Sneak Preview Review: KILL YOUR PARENTS IN VIKING, ALBERTA
At the Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ont.
Written by Bryce Hodgson and Charlie Kerr
Directed by Rachel Cairns
Set by Bryce Hodgson and Bri Proke
Lighting by Jacq Andrade
Sound by Bryce Hodgson
Cast: Allie Dunbar
Michael Eisner
Libby Osler
Jimi Shlag.
A family funeral has brought the three Turtle siblings together to grieve, complain, accuse, argue, sign papers and each sundaes. Susan is the efficient housewife who wants to keep a perfect home, complete with stress-free, argument free zones. Her brother Frank is on parole, living in a half-way house. He is also getting help for his addictions. Perry has bladder and date problems. She has to pee often. She doesn’t date at all, perhaps because of her attitude. She is close with Frank but not with Susan whom she thinks is a twit. Paul is Susan’s dim husband.
Bryce Hodgson and Charlie Kerr have written a zinger-filled, wildly off-the-wall comedy with a few surprises along the way. The writing is sharp, funny and pointed. The cast of four know how to give and sell a laugh line. They know how serious comedy is. Rachel Cairns directs with an eye to ramping up the energy and suspense. It’s her first time directing for the theatre. Talented woman.
The play and production is wild and woolly, sometimes on the verge of going too far but then they come back. Blood Pact Theatre is a group of young, emerging artists, many of them from out west who have settled here. Make them feel welcome. We want them back with more mayhem.
Full review soon.