is a look at how men look at women and in fact, how they look at each other. But though it manages to raise a few valid points, the script still needs a lot more work before its ready for prime time, and the sloppy staging and direction of Derek Gingrich and Dan Vena merely serves to underscore the fact.