I am told that yesterday I experienced a hallmark trait of Toronto Fringe: I had to miss a show due to a hold up on the TTC. There was no possible way for me to physically make it to my show, and while I was disappointed, I made the best of it and made some lovely connections with the front of house volunteers over at Alumnae Theatre. After that I saw two great shows at Alumnae Theatre; I really enjoy the atmosphere of that theatre and I’m so glad they’re a Fringe venue this year!

all that remains – The Hobby Horse Theatre Co.

No parent is ever prepared to lose one of their children, especially not to a tragedy like a mass shooting. In all that remains, we watch as two parents struggle with their grief, and the complex issues surrounding it, after their children were killed in a targeted event. Poignant and powerful, all that remains asks us to think deeply about grief, acceptance, and how to use the precious time we have in our lives.

I think the subject matter of all that remains is very topical and I’m happy to see it being discussed on stage. The character Joe starts out the play refusing to acknowledge his trans child for the person they were, even after they’ve tragically passed. Angela, the therapist in charge of helping these families (despite her daughter being a victim herself), walks Joe through several stages of the five stages of grief to help him accept and acknowledge the child he lost. I liked that this was told from the parents perspective, as it shifts the focus from the tragedy of what happened to the daily tragedies faced by those left behind.

Natasha Fiorino plays Angela, and I think she does a great job of showing that struggle between being professional while also suffering in the same way as her patients. She has a great presence on stage and really pulls at my heart strings. Shawn Devlin has taken over the role of Joe for this production. Despite the fact that Devlin still required a script while on stage, there is a vulnerability and truth to his performance which is excellent. The two of them have a very interesting dynamic and I think it plays out very well over the course of the production.

The final moments of the play brought tears to our eyes, and I think this powerful message of radical love and acceptance is certainly one which is needed in today’s socio-political climate. Make sure to check out all that remains at the Fringe! For more information and tickets, visit: all that remains. | Toronto Fringe Festival (fringetoronto.com)

Jackes and Jills – A Temporary Collective

What happens if your dream job doesn’t end up being a dream-come-true after all? Ruby Jackes is facing that very existential question in Jackes and Jills. Created and performed by Brynn Bonne, Jackes and Jills is an interesting look at what can happen to a woman trying to compete in a male-dominated society.

Jackes and Jills certainly took some twists and turns throughout the story. Ruby Jackes has just lost her slot at the comedy bar where she’s been steadily performing to some male comedian who is more well-known. It sets her up to go into a “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” style rant, however the jokes are unnecessarily vulgar and don’t really land. Finally, we begin to understand why Jackes has gotten into the field of stand-up at all, and she finally decides to take charge of her own life.

By the end of the play, I could finally see what all of the set-up material had been before. But it does mean that there was a rather long time of the audience not laughing, sitting awkwardly in silence, while Jackes desperately tries to make us laugh. It could be tightened up a fair bit so that we get to the heart of the story a little quicker, or maybe more hints about her being pushed into the job could be dropped more steadily throughout.

That being said, Bonne gives a dedicated, strong performance as Ruby Jackes. You can tell that she’s giving her all to this role and really goes along with the character on this journey. I think the idea is great and the points about trying to be a woman in not only a male-dominated industry, but one where women are often the subject matter of unkind (to be nice) jokes needs to be discussed more openly.

Jackes and Jills is a fascinating exploration of the stand-up industry and delivers valid points about life, love, and taking charge of your own destiny. For more information and tickets, visit: Jackes and Jills | Toronto Fringe Festival (fringetoronto.com)