Two clowns, Morro and Jasp, dressed in their finest (by Robin Fisher) enter a theatre as the lights go down. It’s a rainy night, they’re struggling with their umbrellas, and they’re late for the start of a play. Morro wants to take Jasp to do something special, to cheer her up after she’s weathered a bad break-up.
A rather officious usher (the very funny Elliot Loran) chivvies them into – one seat. The show they’ve come to see is delayed by technical difficulties. A theatre tech appears (an excellent Sefton Jackson)from back stage and tries source the problem in a pit below the stage. Then things start to get a little weird.
Fed Ex (Anand Ramjaram as a charming sad sack) arrives with a mysterious package. Is this a sign?
How do we explain the inexplicable to ourselves and to others? Are there mysterious forces above and beyond us? Is someone – anyone - in charge, ever? What do we believe in? How do those beliefs bring us together and how do they drive us apart?
These are big questions, and Stupefaction tackles them boldly, with a sense of wonder, ineffable charm, audience participation, and Cheezies. Annis, Lee and company make a night of theatrical magic.
This is the most ambitious Morro and Jasp show to date with a five-member cast and complex tech. In contrast to the big production values, the script has a kind of loosey-goosy vibe: this disparity creates a perfect container for the cosmic subject matter.
Make no mistake: there’s plenty of skill underpinning the gleeful chaos that unfolds before us.
The sound design by Lyon Smith, Deanna Choi, lighting by David DeGrow and projections by Montgomery Martin adds a compelling otherworldly aura to the proceedings. The technicians on this show more than deserved their applause.
The entire cast delivers great ensemble work marrying physical comedy and hilarious, well-timed delivery. Byron Laviolette’s smart direction makes creative use of the entire space. He and his cast do a great job of escalating and slackening the pace in all the right moments.
Stupefaction takes the audience on a wild and magical ride ending in a joyous conclusion. Any room with Morro and Jasp in it is always a happy place. They’ve extended their run. I suggest you rush to get a ticket.
 |
| Morro and Jasp |
Kabin and U.N.I.T. Productions present
Morro and Jasp in STUPEFACTION
Crowsnest Streetcar
345 Carlaw, Toronto
For tickets and information go to: www.crowstheatre.com
No comments:
Post a Comment