Go West, Young Man

This is one of those shows we decided to see because of how it fit into our fringe schedule and we could not have been happier with this choice. The performances were great and we often found ourselves bursting with laughter. After I found out this was a true story I was even more impressed.

I have to say, this show was a disappointment for me. I added it to my list just after seeing the main actor (Anthony Parskins-Lozinski) give a stand out performance in Edmonton Queen the night before. Sadly, this performance was not on the same level.

It could have been due to the writing. The laughs came from a remarkable send up of Mae West by Andrea House. But sadly a full hour of comedy needs to have more than one joke that keeps getting repeated. Basic comedy dictates that it must narrow and quicken as it moves along to keep the audience engaged. Sadly, Go West just doesn’t.

Oh, and the monkey. I never figured out what that was all about. She was great, but I didn’t really get how this “character” added to the story.

I would have loved to see a bit more of the outcome, being the young man becoming one of Canada’s drag legends.

One small point: When your main actors is prone to excess sweating (and trust me, I get it) you need to find a costume that hides the sweat stains. Or at least work in a costume change at some point.

This was the first time I'd seen Zachary Parsons-Lozinski perform/be credited as himself and not as Lilith Fair, and I almost didn't recognize him! Watching him struggle to walk in the same heels I'd seen Lilith Fair command the stage wearing in The Edmonton Queen was very charming.

He and Andrea House were great as Craig Russell and Mae West, and it was an unexpected treat to get to hear them sing together.

I'd never heard this story before, and Darrin Hagen's clever script was the perfect introduction to it. As usual with Hagen's work, the script is witty and extremely Canadian.

It's clear through the script, the acting choices, and the beautiful set design and costuming for Mae that this is a very loving (if a little silly) tribute to both Mae West and Craig Russell.

Darrin Hagan has given us a comedy that is clever, funny, and outrageously over the top entertaining! This historically accurate tale preserves the story of true icons through comedic story telling. The details and specifics of these lives are masterfully brought to the stage with incredible dialogue and sheer talent. The performers are funny and brilliant. Andrea House and Zachary Parsons-Lozinski took this story telling to the next level. This show, these stories, these performances are a gift. Go see this show!

You should come up and see it some time.... This funny, spirited new comedy by Darrin Hagen gets its bounce from the remarkable (and true!) origin story of a Canadian drag legend.... With riotous performances led by Andrea House as the aging diva Mae West (read the full 12thnight review to find out more...). i

Great time at the theatre.

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The play was fine but i would not go see it again. The actors all did a good job and this review is not a reflection on them. The monkey was brilliant. I guess I just found the actual story did not work for me. It seemed to struggle to find an ending and I found myself looking at my watch wondering when and how it would end.

Go West, Young Man: A Canadian, a Monkey, and a Sex Goddess Abby Solomon

Unapologetically Canadian and comedically naive, Canadian teen Craig Russel travels from his drab life in Ontario to explore the intriguing world of Hollywood to work under his iconic inspiration, Mae Star. What starts as a rather shy teenager’s attempt to escape his monotonous city in pursuit of the Legendary sex goddesses to teach him the ways, their relationship got off to a rocky start. Yet, Craig and Mae bloomed into a surprisingly beautiful connection and a lesson, a journey filled not only with plenty naughty double entendres, yet also an unexpectedly resonant message. The short comedy was especially brought to life by Ainsley Hillyard's character, Boogie the Monkey, a rather mischievous character with witty playfulness and naughty antics that left the crowd intrigued and doubled over with laughter. His rough start with Craig, slowly progresses into a hilarious push and pull connection was captivating to watch. With the monkey's suggestive humour, especially in regards to Novak, played by David McNally, balanced out. Zachary Parsons-Lozinski's character demonstrates a really heartfelt and naive devotion to his icon. From his expressive reactions and genuine fear of the Boogie the Monkey to his genuine desire to impress Mae West, Parsons-Lozinski made Craig an endearing and comical character, creating a dynamic that kept the audience engaged emphasizing his innocence and admiration. The sex goddess herself, Mae West, played by Andrea House captured the spirit of the quick witted woman. Her sultry vocal mimicry embodies the icon herself, whilst full of surprises and comedic timings filled with naughty double entendres to life. Go West, Young Man was an intriguing show that kept the audience engaged throughout the entirety, its playful comedy will definitely be bringing me back to see!

Guys in Disguise does it again! It feels like cheating to start Fringe with a play I knew was going to knock it out of the park but c’est la vie!

Go West is based on the true story of a young Canadian traveling to see his icon, Mae West (aging and still fabulous). The writing is tight and the actors are so well polished. I am used to seeing Zachary Parsons-Lozinski (Russell) as the star of any performance he touches. But the show starts off with Mae (Andrea House) clearly owning the room; I was intrigued to see Zachary as the “understudy” so to say. His talents shone through even as the second star, and of course quickly as he always does, he rose to the top, out shining even Mae West.

Seeing Zachary pretend like he is new to a 6 inch heel was so cute, and I’m sure his other fans also found this darling considering we’ve all seen him parade his 6 plus foot self around in a lot of heels over the years. This story of a young Canadian boy looking for his unique place in this world and hoping for a better world for a young man like him was timely and beautiful, sure to leave you laughing, smiling and feeling hopeful.