Late last night I went to a performance of So We Thought We Could Act playing at the Tarragon Theatre Extra Space (Venue 2) as part of the 2012 Toronto Fringe Festival.  After a successful run at the Montréal Fringe Festival, I was looking forward to seeing these two crazy ladies in action.

This production of an original musical follows the lives of two desperate actresses – Beatrice and Dolores – who can’t seem to get a paid acting gig.  Beginning in the 1920s, we travel through their lives and finally see them get their first paid gig in a rap music video – at the age of ninety.

This production was definitely enjoyable for me.  Rena Hundert and Helen Prandekas are both hilarious and talented.  The musical numbers were extremely well written and executed – these chicks can really sing.  Having a live piano player really added a lot to the show as well.  The only thing I could find fault in with the music, was that there wasn’t enough of it!  The songs were so quirky and funny that I wanted to see more.

Running at 80 minutes, this production is a tad on the long side and it probably wouldn’t hurt to cut it down a bit.  The character of Diane played by Jennifer May was very funny at first, but that faux French accent quickly tired.  Nonetheless, I thought the show was fast-paced, well prepared, and entertaining.

Details

• So We Thought We Could Act plays at The Tarragon Theatre Extra Space (30 Bridgman Avenue)
• Showtimes are: July 09 04:30 PM, July 10 01:15 PM, July 13 11:00 PM, July 15 05:15 PM
• All individual Fringe tickets are $10 ($5 for FringeKids) at the door (cash only).  Tickets are available online at www.fringetoronto.com, by phone at  416-966-1062, in person at The Randolph Centre for the Arts, 736 Bathurst Street (Advance tickets are $11 – $9+$2 service charge)
• Value packs are available if you plan to see at least 5 shows