Vagina Dialogues: the Musical (Betterjam) – 2010 Toronto Fringe Review

By Ryan Kerr

There’s something inexplicable about the hilarity of a talking, oversized vagina.  You can imagine my delight when said oversized vagina began to sing and dance!   Many of you will know already if this show is up your alley, but for those who need more explanation, read on.

The play begins when a young lady visits the doctor for her annual check up -only to discover she has Gonorrhea.  The doctor gives her a light sedative and she awakes to find her vagina “in the flesh” sitting next to her.  Soon after, she sings “Gonorrhea” to the tune of ABBA’s “Mamma Mia” and the Vagina Dialogues are well under way.

There are some side-splitting moments in the show, (especially in the ensemble’s surprising use of props) but it is really in Elizabeth Jackson’s writing that the piece shines.  The potential of this to be fully orchestrated with more musically trained performers and an elaborate, campy set would be stellar!  I’d go again.

Bonus – air conditioned venue

Details:

Vagina Dialogues: the Musical is playing at the Annex Theatre (Bathurst, south of Bloor) Fri, June 2 7:00 PM – 
Sat, July 3 Noon – Mon, July 5 6:45 PM – Wed, July 7 11:00 PM – Thu, July 8 9:15 PM -
Sat, July 10 2:15 PM – Sun, July 11 1:45 PM

Individual Fringe tickets are $10 ($5 for FringeKids) at the door (cash only),  Online at www.fringetoronto.com, by Phone at 416-966-1062, in person (June 30 – July 11 only) at The Randolph Centre for the Arts, 736 Bathurst Street (Advance tickets are $11 ($10+$1 convenience fee), and $5 for FringeKids (no convenience fee for kids tickets). 
- Several money-saving passes are available if you plan to see at least 5 shows