Come onnnnnnnnn two bangers in a row! I’ve talked everyone’s ear off about how much I adored Old Man Sallow last year for everything from the script to the acting to the stagecraft. I still think about that show all the time and would’ve been happy to see it again had they brought it back this year. Instead, they’ve come out with a new work that was easily a new favourite of the festival for me.

Firstly, the performances of the cast were phenomenal. There must be another sterling nomination incoming for this incredible cast. Whoever does the casting for this theatre company is killing it because they are finding outstanding young talent in this city. I was of course impressed by the two leads, who were able to nail hilarious and tragic scenes by turn. Another standout for me was the actor playing John/DJ/Wolf Blitzer who blew me away with clowning-level physical comedy and the tenderest romance scenes I’ve seen at Fringe in a long time.

Pacing was impressive. I was kind of shocked at how much they were able to fit into their 60 minute runtime. I was engaged from beginning to end because they never let a silence go too long or a scene feel repetitive.

The story was totally unpredictable in a good way. Sometimes the melodrama of the plot points and reveals stacking up was giving telenovela. They also did the thing I hate where someone narrates where characters end up, and I felt that was unnecessary given what we saw on stage. But that’s a small gripe in the face of what was overall a very impressive show.

Stagecraft was awesome. Not as prop/set heavy as Old Man Sallow, but it didn’t hurt for that. I actually prefer sparse props used creatively rather than a full setup. Creative use of a wheeled wooden frame as doorway/window/barrier. Multiple uses of pews in unusual ways. Loved the lighting and music especially on scenes with Jo and John and the comedic musical number was bombastic and completely delightful. Some of the transitions were rough visually, but others were great and all were speedy which I appreciate.

I also loved what they did with the virgin Mary character. The parallels were paralleling!!! Mary in the window, Mary as the mirror, Mary as a ghost haunting the play. UGH!! THE METAPHORS.

After two Fringes, this creative team is officially a must-see for whatever they choose to bring in the future.