Like a wrench in machinery…!

You know what really gets in the way of FringeTOing?

Really, really really?

A new job.

Bittersweet, but that’s what’s up.

Toronto Fringeventures: Wanderlust by Martin Dockery (Brooklyn, NY)

The Show: Dockery is a storyteller and Wanderlust is his autobiographical account of an attempt to find Truth and Meaning by traveling across West Africa. It’s rife with irony as he looks back on his attempt to choreograph his own epiphany.

I haven’t seen that many one-man shows (because I worry I’ll be understimulated) but Dockery is AMAZING. Totally captivating from beginning to end, this is one of the most hilarious and totally engaging stories I’ve ever heard. Storytelling at its finest: dramatic, honest, and really well written.

And funnny, which is my drug of choice.

The set was very simple, keeping the focus on Dockery throughout. He was quirky, neurotic, animated… I almost hoped that it would just loop around and start over again because I wasn’t ready to leave. That’s the beauty of Fringe though… 3 MORE SHOWS! July 7th, 9th, and 10th at Glen Morris Theatre (Venue 12).

In a word: Wanderful

FringeTO Notes: Dockery sticks around after the applause and asks who else has shows. A few names were yelled out, Dockery tells us he hopes we see them and a ton more. Toronto has turned into Fringetown. Performers everywhere (amassed mainly on patios?) Yellow shirts pop up around corners. I’m going to miss it when it’s gone.

Toronto Fringeventures: Head First by Femmes du Feu (Toronto)

The Show: Dance with a killer soundtrack .. and ultimately more cool because the dancers spend as much time on the floor as they do hanging from the ceiling. These ladies are both graceful and daring, attempting aerial-dance feats that are really stunning. They twist around the silks with ease, moving in a way that seems to be at times choreographed, and at times spontaneous. They dance with quirk, edge, and I love the devilish smiles they cast to the audience before zipping up a silk and dangling upside down from their feet. Showmanship is the best ship.

I really enjoyed this show. I was looking for a dance fix, and this is a definite crowd pleaser. The audience was absolutely packed, so come early to ensure you get a chance to see it for yourself.

In a word: Abcrunches (as in, I should go do some?)

FringeTO Notes: Surprising visit from the cast of I Will Not Hatch while we waited in line for Head First! A grand entrance – you could hear them singing before they showed up (carrying a paper mache airplane). Very cool, and definitely on my list.