Samkon and Francis Go Swimming – Toronto Fringe 2012 Press Release

From Press Release

Zocalo Toronto presents
SAMKON AND FRANCIS GO SWIMMING
A new comedy written and directed by Vladimir Jon Cubrt
Starring Shawn Lawrence, Emmanuel Kabongo and Birgitte Solem

Two delivery guys are in the wrong place at the wrong time, doing the wrong thing to rub the wrong woman the wrong way. Set in the heart of Little Italy – on Henderson Avenue to be exact – this new side-splitting comedy, about an unlikely friendship that  defies age and cultural barriers, is a celebration of the innocent-at-heart.

This is the third original play written by actor, and founder of Zocalo Toronto, Vladimir Jon Cubrt. The others, The Weeping Salsa and Flin Flonning (in which Vlad starred), received independent productions at, respectively, The Theatre Centre (2009) and The Diesel Playhouse (2007). Vladimir’s recent screen credits include Nikita, Against The Wall and King. 

Cast member and Gemini nominee (Saying Goodbye) Shawn Lawrence is a thirty-year veteran of the industry. In recent weeks, and between rehearsals for the Fringe, Shawn has shot feature roles for episodes of Copper and Warehouse 13. Emmanuel Kabongo is playing the role of Samkon, an immigrant from the DRC. Co-incidentally, Emmanuel himself is a Congolese immigrant! Though he has been acting professionally for just a few years, Emmanuel has already established himself as a solid presence in the film and television industry. Recent screen credits include Call Me Fitz, InSecurity and Cybergeddon. A novice to the theatre – this is his first play – Emmanuel recently won first place in the Toronto Monologue Slam, an indication of his natural talent as a stage actor.

Birgitte Solem is a twenty-year veteran of the industry. In addition to ongoing gigs at the Limelight Dinner Theatre with Mysteriously Yours (where she first met and worked with Vlad), Birgitte has performed on stage at, or with: the Blythe Festival; Drayton Festival;
Great Canadian Theatre Company; Magnus Theatre, National Arts Centre and Passe Muraille, among others.

Renowned Toronto visual artist John Coburn and designer Jolene Kessler (of 18th Street Design) are doing the production design. Like the poster, which features John’s original artwork, the set for Zocalo Toronto’s show will also be a Coburn original.

Zocalo Toronto in association with The Toronto Fringe Festival presents
Samkon and Francis Go Swimming (part 1)
written and directed by Vladimir Jon Cubrt
production design by John Coburn and Jolene Kessler
starring Shawn Lawrence, Emmanuel Kabongo and Birgitte Solem
Opens July 4, 2012 Closes July 14, 2012
TARRAGON THEATRE mainspace 30 Bridgman Avenue

Performances:July 4, Wednesday, 7 pm July 10, Tuesday 1:15 pm July 14, Saturday 8 pm
July 7, Saturday, 9:15 pm July 11, Wednesday, 2:15, July 8, Sunday, 6:30 pm July 13, Friday, 3:30

Ticket Prices: At door $10. In advance $9. phone: (416) 966-1062 x1 online: www.fringetoronto.com