THE ADVENTURES OF BABA YAGA
There are some fine masks and striking shadow puppets in this Russian-based fairy tale that incorporates bits of Cinderella and Hansel and Gretel, but the company’s storytelling is bland and only Eleanor O’Brien’s witch Baba Yaga stands out among the characters. NN (JK)
BELOW THE BELT
Two factory employees battle each other and their shit-disturbing boss in this Pinteresque riff, but the script isn’t nearly as strong as the production, set in an actual factory and acted with non-stop energy by David Frisch, David Pauls and Christopher Sawchyn. NNN (JK)
FABLE: BASED ON A TRUE STORY
The scabrous, legless Eff – his name stands for what you think – tells a creation story about his time in the Garden of Eden, along with Adam, Eve and Lilith. Shat from God’s ass, Eff is salacious with the audience, nasty, sometimes funny and always, in Adam Lazarus’ performance, clearly in focus as he toys with and insults viewers in true bouffon fashion. NNN (JK)
OUCH MY TOE
This KidsVenue trio of tales about toe-stubbing involves audience participation and some light, fluffy fun. It works because of the charming, ingratiating performances of Jonathan Crombie and Lisa Lambert, who sing their clever lyrics with style and improvise when the occasion demands. NNNN (JK)
SIMPLE. CELIBATE. SOBER.
Shawnya, an exotic dancer trying to make sense of her past, comes to life in writer/performer Soo Garay’s hands, though the poetic sections and reasons for character change aren’t as clear as individual narrative episodes. Garay’s performing intensity and physicality are central in creating a woman who’s trying to connect anew with her body and her spirit. NNN (JK)
THE THREE B’S: THE WAILING IN THE WINGS
A broad, affectionate spoof of the Nancy Drew mysteries in which a trio of schoolgirl detectives – they’re also a singing trio – deal with a theatre ghost, underground passages and mysterious strangers. It’s a bit too breathless at the start, but the fun’s there once everyone settles down. NNN (JK)
= Critics'' pick (highly recommended)