FLAVOR OF THE WEEK
Alix Sobler's brash, manic energy works well for her solo show about
a New Yorker ranting about cell phones, low-fat frozen desserts and
coffee while nervously waiting for the results of a batch of STD
tests. There are lots of clever observations, but the script's a tad
manipulative and there are some emotional holes in the narrative. NNN (GS)
NANA
Michelle Ouellet confidently directs a 10-person cast in this richly
theatrical adaptation of Emile Zola's naturalistic novel about the
rise and fall of a 19th century Parisian courtesan. Superb set pieces
abound, and the hard-working ensemble is full of lots of
up-and-coming talented actors. A must-see. NNNN (GS)
THE CURSE OF THE TRICKSTER
In an elliptical narrative style that's become his trademark,
storyteller T.J. Dawe spins a tale of battling Montezuma's Revenge in
Mexico that makes him flash back to earlier confrontations with pain,
including mononucleosis and having his wisdom teeth extracted. Dawe
always makes it look easy. NNNN (GS)
THE BLOOD OF A COWARD
Though there are some fine scenes and (especially in the latter half)
some evocative poetry, this collectively created work inspired by the
life of hard-drinking writer Charles Bukowski feels like a workshop
production. Solid performances by a grizzled Greg Dunham and a cocky
Erin King as two sides of the unique writer. NNN (GS)
RANDOM ACTS OF LOVE
Bruce Gooch's absorbing two-hander about a couple of middle aged
actors who rehash an old affair while rehearsing a show about love in
Shakespeare is clever, moving and accessible enough to become a hot
commercial property. Sanjay Talwar subtly directs the show, with a
poetic ending that will send shivers up your spine. NNNN (GS)
THE CHURCH OF DAD
The tiny, sweet-voiced Virginia Cowan gives a ballsy, gusty
performance as a cynical woman who returns to the country and holes
up in a church looking for answers. But her under-written script only
comes alive when it touches on the hypocrisies of small-town life. NN (GS)
THE VAGRANT
Troy Babcock-Hill skillfully transforms himself from a grizzled
street person to a middle-class father, but the script about a street
person whose luck suddenly changes is confusing, and the many time
shifts (which break off halfway through for no reason) are
predictable. NN (GS)
EXIT THIS WAY
Dennis Couillard's solo show about a gay actor who's struck out in
love and career reveals nothing about acting, relationships or being
gay. Exit? Yes! N (GS)
= Critics'' pick (highly recommended)